CISI launches first Africa office

The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (Cisi) has opened its first African office in Nairobi, Kenya.

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Cisi has appointed Kimacia Gitau to lead the office alongside Alice Jurjens, who has been working on a part-time basis with the Cisi in Kenya for the last 18 months.

The institute has had a presence in Kenya since the signing of an memorandum of understanding with the country’s Capital Markets Authority (CMA) in 2014, when Cisi became part of the CMA’s Securities Industry Certification Programme.

In 2015, CMA staff were the first group in Kenya to pass the Cisi international introduction to securities and investment (Kenya) exam, shortly followed by the regulations and market practice (Kenya) exam.

To date, over 2,500 Cisi exams have been taken in Kenya, with pass rates for the first module significantly above the global average.

International standards

Helena Wilson, assistant director, Cisi global business development, said: “We are delighted to have opened our office in Kenya, which has been possible owing to the excellent encouragement and support from the CMA and others.

“Their vision, outlined in the Kenya Capital Market Master Plan, ‘Vision 2030’, clearly demonstrates the CMA’s desire to meet international standards and build capacity to grow and retain talent.

“The Cisi is proud to partner with the CMA and to help establish the Kenyan capital markets as a centre of excellence as well as a gateway for regional and international capital flows.”

The institute is the 45,000-strong global professional body with members in 104 countries. It represents those working in or looking to progress their career in wealth management, capital markets and financial planning.

Cisi has been working in Africa since 2012 offering exams and membership across the continent, with regulatory approval for its exams in 10 countries.

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