Mansa-X special funds cross $1 billion mark on strong 2025 performance

Nahashon Mungai, Executive Director for Global Markets at Standard Investment Bank/HANDOUT

Mansa-X Special Funds, managed under the Standard Investment Trust Funds platform, have crossed the USD 1 billion mark in assets under management (AUM).

The growth highlights the growing investor appetite for diversified collective investment schemes amid Kenya’s evolving capital markets.

The milestone positions Mansa-X as Kenya’s largest special Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) and one of the most diversified in the region, supported by inflows across its four fund variant.

The funds offer both conventional and Shariah-compliant options, each denominated in Kenya shillings and US dollars, catering to local, regional, and international investors seeking portfolio and currency diversification.

The growth has been underpinned by strong performance in 2025, a year marked by global market volatility and shifting domestic monetary conditions.

The Kenya shilling-denominated Mansa-X Special Fund posted average net returns of 20.74 per cent, while the US dollar fund returned 13.37 per cent net.

The Mansa-X Shariah Special Fund delivered net returns of 17.25 per cent in Kenya shillings and 11.64 per cent in US dollars, its strongest annual performance since inception.

“These results demonstrate the resilience of our investment strategy even in a challenging market environment,” said Nahashon Mungai, Executive Director for Global Markets at Standard Investment Bank.

“Crossing the USD 1 billion AUM threshold is a strong vote of confidence from our investors and affirms our long-term investment philosophy.”

Market analysts say demand for professionally managed funds has risen as investors seek risk-adjusted returns and capital preservation, particularly in an environment of moderating interest rates and pressure on local currencies.

According to Standard Investment Bank, the performance reflects disciplined portfolio construction, active asset allocation, and a long-term view of market fundamentals.

The availability of both local and hard-currency funds has also enabled investors to hedge currency risk while maintaining exposure to Kenyan and regional markets.

“Investors today are looking beyond traditional savings instruments,” Mungai said. “They want professionally managed solutions that balance return, risk, and liquidity, and that is exactly what the Mansa-X Special Funds are designed to deliver.”

He added that the firm remains committed to strong governance and transparency as it continues to scale its asset management business.

“Our focus remains on delivering consistent, risk-adjusted returns while maintaining the highest standards of governance, transparency, and regulatory compliance,” Mungai said.

Standard Investment Bank said it will continue strengthening its investment and operational capabilities, positioning the Mansa-X Special Funds as a core investment solution for both institutional and individual investors in Kenya and across the wider region.