Clearstream Opens New Market Link to Kenya
Clearstream has opened a new domestic market link to Kenya. The connection gives institutional investors easier access to Kenya's local debt market through one point of access. The new link supports Kenyan government bonds, infrastructure bonds, and treasury bills. Standard Chartered Kenya will become Clearstream's local custodian and cash correspondent bank for the Kenyan Shilling. The Central Bank of Kenya will also support the arrangement.
What the New Market Link Offers
The new connection lets institutional investors settle and safekeep Kenyan government debt securities. They don’t have to open local accounts or complete local registration.
Investors can also:
- Use Kenyan debt securities in collateral management
- Access foreign exchange services for the Kenyan Shilling
- Manage everything through a single omnibus account structure
It makes it easier for international investors to enter the Kenyan market.
60th Domestic Market
Kenya becomes the 60th domestic market connected to Clearstream's global network, after this launch. Also, Clearstream is the only International Central Securities Depository (ICSD) that gives direct access to the Kenyan market. Now, its network connects 60 domestic markets along with the international market through one access point. It helps investors manage cross-border investments easily.
Why Kenya Matters
Clearstream expanded into Kenya as the country is growing as an economic centre in East Africa. The company pointed to rising international investor interest and Kenya's expected inclusion in global market indices. These developments have increased demand for easier access to the country's financial markets. The new link will support that demand by making investment in Kenyan government debt simpler.
What the Executives Said
Jan Willems, Head of Global Markets at Clearstream, said the Kenya link supports the company's goal of making global investment easier. He explained that Clearstream wants to give clients access to attractive and growing markets. The partnership with Standard Chartered Kenya and the Central Bank of Kenya helps bring the Kenyan market into its global network.
David Luusa, Director of Financial Markets at the Central Bank of Kenya, said the new link is an important step for the country's financial markets. He explained that it will make it easier for international investors to buy Kenyan government securities. According to him, this should improve market liquidity, attract more investors, and strengthen Kenya's financial market infrastructure.
Birju Sanghrajka, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Coverage, Corporate & Investment Banking at Standard Chartered Kenya, said the partnership marks an important milestone for Kenya's financial markets. He expects higher foreign investment in government securities to bring more capital into the economy, expand the investor base, and improve market transparency, liquidity, and efficiency.
About Clearstream
Clearstream is a major European post-trade services provider and international central securities depository (ICSD). It settles over 250,000 transactions daily. The company holds more than €16 trillion in assets under custody for around 2,500 clients in 110 countries. It offers settlement, custody, securities financing, collateral management, cash services, and fund processing via its Vestima platform.
Wrapping Up
Clearstream's new market link gives institutional investors a simpler way to access Kenya's government debt market. The launch also strengthens Kenya's position in international capital markets.
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