IC Securities has moved closer to investors in Ghana’s capital market by introducing an electronic broking platform that allows trading via a web portal and USSD.

The broker’s “Tradelive” platform which was launched, will enable clients to trade using MTN mobile money, marking a significant step towards enhancing financial inclusion. IC’s brokerage clients can also transact on the system which is linked to the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) conveniently and in real-time.

The investment banking firm demonstrated the new product, the first of its kind on the market, to industry players during a virtual launch, hoping to increase Ghanaian participation on the exchange.

Kwabena Osei-Boateng, the Chief Executive Officer of IC Securities Limited, during the event expressed his appreciation to MTN Ghana and Ghana Stock Exchange for the immense role they played in making the Tradelive platform become a reality.

“We are truly grateful to MTN and the GSE for their unwavering support as we developed and sought authorization for this innovative product. We are excited to play an important part in making investing on the GSE convenient and safe.”
Kwabena Osei-Boateng

In addition, the Chief Executive Officer noted that the current generation of investors are much aligned to technology, so, the platform will present a great opportunity to grow the industry.

“With a rise of a tech-savvy generation, the Tradelive platform should attract an entire generation of active investors to build the right savings and investment culture, that is much needed in the capital market industry to support its growth.”
Kwabena Osei-Boateng

Mr Osei-Boateng further indicated his readiness to use the platform to make the exchange more active and further the excitement seen on the GSE since the start of the year.

Moreover, the Managing Director of the GSE, Ekow Afedzie, while highlighting the significance of the platform, said Tradelive enhances the ease of trading. He also stated that it aligns with the exchange’s strategy of collaborating with FinTech’s and Licensed Brokers to develop platforms for investors to trade electronically.

“The platform is expected to boost the daily trading of IC Securities customers, as they will be able to trade securities directly from any mobile device,” the MD said during the virtual launch.
Ekow Afedzie

Mr Afedzie thus, encouraged other brokerage firms and players in the industry to develop more e-innovative tools to support the development of the capital market.

GSE is best performing in Africa

After a weak performance for three consecutive years, the GSE rebounded with a staggering performance year-to-date.

The Accra bourse has so far returned 41.32 percent in cedi terms for investors, making it the best performing exchange in Africa. The market capitalization was GHC62.6 billion at the close of trading on August 13, 2021.

The equities market recorded its second highest annual volume traded in its 30-year history, with higher liquidity during the last quarter. A record of 695,396,188 shares valued at GHc575,269,873.22 were traded.

In hindsight, the cedi’s strong performance has also attracted investors to the exchange who are seeking to make more returns.

Meanwhile, IC Securities is an Africa-focused investment banking and securities firm, serving sovereign, institutional, corporate and individual clients.