In a statement on Monday, December 22, CMA said the licensing of the two telecom giants will allow investors to access capital market products such as shares, bonds, unit trusts, and other regulated investments through mobile and web-based platforms.
“The licensing of both Safaricom Plc and Airtel Money Kenya Limited to operate as Intermediary Service Platform Providers is expected to enhance competition, expand investor choice, and strengthen digital access to regulated capital markets products,” the statement reads.
ISPPs facilitate investor onboarding, including account opening and identity verification (KYC), and enable users to place orders, track portfolios, and receive transaction confirmations.
This approval comes ahead of Safaricom’s planned launch of Ziidi Trader, a new feature within the M-Pesa app that will allow users to buy and sell shares directly on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).
The platform is currently in pilot phase and is expected to go live in January 2026, offering watchlists, price alerts, and portfolio tracking.
Additionally, CMA has licensed CC Kenya Securities Limited (trading as Capital.com) to operate as a Dealing Online Foreign Exchange Broker, authorizing the firm to open client accounts, provide trading platforms, issue market information, and monitor positions in line with the Capital Markets (Online Forex Trading) Regulations, 2017.
These approvals follow similar licenses granted to Jipay Payment Solutions Limited and Sycamore Capital Limited (Cashlet App) in September 2025, highlighting CMA’s commitment to supporting fintech innovations that deepen capital market participation, promote savings, and enhance financial inclusion, particularly among underserved communities, CMA CEO Wycliffe Shamiah noted.
Additionally, CMA has licensed CC Kenya Securities Limited (trading as Capital.com) to operate as a Dealing Online Foreign Exchange Broker, authorizing the firm to open client accounts, provide trading platforms, issue market information, and monitor positions in line with the Capital Markets (Online Forex Trading) Regulations, 2017.
These approvals follow similar licenses granted to Jipay Payment Solutions Limited and Sycamore Capital Limited (Cashlet App) in September 2025, highlighting CMA’s commitment to supporting fintech innovations that deepen capital market participation, promote savings, and enhance financial inclusion, particularly among underserved communities, CMA CEO Wycliffe Shamiah noted.
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