Economy
10 Favourite Stockbrokers of Investors in Nigeria
By Dipo Olowookere
While the trading of stocks in Nigeria has been made very easy for rookies and experts, the platform through which the transaction is carried out can either make the experience more interesting or horrible.
To put this into perspective, if a newbie got into the market pre-lockdown era and was unfortunate to pitch tent with a ‘analogue stockbroker’, trading of equities in the lockdown and post-lockdown eras would be hell on earth.
However, this would not be the case for investors who trade shares through ‘digitalised stockbrokers.’ In fact, the experience would be like heaven on earth.
This is what choosing a stockbroker does to an investor in the market.
In the Nigerian equity space, there are brokerage firms that are loved or mostly used by investors because of different factors.
From the analysis done by Business Post, it was discovered that many factors contribute to the picking of a stockbroker over the others by investors. In some cases, investors, in order to have their cakes and still have them, operate accounts with more than one stockbroker to serve different purposes; for short-term and long-term investments.
It was also found out that while some go for firms which offer lower transaction fee, others go for good customer service and a combination of both in few instances.
Below are the top 10 brokerage companies that are favourites of investors in Nigeria. Please note that the list was compiled in no particular order.
Morgan Capital
This company is one of the most popular among Nigerian investors and the reason is majorly because it charges very low brokerage fee. While its competitors charge the maximum 1.35 percent commission or slightly below for buying and selling of stocks, it chose to take a meagre 0.50 percent. This is one of its unique selling points. The low fee charged by Morgan Capital has made it a darling of traders. Its trading platform, iTrade, allows investors to execute a buy/sell order from the comfort of their homes.
However, thumbs down for Morgan Capital is its inability to design a mobile app like others for trading. One would wonder why at this age and being one of investors’ favourite, it is yet to have a mobile app for trading. But we heard the management is looking at this direction and we don’t know how long this would take.
It is important to note that opening a stockbroking account with Morgan Capital is with a minimum of N5,050. The N50 is for transaction fee and it is charged every time you fund your account with them. Opening of account can be started and completed online as long as you provide all the documents via email.
Meristem Securities
Meristem Securities, like Morgan Capital, is a securities dealer approved by both the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The company has a trading platform known as Meritrade, which unlike Morgan Capital, can be used to trade stocks on the mobile devices and through a mobile application.
However, its commission for buy/sell order is 1.35 percent, while the least amount to open an account with them is N10,000.
But the good thing about Meristem Securities is that you get weekly stock recommendations. They also have an excellent customer service. You don’t have to call their office to resolve an issue. This can be done through a live chat with one of their representatives. You can also easily cancel an order from your end without contacting them. Accounts can be opened too online.
CSL Stockbrokers
This dealing firm is a subsidiary of FCMB Group Plc and it is also one of the favourites of investors in the country because of its services.
Opening an account can be done online or at its office or any branch of FCMB across the country. As a client of CSL Stockbrokers, you enjoy regular information about the market, guiding you on what stock to possibly buy or sell or hold. They have a very strong and reliable research team that is trusted by both retail and institutional investors.
But it is important to note that the main target audience of the company is the institutional investors. The brokerage fee charged by the firm varies from the value of the transactions, but the maximum is one percent, which is for deals from N100 million and below.
For transactions above N100 million but below N300 million, a 0.75 percent commission is charged, while to N500 million is 0.50 percent and above N500 million is 0.35 percent.
As a customer of CSL Stockbrokers, you have the opportunity to trade yourself from anywhere and enjoy excellent service from their online representatives. CSL Stockbrokers seems not to have a mobile trading app at the moment.
Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers
This brokerage company, which is an arm of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, is very popular with foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), who prefer to transact business with them to others.
The reason is because the firm has a very strong reputation at the market like its sister company in the banking industry in Nigeria.
In fact, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers is regarded as the big boy of the stock market in the country and opening an account with them is like how Zenith Bank used to be in the banking sector many years ago. Having an account with them is like a diamond. You must be a millionaire before you can dream of trading stocks through the company and the reason is because without at least N5 million, you will only be trading shares through the firm in your dreams or imaginations.
However, if you are ‘fortunate’ to meet up with the requirement, you are very sure of excellent services from them because your money will make them ‘obey you’ and treat you like a king.
You can also trade on your own through their online trading platform. But at the moment, the company does not have a mobile app for this. The firm charges one percent for brokerage commission for every transaction.
Chaka
Another brokerage company that is now popular among investors in Nigeria is Chaka, which facilitates brokerage services, while its partner, Citi Investment Capital, facilitates the brokerage transactions.
Though the company is relatively new in the industry, its decision to charge as low as 0.50 percent like Morgan Capital has attracted a lot to it like ants do to sugar. Another selling point is the ability of investors in Nigeria to trade international stocks through the platform with a commission as low as $2 or one percent.
Chaka started operations in 2019, but it is gaining attention and giving its ‘seniors’ some sleepless nights and the reason is that with N1,000, you are qualified to open an account with them and start trading like a pro and with $10, your dream of buying stocks in the United States and other foreign countries will become a reality.
In terms of customer service, they are prompt in resolving complaints. You might say this is because they are yet to be overwhelmed. Unlike Morgan Capital, Chaka has a mobile trading app and you can execute a buy/sell order on your own. Opening an account with them is seamless provided you have all the documents.
Afrinvest Securities
This stockbroker is one of the leading players in the industry with experience spanning years. The company has a trading platform called Afrinvestor and it offers clients excellent services like easy-to-understand market analysis, customer service and others.
The platform also allows customers to trade from the comfort of their homes. Transactions can be done too through its mobile app, making it easier for investors to buy or sell stocks on-the-go.
However, the company charges 1.35 percent for buy/sell orders, while no minimum amount is needed to open an account with them. The process can also be done without a visit to their office. Through the platform, investors can buy treasury bills, bonds and other securities, including unlisted stocks on the NASD OTC Exchange.
Greenwich Trust
This stockbroking firm is another big fish in the industry, which ‘feeds’ its clients with rich industry data and analysis to guide their investment decisions. The company has a trading platform called Mytradebook, which can be assessed online or through a mobile app.
Though the firm has an online chart platform for resolving complaints, it is not too efficient.
Opening an account with them is easy and the process can be started and completed online. They require investors to make an initial deposit of at least N10,000 before trading in stocks through them. The brokerage fee is 1.35 percent.
United Capital
Another very popular stockbroking company in the Nigerian stock market is United Capital, which operates a trading platform called Investnow.ng. What makes this platform loved among investors is its customer service and market analysis. The minimum amount for opening an account with them is N50,000 and the brokerage commission is 1.35 percent. Clients can trade from anywhere as long there is internet connection. The trades can be done online or mobile app.
From an investigation done by Business Post, the mobile app is one of the most downloaded on Google PlayStore with over 10,000 downloads (just like Chaka). Most mobile app of Nigerian stockbrokers are around 1,000 downloads.
Lead Asset Management
Another brokerage company in the market is Lead Asset Management, which has a trading platform called LeadTrader. One attraction to the firm is its low commission, 0.75 percent and its services, though within average.
Opening an account with them is seamless and can be done online. A minimum amount of N50,000 is required to begin trading stocks through them either online or via a mobile app.
ARM Securities
Last but not the least is ARMStocktrade, owned by ARM Securities, another major player in the sector, offering robust services to its clients. Transactions are executed very fast on the platform with convenience. The firm also gives investors control over their investment trading activities, while being fed with news and trade sensitive alerts. Customers also have access to robust research materials including stock recommendations. The account opening can be done completely online with at least N50,000. The commission for buy/sell orders is one percent.
For newbies, the company, through ARM Research, provides them with insights on the Nigerian equity market and up-to-date market analysis to better inform their decision making, enabling them to position themselves strategically. Investors are also exposed to detailed equity comments and stock recommendations.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Vice President, Mr Kashim Shettima, inaugurated the Board of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) and gave a 50 per cent access target for workers, saying consumer credit was critical to Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu established the CREDICORP to build a trusted credit infrastructure, provide catalytic capital to lower borrowing costs, and help Nigerians overcome long-standing cultural resistance to credit.
Speaking on Thursday in Abuja when he inaugurated the board on behalf of the President, the Vice President, in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Stanley Nkwocha, said that the quality of life of Nigerians cannot improve without closing the gap between access to capital and human dignity.
“A civil servant who earns honestly does not have to chase sudden wealth just to buy a vehicle, or save for ten years to buy one. A young professional should not remain in darkness simply because solar power must be paid for all at once,” the Vice President said.
VP Shettima disclosed that in just one year of operations, CREDICORP has disbursed over ₦37 billion in consumer credit to more than 200,000 Nigerians, with over half of them accessing formal credit for the first time.
The Vice President said the organisation was specifically tasked with building credit infrastructure to bridge the trust gap between lenders and borrowers, providing wholesale capital and credit guarantees through its portfolio company.
“Ultimately, these critical jobs of CREDICORP will enable access to consumer credit to at least 50 per cent of working Nigerians by 2030,” he said.
The Vice President explained that the new board’s role was not ceremonial as they are custodians of the organisation’s mission, adding that the long-term strength of the institution would depend on their “vigilance, integrity, sacrifice, and commitment.”
He directed Board members to uphold Public Service Rules, the Board Charter, and all applicable governance frameworks, warning that accountability and stewardship of public resources were non-negotiable.
The Chairman of CREDICORP, Mr Aderemi Abdul, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his vision behind the formation of CREDICORP and for the confidence reposed in them, noting that the establishment of the corporation marked an important step towards strengthening the nation’s financial architecture.
He assured President Tinubu that the board understands its responsibility and will guide the institution to deliver meaningful benefits to Nigerians.
For his part, Mr Uzoma Nwagba, Managing Director/CEO of CREDICORP, recalled watching President Tinubu say 20 years ago that consumer credit is one of the major tools that will improve the lives of Nigerians.
He noted that over the past 18 months, the institution has benefited more than 200,000 Nigerians, including students.
He assured that the presidential vision behind CREDICORP would not be taken lightly, as the team considers their appointments a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Other members of the board inaugurated include Mrs Olanike Kolawole, Executive Director, Operations; Mrs Aisha Abdullahi, Executive Director, Credit and Portfolio Management; Mr Armstrong Ume-Takang (MD, MoFI), Representative of MoFI; Mrs Bisoye Coke-Odusote (DG, NIMC), Representative of NIMC; and Mr Mohammed Naziru Abbas, Representative of FMITI.
Others are Mr Marvin Nadah, Representative of FCCPC; Mrs Chinonyelum Ndidi, Representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance; Mr Mohammed Abbas Jega, Independent Director; and Mrs Toyin Adeniji, Independent Director.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Six price gainers helped the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange retain its stay in green territory after a 0.23 per cent appreciation on Thursday, February 26.
The price gainers were led by Nipco Plc, which added N25.00 to close at N278.00 per share compared with the previous day’s N253.00 per share, NASD Plc rose by N5.13 to N56.41 per unit versus N51.28 per unit, FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc expanded by N2.24 to N102.44 per share from N100.00 per share, Afriland Properties Plc grew by 88 Kobo to N18.88 per unit from N18.00 per unit, 11 Plc increased by 35 Kobo to N277.00 per share from N276.65 per share, and Lagos Building Investment Company (LBIC) Plc gained 27 Kobo to close at N3.75 per unit versus N3.48 per unit.
On the flip side, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc lost N1.75 to sell at N68.25 per share versus N70.00 per share, and Geo-Fluids Plc depreciated by 2 Kobo to N3.25 per unit from N3.27 per unit.
The weight of the advancers fortified the NASD Unlisted Security Index (NSI) by 9.21 points to 4,034.46 points from 4,025.25 points, and the market capitalisation soared by N5.51 billion to N2.413 trillion from Wednesday’s N2.408 trillion.
Yesterday, the transaction value jumped by 18.8 per cent to N102.8 million from N80.7 million, and the number of deals surged by 18,8 per cent to 38 deals from 32 deals, while the transaction volume went down by 84.9 per cent to 1.3 million units from 8.7 million units.
At the close of business, CSCS Plc was the most traded stock by value (year-to-date) with 34.2 million units worth N2.04 billion, followed by Okitipupa Plc with 6.3 million units sold for N1.1 billion, and Geo-Fluids Plc with 122.1 million units valued at N478.2 million.
Resourcery Plc remained as the most traded stock by volume (year-to-date) with 1.05 billion units exchanged for N408.7 million, trailed by Geo-Fluids Plc with 122.1 million worth N478.2 million, and CSCS Plc with 34.2 million units traded for N2.04 billion.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Naira further weakened against the Dollar in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEX) for the fourth straight session this week on Thursday, February 26.
At the official market yesterday, the Nigerian Naira lost N3.71 or 0.27 per cent to trade at N1,359.82/$1 compared with the previous session’s N1,356.11/$1.
In the same vein, the local currency depreciated against the Pound Sterling in the same market window on Thursday by N8.27 to close at N1,843.23/£1 versus Wednesday’s closing price of N1,834.96/£1, and against the Euro, it crashed by N8.30 to quote at N1,606.89/€1, in contrast to the midweek’s closing price of N1,598.59/€1.
But at the GTBank forex desk, the exchange rate of the Naira to the Dollar remained unchanged at N1,367/$1, and also at the parallel market, it maintained stability at N1,365/$1.
The continuation of the decline of the Nigerian currency is attributed to a surge in foreign payments that have outpaced the available Dollars in the FX market.
In a move to address the ongoing shortfall at the official window, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intervened by selling $100 million to banks and dealers on Tuesday.
However, the FX support failed to reverse the trend, though analysts see no cause for alarm, given that the authority recently mopped up foreign currency to achieve balance and it is still within the expected trading range of N1,350 and N1,450/$1.
As for the cryptocurrency market, major tokens posted losses over the last 24 hours as traders continued to de-risk alongside equities following Nvidia’s earnings-driven pullback, with Ripple (XRP) down by 2.7 per cent to $1.40, and Dogecoin (DOGE) down by 1.6 per cent to $0.0098.
Further, Litecoin (LTC) declined by 1.3 per cent to $55.87, Ethereum (ETH) slipped by 0.9 per cent to $2,036.89, Bitcoin (BTC) tumbled by 0.7 per cent to $67,708.21, Cardano (ADA) slumped by 0.6 per cent to $0.2924, and Solana (SOL) depreciated by 0.4 per cent to $87.22, while Binance Coin (BNB) gained 0.4 per cent to sell for $629.95, with the US Dollar Tether (USDT) and the US Dollar Coin (USDC) closing flat at $1.00 each.
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