Nigeria’s efforts to achieve significant economic progress have had varying levels of success. The country’s real GDP growth has averaged only 2.4 percent in the past decade, posing challenges to job creation, poverty reduction, and government revenue.
Given the limited policy options available to address these critical economic issues, experts have advocated the need to explore an often-under-utilized mechanism that has proven successful in other nations facing similar challenges.
They say leveraging the potential in investment banking through intentional efforts and innovative approaches, Nigeria can unlock new avenues for economic growth and development.
To drive this narrative, Investment One by providing service leadership across a wide spectrum of financial services to Nigerians.
By developing innovative and customer-centric products, such as digital investment platforms and specialised investment funds, the company offers a range of financial products and services, including Asset Management, Investment Banking, Financial Advisory Services, Financing, Trust Services, and Securities Brokerage.
“We strive to provide innovative and client-focused solutions to meet the diverse investment needs of high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), corporations, and the public sector,” Investment One said.
Financial Times Award
Recognising its efforts, Investment One was recently shortlisted as one of the fastest-growing companies in Nigeria.
According to data sourced from the Financial Times and Statista, Investment One grew its revenue by 120.67 percent from N3.36 billion recorded in 2018 to N7.42 billion recorded in 2021. It also recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 130.81 percent in 2021.
“Being shortlisted as one of the fastest-growing companies in Africa by Financial Times is an honour. We believe that our growth and success are a result of the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our staff, management and Directors, who have consistently demonstrated their passion and resilience,” the company said in a statement shared with BusinessDay.
Dynamic staff strength
Experts said the company’s investment in attracting top industry talent has also fostered a culture of expertise and creativity, enabling the company to deliver tailored financial solutions that meet the unique needs of its diverse client base.
“By prioritising employee needs and creating a positive work environment, we have navigated this constraint and secured a talented workforce for continued success. We focus on creating an engaging and supportive work environment that aligns with employees’ values and aspirations,” the company said.
Findings showed the company grew its employee base to 190 employees in 2021 from 135 employees in 2018.
“Finding and retaining top talent amidst the great attrition is a recent constraint. We have had to adapt our talent management strategies to attract and retain skilled professionals in a highly competitive job market,” Investment One said.
Staying Ahead
In order to stay ahead, Investment One utilises advanced data analytics tools to analyse market trends, patterns, and customer behaviour.
“By leveraging big data and machine learning algorithms, the company gains valuable insights to enhance its research capabilities and provide more accurate investment recommendations,” Investment One said.
It added, “This data-driven approach enables us to identify market opportunities, manage risks, and deliver tailored solutions to customers.”
In 2013, the company launched a virtual investment simulator, as a means of educating investors on the functionality of the investment market, and in 2014.
As a result of the above development, Investment One became the first stock broking company in Nigeria to launch an online real-time direct equities trading platform connecting investors to the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
In 2019, Investment One launched a digital payment platform, Ziing, becoming the first asset management company in Nigeria to offer investment management and stock brokerage services on USSD codes (through our *5678# platform).
“We offer online investment portals and mobile applications that enable clients to access their investment portfolios, make transactions, and monitor performance conveniently,” the company said.
Given the increasing concerns around cybersecurity, Investment One prioritised the implementation of robust security measures to protect customer information and transactions.
The company employed encryption protocols, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits to safeguard its digital platforms and ensure the privacy and integrity of customer data.
“We have also embraced automation and digitisation to streamline internal processes and improve operational efficiency,” Investment One said.
It added, “By automating routine tasks, such as client onboarding, account maintenance, and reporting, the company reduces manual errors, enhances speed, and frees up resources for more value-added activities. This allows us to provide faster and more responsive services to our customers.”
Mitigating risks amid expansion plans
In order to mitigate risks, Investment One said it leverage its robust risk management framework to ensure risks are proactively managed and appropriate controls and procedures are implemented across the organisation.
“Diversification of our business lines has helped us reduces dependence on a single market or product, thus spreading risks and potentially stabilising overall financial performance,” the company said.
“By staying updated with regulatory requirements and engaging in regular reporting and supervision. We also have strong internal controls and governance structures that are crucial for managing risks effectively,” Investment One said.
Concerning the changing financial landscape, Investment One said the ongoing digital revolution is expected to continue reshaping the financial services landscape.
“We are focused on digitising our services, enhancing our online platforms, and adopting emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experience,” Investment One said.
The company also leveraged data analytics and customer insights to offer personalised services, customised investment portfolios, and targeted financial advice, thereby enhancing its customers satisfaction and loyalty.
Concerning open banking and collaboration, Investment One said its open banking initiatives are gaining momentum worldwide.
“We are considering exploring partnerships and collaborations with fintech firms, leveraging application programming interfaces to share data securely and offer customers a broader range of financial services. By embracing open banking, we can tap into new revenue streams and deliver innovative solutions,” the Investment Bank said.
Global expansion
In 2021, Investment One commenced operations in the United Kingdom through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Investment One Global Advisors (IOGA).
The company is FCA authorised to carry out the function of investment managers and advisers.
“This is the first step in our plan to become a global leader in emerging market funds management and the partner of choice for investors seeking investment opportunities in Africa,” the company said.
Sustainability
Investment One recognizes the importance of sustainability and the role it plays in long-term value creation.
“Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are being integrated into investment decision-making processes; sustainable finance practices, such as green bonds, impact investing, and responsible lending, are gaining momentum,” the company said.
It added, “We are aligning our strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and incorporating ESG considerations into our risk management frameworks. This trend reflects the growing awareness of the need to address climate change, social inequality, and corporate governance issues to ensure a more sustainable and resilient financial system.”
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