Understanding Global Markets - Rina Hicks & Ian Kahangara, (Dir. Global Markets) - Oak Special Fund
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Rina Hicks, the Operations Director at Faida Investment Bank, recently had a conversation with Ian Kahangara, the Director of Global Markets and Chief Investment Officer, to shed light on global markets and alternative investments. The discussion centered around the concept of diversification, which is vital for investors aiming to reduce risk while maximizing returns. Rina explained that many people tend to focus on one type of investment, such as money market funds, but this can expose them to risks related to inflation, interest rates, or market fluctuations. Diversifying across regions and asset classes helps investors safeguard their portfolio against these uncertainties.
Ian Kahangara, with 16 years of experience in the financial industry, has worked in various roles including treasury management and Forex trading. Throughout his career, he noticed a recurring challenge—many individuals with significant capital want to invest but lack the time or expertise to manage their investments effectively. This gap inspired him to move into fund management, where he could provide clients with professional, hands-off management of their investments, giving them exposure to global markets while minimizing risk.
During the conversation, Ian touched on the topic of Forex trading, which is often viewed as a quick and easy way to make money. However, he revealed that about 75-87% of Forex traders in Kenya lose money due to inadequate risk management and overconfidence. Many traders practice with large demo accounts, which don’t accurately reflect the risks of real trading with smaller amounts. Social media often paints a glamorous picture of Forex trading, but the reality is that success in this field requires deep knowledge and disciplined strategies, which many people lack.
Finally, Ian discussed the challenges of setting up Faida Investment Bank’s Global Markets Department. One of the biggest hurdles was navigating the local market’s limited understanding and resources related to alternative investments. Ian and his team spent significant time creating detailed strategies, ensuring regulatory compliance with the Capital Markets Authority (CMA), and building a structure that could handle diverse investments. Despite these challenges, the effort has paid off, as they now offer clients a secure, diversified way to invest in global assets while minimizing risk.