It is a defining factor that separates industry leaders from the rest. For Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, this competence has once again been recognised and rewarded, as the Debt Management Office (DMO) of Nigeria has reappointed the firm as the Government Stockbroker to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

This prestigious reappointment underscores the firm’s unwavering commitment to excellence; consistency in delivering superior service; and profound expertise in the capital market.

It is not merely a renewal of status but a strong vote of confidence in Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers’ capacity to support the Federal Government in the retail segment of the domestic debt market.

The reappointment also highlights Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers’ alignment with Nigeria’s broader economic agenda.

The firm’s role is crucial in facilitating access to capital, helping the government raise funds to finance infrastructure projects, and contributing to national development.

Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers has built a legacy of trust, demonstrating robust performance in both equity and fixed-income markets.

With a market-leading position and a reputation for executing complex transactions seamlessly, the firm has consistently provided liquidity, transparency, and stability to Nigeria’s capital market.

Beyond its core mandate, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers has contributed significantly to market development initiatives.

The firm actively supports financial literacy, promotes retail investor participation, and engages in initiatives that enhance market depth and sophistication.

As the Government Stockbroker, the firm will continue to play a critical role in ensuring smooth debt issuances, market operations, enhancing market liquidity, and supporting the DMO’s strategic objectives.

This role is critical for maintaining investor confidence and ensuring effective monetary policy implementation through seamless bond auctions and sales.

The firm’s team of seasoned professionals brings a wealth of experience, leveraging deep market insights and strong analytical capabilities to deliver exceptional outcomes.

Bunmi Olarinoye, chief executive, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers, expressed her delight over the reappointment, stating:

“We are honoured by this recognition and reappointment by the DMO. With this appointment, we are reassured of the confidence placed in our competence, integrity, and dedication to supporting Nigeria’s financial markets. As the Government Stockbroker, we remain committed to delivering excellence and contributing to the growth of our economy.”

With this reappointment, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers reaffirms its leadership position in the capital market. The firm is well-positioned to continue driving market development, enhancing transparency, and facilitating efficient capital flows within the economy.

As Nigeria continues to navigate complex economic dynamics, the competence and expertise of institutions like Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers will play a pivotal role in building a resilient and vibrant financial market that supports sustainable economic growth.

The virtual event themed: “You Don’t Know About Stocks? Come On Now,” featured stockbroking experts: Afolabi Gbenro, Head, Sales Trading and Benjamin Jesumuyiwa, Head, Mandate and Settlements, both of Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers with Tosin Olaseinde, founder of Money Africa, Jennifer Awirigwe, Certified Financial Educator and Solafunmi Oyeneye of Wealth Motley, a Personal Finance Educator as panelists.

The goal of the session was to acquaint individuals new to the stock market with basic stockbroking terms, useful tips for stock trading and how to use the Stanbic IBTC stockbroking app.

Afolabi stated the importance of diversifying investments in stocks. He listed factors that affect the prices of stocks which include supply, demand, news, and investor sentiments.

The benefits of investing include dividend yield, capital appreciation, equity share holder privileges and utilising investments as collateral.

He stressed the importance of research and advised Nigerians to conduct their own research and evaluate companies before investing.

On considerations before entering the stock market, he said, “You would need capital, investment objective, and risk profile assessment to determine the kind of investment you should venture into. You would also need to stay abreast of market updates.”

Benjamin Jesumuyiwa, head, Mandate and Settlements, Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers, urged Nigerians to invest in stocks to reap long term rewards.

He said: “The stock market makes it easy to buy shares of companies and they can be purchased through a broker or via online platforms. Stanbic IBTC Stockbrokers offers a discounted rate of 0.7% on brokerage fees. Once you have set up an account, stocks can be purchased in minutes.”

Benjamin talked about the ease of using the Stanbic IBTC web and mobile applications platforms, stating that the platforms have been designed to allow customers sign up themselves, with direct access to the market.

Tosin Olaseinde commended Stanbic IBTC for making stock trading accessible and affordable for Nigerians, as individuals can open a stockbroking account with zero naira.

She advised beginners to invest while gaining knowledge about the stock market and recommended Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) as an entry point especially for people who have an aversion to high-risk investments.

She said: “As a beginner, the best place to start is the Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). It is a mixture of different equities in one stock. It offers you the opportunity to participate in a couple of stocks without buying everything individually.”

Solafunmi Oyeneye mentioned liquidity and dividends over a long period of time as advantages of trading stocks, encouraging beginners to access the Stanbic IBTC stockbroking app through their smartphones for convenience and less paperwork.

Jennifer opined that the stock market is a good place to invest because it is highly regulated, and the risks can be easily assessed.

She also recommended the Stanbic IBTC Stockbroking app for trading stocks for ease of use and speed.

The stockbroking investment series by Stanbic IBTC further reaffirms the commitment of the financial institution to equip individuals with essential information required to make informed investment decisions.