CMA Licenses Two Fintech Firms to Expand Digital Investment Access in Kenya

Kenya, May 26, 2026 - The Capital Markets Authority has licensed two fintech firms as intermediary Service Platform Providers (ISPPs) in a bid to expand digital access to investment products in the country.

 In a statement on Tuesday, the regulator confirmed that it had granted the ISPP licenses to Monento Ventures Limited and Pesa Bridge Limited.

The green light was given under Regulation 76 of the Capital Markets (Collective Investment Schemes) Regulations, 2023, according to CMA.

“The approvals form part of CMA's ongoing efforts to deepen Kenya's capital markets, enhance innovation and expand access to investment services across diverse investor segments, and reflect the Authority's commitment to fostering a well-regulated, inclusive and dynamic capital markets ecosystem,” CMA stated.

The Monento Ventures Limited operates the Chumz mobile application, a savings and investment platform that connects retail investors to collective investment schemes.

The Chumz mobile application had previously been admitted into and exited the CMA regulatory sandbox in 2022, having tested the platform under controlled conditions before entering the market.

On the other hand, the Pesa Bridge Limited operates a secure, mobile-first digital infrastructure that connects retail investors with licensed fund managers and custodians.

The platform is designed to streamline the distribution and access of collective investment schemes within Kenya and across the wider East African region.

Fintech companies use digital tools and software to improve and simplify financial services by making it easier for people and businesses to access, manage, and move money.

 These services often include mobile banking, digital payments, savings and investment platforms, lending services, and online insurance products.

These companies aim to replace traditional banking processes by offering faster and more accessible services. For example, instead of visiting a bank branch, users can open accounts, send money, or invest directly through mobile apps.

Fintech companies also connect retail investors to financial markets through digital platforms through data analytics, automation, and secure online systems to match users with investment opportunities, manage risk, and improve transparency.