As part of its mandate to create awareness, build capacity in the capital markets’ ecosystem, facilitate investors readiness and champion corporate governance, the Investors, Issuers & Intermediaries Engagement/Education Sub-Committee (the “Sub-Committee”) of the Debt Capital Markets Development Project (“DCMD Project”) organised another webinar session for retail investors themed, “Investment Options in the Nigerian Debt Markets – Treasury Bills & Commercial Papers” (the “Session”)which held on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.
Similar to the maiden Retail Investors Session held in January 2022, the objective of this Session was sensitising retail investors on the benefits of participating in the Nigerian debt market, as well as the investment options in the markets, particularly Treasury Bills and Commercial Papers. The Session focused on demystifying the features, benefits, access and investment risks in Treasury Bills and Commercial Papers markets, and also expounded on accessing these investment options via Mutual Funds.
The Session which was hosted by FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited featured the delivery of a welcome address by Ms. Jumoke Olaniyan, Senior Vice President, Business Development, FMDQ Securities Exchange Limited; presentations from members of the Sub-Committee, Mr. Tayo Onadele, Managing Director/CEO, Financial Datanet House Limited and Mr. Aigbovbioise Aig-Imoukhuede, President, Fund Managers Association of Nigeria; as well as a Questions & Answers segment, moderated by Ms. Olaniyan, which afforded participants the opportunity to make enquiries and seek insights from the aforementioned well experienced subject matter experts.
The Session started with a brief address by Ms. Olaniyan, who welcomed all attendees to the session and provided a cursory overview of the mandate of the DCMD Project, and particularly, the Sub-Committee. She further explained the importance of sensitising retail investors to build capacities and enhance market education, as these are pertinent determinants for capital markets development, in ensuring that information and knowledge are captured and disseminated to existing and prospective investors for informed financial decision making and addressing investment related issues or enquiries, whilst building confidence in the debt markets.
Mr. Onadele started off the session with a presentation on Investment Options in the Nigerian Debt Markets – Treasury Bills & Commercial Papers, which details the overview of the products, benefits, key stakeholders, key consideration for investments and inherent risks in investing in the products. He further expatiated on the trends in the markets, highlighting the key activities or milestones achieved in the markets – since 1960 till date, as well as market statistics over the last ten (10) years.
Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede’s presentation on Mutual Funds as an Investment Vehicle provided detailed information about Mutual Funds, both globally and domestically, the various categories, particularly Money Markets Mutual Funds, features, benefits, investment risks & mitigants, pre-investments considerations, as well as investment process in the Mutual Funds market.
The Questions & Answers segment was moderated by Ms. Olaniyan wherein participants enquired about the required documentations to participate in the markets, how to participate in the market, restrictions for retail investors, if any, access and platforms for the investment options, amongst other intriguing questions.
After a very informative and educative deliberation, the Session ended with a closing remark from Mr. Tosin Osunkoya, Co-Managing Partner, Comercio Partners Limited, thanking all participants for attending the Session, and also expressing gratitude to the facilitators and Sub-Committee members that contributed to the successful execution of the Session. Mr. Osunkoya also implored attendees to take advantage of the increasing interest rate environment and participate in the Nigerian debt markets.
The Session was attended by about fifty (50) participants and was streamed live on the FMDQ Group YouTube Channel.
Relevant Links
Presentation – Investment Options in the Nigerian Debt Markets: Treasury Bills & Commercial Papers