How to Invest in Old Mutual Unit Trust Funds Using the i-INVEST Mobile Platform in Kenya

In Kenya, investing has become more accessible and convenient than ever before, thanks to Old Mutual’s i-INVEST Mobile Platform. This digital solution allows Kenyans to invest in Unit Trust Funds directly from their mobile phones. With the rise of mobile banking and digital financial services, the i-INVEST platform offers investors the flexibility to grow their savings without having to visit a physical branch. Whether you’re a first-time investor or an experienced one, i-INVEST makes it simple to invest, monitor your portfolio, and switch between funds.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the i-INVEST platform, including how to register, types of funds available, key benefits, and important considerations for investors.

What Is the Old Mutual Mobile Platform (i-INVEST)?

i-INVEST is a digital investment platform developed by Old Mutual Kenya, designed to make investing in Unit Trust Funds accessible to everyone. This mobile platform allows customers to:

Register and create an investment account.
Invest in Unit Trust Funds of your choice.
Switch between funds.
Withdraw your investment.
Monitor and manage your portfolio.

The i-INVEST platform is available via multiple channels, making it easy for customers to access it from anywhere:

USSD: Dial *480# using a Safaricom number.
Facebook Messenger: Message Old Mutual Group at m.me/OldMutualGroupKe.
WhatsApp: Send a message to +254 110945522.

This multi-channel approach ensures that you can access your investments at any time and from anywhere.

Who Can Use i-INVEST?

The i-INVEST platform is designed for a wide range of users, making it accessible to both individual and corporate investors:

For Individual Investors:

Anyone seeking to invest in Old Mutual Unit Trust Funds digitally.
Investors who prefer a mobile-first, low-touch solution for managing their investments.
Individuals who want to monitor and manage their investments remotely without visiting a branch.

Before you start investing, you’ll need to undergo the Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process, which requires providing identification documents such as a National ID, Passport, or proof of address.

For Corporate Investors:

Businesses looking to manage their funds and invest in Unit Trusts.
Companies seeking an efficient way to handle their investments using a mobile platform.

How to Register and Start Investing on i-INVEST

Getting started with i-INVEST is simple. Follow the steps below to register and start investing in Old Mutual Unit Trust Funds:

1. Initial Registration

Dial *USSD: 480# or message on Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp to begin the registration process.
You’ll be prompted to enter your personal details: National ID or Passport number, postal and physical address, email, occupation, and to accept the terms and conditions.
Once you’ve entered your details, you’ll receive a one-time PIN via SMS to proceed.

2. PIN Setup

After receiving the one-time PIN, you will be asked to set up your own personal 4-digit PIN for future access.
Wait for confirmation via SMS that your account has been activated.

3. Account Activation

Once your account is activated, you can start using it to invest, withdraw, or switch between funds.
If your account activation fails, submit a copy of your National ID or Passport to Old Mutual for further verification.

Old Mutual Unit Trust Funds Available on i-INVEST

Old Mutual offers a wide range of Unit Trust Funds, each tailored to different investment goals and risk preferences. Here’s a look at the available options:

1. Money Market Fund

Objective: To generate returns through fixed deposits and near-cash instruments.
Risk Level: Low.
Ideal For: Low-risk investors who prioritize capital preservation and those saving for short-term goals.
Key Benefit: Offers a safe, stable return with liquidity, making it perfect for emergency funds.

2. Equity Fund

Objective: Focuses on long-term capital growth by investing in diversified stocks.
Risk Level: Medium to High.
Ideal For: Investors seeking growth who can tolerate market fluctuations and are investing for the long term.
Key Benefit: High return potential over the long term, though with higher risk due to stock market volatility.

3. Balanced Fund

Objective: A mix of income from money market instruments and capital growth from equities.
Risk Level: Medium.
Ideal For: Investors looking for a balanced risk and return, combining stability with potential growth.
Key Benefit: Offers diversification across multiple asset classes, making it ideal for those who want a moderate risk-return profile.

4. Bond Fund

Objective: Focuses on providing steady income from government and corporate bonds.
Risk Level: Low to Medium.
Ideal For: Investors seeking regular income and who prefer moderate risk.
Key Benefit: Provides regular income while minimizing the risk associated with more volatile investments like equities.

Key Benefits of Investing via i-INVEST

The i-INVEST platform offers numerous benefits that make it a preferred choice for many Kenyans:

1. Convenience

You can invest, switch funds, and withdraw all from your mobile phone, giving you flexibility and control over your investments at all times.

2. Automatic Investment

New deposits are automatically allocated to the Money Market Fund, ensuring that your capital is preserved and providing stability while you decide how to allocate it.

3. Liquidity

Withdrawals are processed quickly: same-day for the Money Market Fund and next working day for other funds, so you can access your money when you need it.

4. Flexible Minimum Investment

Investments start at just KES 480, making it easy for you to begin investing with small amounts and grow your savings over time.

5. Transparent Reporting

Receive monthly updates via SMS or email on your account balances, interest earned, and other important information to keep you informed about your investment.

Fees and Charges

While Old Mutual’s i-INVEST platform offers many benefits, there are some associated fees that you should be aware of:

Initial Fees

Old Mutual currently waives initial fees on new investments, which previously could be as high as 10% of new deposits, plus VAT.

Ongoing Management Fees

Money Market Fund: 1% per year (exclusive of VAT)
Balanced Fund: 3.37% per year
Bond Fund: 3% per year
Equity Fund: 3.37% per year

Withdrawal Fees

One free MPESA withdrawal per month. Subsequent withdrawals will incur a fee of KES 22.40 for each transaction.

Important Considerations

Before investing through the i-INVEST platform, keep these important considerations in mind:

Registered Mobile Number: Always use your registered mobile number for payments and transactions. Any transactions from unregistered numbers will be refunded.
PIN Security: Ensure that your PIN is kept secure to prevent unauthorized access to your account.
Additional Documentation: Old Mutual may request further documentation if deposits exceed KES 250,000 or as required by KYC regulations.
Platform Downtime: The platform may experience downtime due to network issues, device malfunctions, or force majeure events. Old Mutual is not liable for losses during such incidents unless caused by gross negligence.

Managing Your Investments

When you invest through i-INVEST, Old Mutual professionally manages your money based on the fund type you choose. Here’s a breakdown of how your returns are handled:

Money Market Fund: Monthly reinvestment of interest.
Equity Fund: Semi-annual distribution of returns.
Balanced and Bond Funds: Quarterly distribution of returns.

You can also switch between funds with a minimum of KES 480, allowing you to reallocate your investments according to your changing goals or market conditions.

Investing through Old Mutual’s i-INVEST platform provides a simple, accessible, and flexible way to grow your savings. With the ability to manage your investments directly from your mobile phone, along with low fees, high liquidity, and transparent reporting, i-INVEST is an excellent tool for anyone looking to invest in Kenya.

Whether you’re saving for the future, building an emergency fund, or seeking long-term capital growth, i-INVEST makes it easier to invest in Old Mutual Unit Trust Funds without the need to visit a branch. Start today by dialing USSD *480#, messaging on WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, and take the first step toward growing your wealth.

For more information or to register, contact Old Mutual at: