Host : Margaret Kimani, SBM Bank Ltd, Head of Women And Youth Banking
Host's Profile
Organization: SBM Bank Ltd
Designation: Head of Women And Youth Banking
Education
Holds a BA (Math & Economics) from Kenyatta University, Cum Laude Honors BSC (Finance) from Northeastern University, Boston and Masters of Science MBA (Financial Economics) from Boston University, Massachusetts, USA
Work
Investment banker by training with over 20 years of international banking experience. She started her career working for Fortune 500 world largest custodian bank - State Street Bank of Boston Massachusetts and moved up the ranks of corporate ladder purely by merit which involved wealth management, global pricing (NAV) of major funds of all major world stock exchanges at close of trading, investment management through State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) asset administration of servicing of sophisticated assets of global fund institutions such as Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, Silver Crest, Lehman Brothers, JPMorgan and Merrill Lynch.
In 2011 she successfully started Chase Bank’s Diaspora banking unit from scratch and currently heads Women and Youth Banking unit at SBM bank whose main mandate is to educate, empower and protect what matters most to bank customers.
Passion
Detailed - freak, self-driven go getter, fearless influencer, passionately supports SMEs to create problem solving solutions, Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) member, Presidential DigiTalent mentor, highly sought after-global mentor (marginalized schools), writer, philanthropist-founder of NdutaAngels foundation academic excellence awards, motivational speaker, transformational leader, loves spending quality time travelling with family.
Favorite Quote
The late John F. Kennedy's inaugural speech , “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you yourself can do to add value to your country”.
Favorite Book
The Bigger Deal , “Work Your Way to a Life of Meaning“ , Sunny Bindra.
Close
View Host's Profile
THEME : Supporting MSMEs by creating equitable opportunities for MSMEs across the country
MONTH : July 2020
Focus Areas :
Our areas of focus will be as follows:-
Demystifying myths about Investing.
Investment opportunities during Covid 19.
How to safeguard your future beyond this period.
How to achieve my financial goal as an SME during this period.
How to develop an Investment goal at this time.
CHAT TRANSCRIPT
Timestamp
Source
Message
2020-07-17 06:29:27
Good morning everyone, welcome to the Inuka Mentorship Chat Forum
2020-07-17 06:29:27
2020-07-17 06:35:10
The topic of the day is How to Invest Safely During Covid 19. A timely topic as we look for insights on how to safeguard our future beyond this unprecedented period!
2020-07-17 06:35:10
2020-07-17 06:40:33
Our host this morning is Margaret Kimani, Head of Women and Youth Banking at SBM Bank Ltd. Margaret is an accomplished and experienced Investment Banker with over 20 year local and international banking experience. She holds a BA (Math & Economics) from Kenyatta University, Cum Laude Honors BSC (Finance) from Northeastern University, Boston and Masters of Science MBA (Financial Economics) from Boston University, Massachusetts, USA
2020-07-17 06:40:33
2020-07-17 06:40:38
Good morning Moderator. Glad to be here today...
2020-07-17 06:40:38
2020-07-17 06:46:38
Margaret is passionate about supporting SMEs to create problem solving solutions and there couldnt be a better candidate to lead us in this session
2020-07-17 06:46:38
2020-07-17 06:48:03
I see afew people have already joined the chat. Lovely to see Juma Fred, Hudson, Geoffrey and Njoki!
2020-07-17 06:48:03
2020-07-17 06:49:33
As we await the official start please feel free to share your comments, thoughts, questions around today's topic and our host will pick them up promptly at 10am
2020-07-17 06:49:33
2020-07-17 06:50:35
Please feel free to engage us on Twitter. Tweet out messages or insights on Twitter using the hashtag #InukaSMEchat and tag @InukaSME and @MeggsKimani.
2020-07-17 06:50:35
2020-07-17 06:52:55
As we proceed, you may like messages by clicking on the like / thumbs up icon. You may also tweet out messages from this platform and put the hashtag #inukasmechat so that we other users can easily find a thread of our chat messages
2020-07-17 06:52:55
2020-07-17 06:53:21
Question: What should people consider currently before thinking of investing?
2020-07-17 06:53:21
2020-07-17 06:56:09
Where does farming stand in this pandemic? Is it time to think critically about farming and food sustainability?
2020-07-17 06:56:09
2020-07-17 06:58:45
Thank you for the messages Fred. All, keep the messages coming as we are about to kick off with our host
2020-07-17 06:58:45
2020-07-17 06:59:37
Nice question Fred, I would also like to know which sectors have been impacted the most by this crisis? and what are the potential investment opportunities?
2020-07-17 06:59:37
2020-07-17 07:01:31
Also on that, what are the most common myths that you have come across about Investing?
2020-07-17 07:01:31
2020-07-17 07:01:47
Our host is in the house and ready to take us through the session. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Margaret Kimani Head of Women and Youth Banking - SBM Bank Ltd
2020-07-17 07:01:47
2020-07-17 07:03:55
Good morning all, so glad to see you all here
2020-07-17 07:03:55
2020-07-17 07:05:18
Very good questions coming in
2020-07-17 07:05:18
2020-07-17 07:06:27
Nice question on the myths of investing...let me start by demistifying some of those
2020-07-17 07:06:27
2020-07-17 07:06:50
The very first one is that many of us think investing is gambling which is not...
2020-07-17 07:06:50
2020-07-17 07:08:35
Good question Fred...few sectors been affected and it would be great to do thorough research for us before we invest. let me mention a few that have potential
2020-07-17 07:08:35
2020-07-17 07:09:42
Agriculture, manufacturing, ICT, Financial and Banking services, Health are god sectors to consider in investing during this pandemic
2020-07-17 07:09:42
2020-07-17 07:12:23
What should businesses do to sail through this pandemic?
2020-07-17 07:12:23
2020-07-17 07:13:04
still on myths...many of us think investing is not hard or as complicated as many think!
Gambling is a sport/a hobby and NOT an investment
“Crowd following” mentality never works in investments (do you research based on data- numbers don’t lie)
Investing is not a “get rich quick overnight” platform. Investing needs patience, the longer you hold your investments the higher return on investments
2020-07-17 07:13:04
2020-07-17 07:14:17
Fred still on basic tips on investing
2020-07-17 07:14:17
2020-07-17 07:14:32
Do Thorough Research and Homework before You Invest (economic outlook)
(Hosea 4:1 My people perish because of lack of knowledge)
Have a clear Investment goal
Build and Know Your Buffer First (do not invest if you have not built up a savings culture/liquidity or cash buffer to take care of financial emergencies. The buffer is vital or else a financial mishap can cause you to plunder/sell your investments too early for it to gain momentum. Understand the greater risk of investing with borrowed money)
Know What Investment Products Are Available
Never Put All Your Investments in One Basket (Diversify into different asset classes)
Know Your Investor Profile
Choose the Right Investment Product
Think Long Term
Stay On Course-Be Focused –Don’t be an emotional “water-melon investor” or speculative buyer unless strictly based on data analysis
2020-07-17 07:14:32
2020-07-17 07:15:22
Great question Fred....
2020-07-17 07:15:22
2020-07-17 07:17:28
This is a very volatile and unpredictable environment we find ourselves in honestly...as COVID 19 being a health pandemic which has no cure yet no one investment banker can predict it accurately including Warren Buffett himself...but i can guarantee you there are great opportunities
2020-07-17 07:17:28
2020-07-17 07:18:23
Some of the businesses we have seen thrive during this pandemic are as follows
2020-07-17 07:18:23
2020-07-17 07:21:03
ICT Online companies or businesses that in the digital space...and Fintechs
2020-07-17 07:21:03
2020-07-17 07:22:53
Agriculture sector is also doing well and there is huge potential for businesses that are in the Agroprocessing value chains....even with the lock down people got to eat....but the goal here is investing in agri sectors that are offering door to door services and online fin tech powered delivery...Twiga Foods is a big example for us locally
2020-07-17 07:22:53
2020-07-17 07:23:39
Manufacturing is another great example of businesses to invest in guys
2020-07-17 07:23:39
2020-07-17 07:25:00
health sector is a hot one too considering this is a global health pandemic....
2020-07-17 07:25:00
2020-07-17 07:25:43
great question ....in my view i see this an investment area
2020-07-17 07:25:43
2020-07-17 07:26:17
Considering that food security and sustainability remains wanting in this side of the sahara
2020-07-17 07:26:17
2020-07-17 07:26:23
Love the insights Margaret.
2020-07-17 07:26:23
2020-07-17 07:27:13
i think as a country and as SMEs we need to go back to basics of producing our local foods and more importantly making sure that we package and value ad locally ourselves
2020-07-17 07:27:13
2020-07-17 07:28:49
Good example is coffee ...why for a long time exported raw coffee beans then they are packaged abroad and then we import it back at x10 price....we must rethink this value addition and do it differently
2020-07-17 07:28:49
2020-07-17 07:30:08
On food sustainability ...with COVID19 lockdowns and hygiene issues farming sector incurred lots of wastage e.g. mangoes and milk
2020-07-17 07:30:08
2020-07-17 07:30:49
But i see this as an opportunity for us to innovate and do preservation of some of these produce
2020-07-17 07:30:49
2020-07-17 07:31:02
Great insights. On the Agri side of things the big challenge for some of us is preservation and transport of produce in light of the lock down.Keen to know how fellow entrepreneurs are navigating this.
2020-07-17 07:31:02
2020-07-17 07:31:32
An example there are few innovators in makueni area who are able to dry excess mangoes now with solar -sun and then sell them to supermarkets
2020-07-17 07:31:32
2020-07-17 07:32:10
Another example is milk value chains...some farmers have started preserving milk into yogurts etc
2020-07-17 07:32:10
2020-07-17 07:33:15
lately you guys have seen long live milk in super market shelves ...which is still preservation to avoid too much waste ....especially with frequent lock downs
2020-07-17 07:33:15
2020-07-17 07:33:22
How do i pick out the right stocks to invest in?
2020-07-17 07:33:22
2020-07-17 07:33:44
At a time such as this I find that one can get bogged down with survival that you fail to think about investment goals
2020-07-17 07:33:44
2020-07-17 07:35:10
Am glad to be pat of Inuka team today.. As a youth i managed to diversify in agricultural sector am self employment as i await for graduation ...i have been encountered with market problem at the moment since i cant get my customers to serve my bulb onions..so what are the remedies for this investment period apart from onions .
2020-07-17 07:35:10
2020-07-17 07:35:22
Hi Margaret, very good insights, thank you.
2020-07-17 07:35:22
2020-07-17 07:36:38
Great question ...i get this a lot and it's very important one
2020-07-17 07:36:38
2020-07-17 07:37:42
To pick the right stock to start with knowing what your risk appetite is and what your age....
2020-07-17 07:37:42
2020-07-17 07:38:22
Age matters for example my father due to his age is very risk averse will invest unlike me who loves risk....
2020-07-17 07:38:22
2020-07-17 07:39:06
consider your investment goal and duration(how long)...is it short term or long term
2020-07-17 07:39:06
2020-07-17 07:40:05
I am keen to know What level of risk should entrepreneurs assume during this period?
2020-07-17 07:40:05
2020-07-17 07:40:11
Hi Margaret. Are there specific investments that are offering good returns for mwananchi during this Pandemic?
2020-07-17 07:40:11
2020-07-17 07:40:47
Would you be able to share tips for setting investment goals?
2020-07-17 07:40:47
2020-07-17 07:40:59
For you to pick a stock it's always good to do thorough research the company's fundamentals which might lead you into a certain sector. For instance a personal example is i am heavily invested in fintech companies in Kenya as you can see how they are doing (Safaricom)...and financial sector bank stocks
2020-07-17 07:40:59
2020-07-17 07:42:46
Research a specific company after analyzing the company's books-past financial performance, stability, who managed or runs it...corporate governance etc
2020-07-17 07:42:46
2020-07-17 07:43:43
It'[s also very important to make sure that whatever stock you invest in is listed in the stock exchange -for recourse...and well regulated by CMA....that's your recourse
2020-07-17 07:43:43
2020-07-17 07:44:31
CMA...Capital Market Authority -regulates the market to safeguard our investments
2020-07-17 07:44:31
2020-07-17 07:45:39
What are some of the measures investors need to take to safeguard their financial future during and even beyond this period?
2020-07-17 07:45:39
2020-07-17 07:47:50
Thank you. that's very helpful. i appreciate the times.
2020-07-17 07:47:50
2020-07-17 07:48:04
tips*
2020-07-17 07:48:04
2020-07-17 07:48:34
Great question Waithaka...but as you know in my line of work -Investment bankers we are not allowed to give you specific investments until i do a proper need analysis on you as an investor...after you provide me with all your investment goal/risk profile...but for now i can recommend telecommunication companies are doing well....Safaricom in kenya is an example....and are currently selling at bargain prices....also in USA and other markets are doing very well Zoom,fAmazon, Facebook etc are examples
2020-07-17 07:48:34
2020-07-17 07:49:29
Banking sector stocks are also a great offering....a great way to get into the market during this pandemic
2020-07-17 07:49:29
2020-07-17 07:50:06
would recommend a multi-layered investment approach by investing in 4 Buckets:-
1.Bargain Basement Bucket –these are blue chip stable companies in sectors that will survive this mega health crisis. Such stocks are currently priced at discounted prices-abnormally lower than normal prices which you could never get before
e.g. travel companies stocks such as Expedia.com, Booking.com, Exxon Mobil etc
2020-07-17 07:50:06
2020-07-17 07:50:29
2.Safe Stocks at a Reasonable Price- these are safe essential services products that people continue to use during this lockdown and crisis time. Ensure you entry timing to buy is well managed e.g. Apple, Amazon, KKR, Adobe etc
2020-07-17 07:50:29
2020-07-17 07:50:50
3. Distressed Bet Buckets—these are investments that could potentially go under but incase they turn around –there is a huge upside potential and high possibility of reaping huge returns e.g. Troubled Airlines such as KQ, Delta, United Airlines
2020-07-17 07:50:50
2020-07-17 07:51:32
It’s a Buyer’s market –buying distressed real estate properties at discounted prices…Leafy Suburbs e.g. Lavington, Karen –then dispose them once COVID-19 market recovers
2020-07-17 07:51:32
2020-07-17 07:51:45
4.Bet on Behaviour – these are the stocks that are benefiting currently big time from this pandemic e.g Zoom due to online webinars, Chegg, Facebook, InstaCart etc
2020-07-17 07:51:45
2020-07-17 07:54:29
Since we are in a very volatile market ... i would advise that we take moderate risks...as i can tell you even stock brokers ...no one can predict with 100% accuracy this market we are in...so take moderate risk but please INVEST
2020-07-17 07:54:29
2020-07-17 07:56:22
Remember covid wont be here forever guys...let's invest like never before and take back our country...do not let fear hold us back. I also encourage us to SAVE more like never before....did you know you can start investing with your lunch money e.g. 500bob a day...the minimum stocks you can buy is 100shares in NSE
2020-07-17 07:56:22
2020-07-17 07:57:40
Moderate risk taking in this volatile market...but by all means let fear not stop us from investing
2020-07-17 07:57:40
2020-07-17 07:59:16
It's important that we invest in regulated investments....please do your homework or consult where need. lately there are lot of online scammers...from investment,real schemes to forex online....please ensure there is recourse in your investments....
2020-07-17 07:59:16
2020-07-17 07:59:35
Remember the qual business and others that hit our country way back
Ensure that e.g. if you investing in NSE the stock broker you are dealing with is registered by CMA and do your research too...sign a contract and ensure they are legally operating
2020-07-17 08:01:21
2020-07-17 08:03:57
Nice one Samuel and congrats in being so bold to diversity...i salute Youths like you who "go get"...please clarify is it that you are not able to reach customers or what part specifically can i assist remedy
2020-07-17 08:03:57
2020-07-17 08:05:28
But top of mind is you getting/advertising your onion products
2020-07-17 08:05:28
2020-07-17 08:06:02
Also you going extra mile to offer door to door services of delivering them to your customers
2020-07-17 08:06:02
2020-07-17 08:07:27
There has been a concern about Foreign Investors who are majority players in NSE exiting Kenyan Capital Market? Is this a bad signal?
2020-07-17 08:07:27
2020-07-17 08:07:38
Steps That Can Help You Achieving your Investment Goals!
2020-07-17 08:07:38
2020-07-17 08:07:51
Thanks For the feedback
2020-07-17 08:07:51
2020-07-17 08:08:00
1.Have a specific investment goal.
2. Develop a savings/investment plans to achieve your financial goals.
3.Set a specific time frame by when you target to achieve your goal.
4. Write your goal down (PIN them in your Vision Board as a constant daily reminder).
5. Think about your goal every day and action them progressively.
6. Decide what price (your opportunity cost) you are willing to pay (i.e. reduce expenses, sell of some of your “flossets” that you considered assets but are not bringing you income etc
2020-07-17 08:08:00
2020-07-17 08:12:10
This is a great concern Joy....glad you brought it up....but guess what for me i see this as a golden opportunity for us Kenyans to take back our country guys buy encouraging local investors especially our Youths and SMEs....yes it's a fact due to COVID19 many foreign investors exited the market but i can guarantee they will be back (from my many years in Wallstreet such a pandemic always leads to capital flights) but here is an opportunity for us all Kenyans each to get into to the stock market while the prices are UNBELIEVABLY currently discounted....
2020-07-17 08:12:10
2020-07-17 08:13:58
So yes it's not a bad signal but it's what happens wherever there is a crisis...same way most Kenyans flew back into the country for safety...but once covid19 vaccinations and spread is contained ...the market will for sure recover so...get it now...and even if you havent started...please safe daily and get in....
2020-07-17 08:13:58
2020-07-17 08:15:11
Remember whatever goes down must come up...and in stock market we always say and encourage "Buy low sell high" so get in now if you can but invest wisely....
2020-07-17 08:15:11
2020-07-17 08:19:32
Thank you so much for these great insights. I have learnt quite a lot.
2020-07-17 08:19:32
2020-07-17 08:22:16
Just few comments if you allow “We do not have, never have had, and never will have an opinion about where the stock market, interest rates, or business activity will be a year from now.”
-Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway shareholder letter, 1988
COVID-19 Pandemic is so unpredictable and different industries are affected in diverse ranges that its practically impossible pin statistical data with 100&% accuracy right now
Today we live in times of greater and faster change than the 1929 market crash and the Great Depression. Every 10 0r 25 years there is always a boom or a bust that causes ups and downs. Sadly many of us are so focused too much on money and not their greatest wealth, which is financial education.
If only we can all change our mindsets by being flexible by adjusting our sailing masts, by keeping an open mind, using this COVID-19lock down window to learn we will grow richer and richer even as we overcome the changes in the new normal because it can’t be business as usual in the new world order!
If you think money (COVID-19 Funds & GoK stimulus packages) will solve all our problems, then am afraid you will have a rough ride. Innovation & Intelligence solves problems which results to producing money/income streams but the problem is “Money without Financial intelligence is money gone wasted too soon”
2020-07-17 08:22:16
2020-07-17 08:23:29
Most welcome, my pleasure....but what will make my day is if INUSMEs start investing...now...the time is now
2020-07-17 08:23:29
2020-07-17 08:27:15
Also very important that we promote the savings culture....because you cannot invest what you dont have...even as SMEs i know it's a tough time but if you cut down some of your non essential expenses trust you me you will have money left to invest...try it..
2020-07-17 08:27:15
2020-07-17 08:30:01
Thank so much INUKA for the opportunity, let's all start investing small....Now! Like Robert Kiyosaki puts it “The primary cause of financial struggles is simply not knowing the difference between an Asset (puts money into your pocket) and a Liability (takes money out of your pocket).
Secret: If you want to become an investor/rich and maintain your wealth, become financially literate both in words and in numbers.“
2020-07-17 08:30:01
2020-07-17 08:31:05
What a great session! I guess time flies by fast when you're soaking up such powerful insights. Our one hour time allocation has ran out and we will soon be wrapping up the session
2020-07-17 08:31:05
2020-07-17 08:32:05
I reakky like this quote
2020-07-17 08:32:05
2020-07-17 08:35:31
Our session has now come to an end. We thank our host Margaret Kimani for a powerful and insightful chat session. We have learned so much!
2020-07-17 08:35:31
2020-07-17 08:37:33
We also thank you for your time and and for your participation that has made the session a success
2020-07-17 08:37:33
2020-07-17 08:40:53
For those who joined late, there will be a chat transcript of today's session on the Mentorship forum so you can catch up with today's discussion
2020-07-17 08:40:53
2020-07-17 08:41:53
Have a good day and weekend ahead.
2020-07-17 08:41:53
Exit
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
If you utilize the CEO Chat Registration Form you are agreeing to comply with
and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use, which together
with our privacy policy govern Kenya Bankers Association relationship with
you in relation to KBA website(s).
The term “Kenya Bankers Association”, “KBA” or “us” or “we” refers to the
owner of the website whose registered office is P.O. Box 73100 - 00200, Nairobi,
Kenya. Our Association is registered in the Republic of Kenya. The term “you”
refers to the user or viewer of our website.
The use of this website is subject to the following terms of use:
The content of the pages of this website is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice.
Neither we nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of
the information and materials found or offered on this website for any particular purpose. You acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude
liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Your use of any information or materials on this website, including online conversations or chat sessions or visual, video and audio
presentations, is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable. It shall be your own responsibility to ensure that any products,
services or information available through this website meets your specific requirements.
Participants of online forums hosted by and endorsed by KBA must be
a minimum age of 18 years. By acknowledging this age requirement
via registration form you certify that you are at least 18 years old.
This website may contain material which is owned by or licensed to
KBA. This material includes, but is not limited to, the design, layout, look,
appearance and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited other than in
accordance with the copyright notice, which forms part of these terms
and conditions.
All trademarks reproduced in this website, which are not the property of, or licensed to the operator, are acknowledged on the website.
Unauthorized use of this website may give to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offence.
From time to time this website may also include links to other websites.These links are provided for your convenience to provide further
information. They do not signify that we endorse the website(s). We have no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s).
You may not create a link to this website from another website or document without Kenya Bankers Association’s prior written consent.
Your use of this website and any dispute arising out of such use of the website is subject to the laws of Kenya.
Copyright and Trademarks
“my chat with a bank CEO”, “my CEO Chat”, “my 15min chat with a bank CEO”, “If you had 15mins with a bank CEO, what would you say or ask?”, “If
you had 15mins with a bank CEO, what would you talk about?”, “my 15min chat with a bank CEO”, “my bank CEO chat”, “myCEO chat” are all registered trademarks of the Kenya Bankers Association.
Individual contributions (including questions and statements) submitted via KBA web site, online registration forms or during online discussions, chat events and forums will become the Copyright of the Kenya Bankers Association.
