Global Investing: The Evolving Landscape
For centuries, people have been trying to grow their wealth, whether it’s doubling, tripling, or even further multiplying it. This drive to build financial security has always been a core ambition. Over time, it has shaped economies, influenced systems, and evolved the way we invest. But with new digital tools and shifting global dynamics, the question now is: How is investing changing in the modern world?
The Digital Transformation of Investing
In recent years, technology has redefined how people invest. Gone are the days when investing required you to go through brokers or buy physical assets like gold and real estate. Now, digital platforms make it possible to invest from anywhere, at any time, without needing a middleman. This shift is especially important in emerging markets like Nigeria, where investment options were once limited to savings accounts and a few other traditional methods.
The digital revolution is a game-changer, allowing anyone to engage with wealth-building tools that were once reserved for the elite. Platforms offering stocks, bonds, and commodities are now accessible to everyday investors, democratizing access to financial growth.
The Nigerian Landscape
For Nigerians, the growth of digital investing platforms couldn’t have come at a better time. Savings accounts, once considered a secure place to store and grow wealth, have lost their appeal due to unattractive interest rates and high inflation. The need for alternative investment options has never been more urgent.
In response, platforms like Doubble, I-invest, and Altinvest have emerged, offering a range of options suited to different types of investors. Let’s break down what makes these platforms stand out and why they’re helping reshape the retail investment landscape in Nigeria.
Doubble: A Flexible Investment Platform
Launched by Sterling Bank, Doubble is designed for those who want flexibility. Whether you’re looking for short, medium-, or long-term investment options, Double has it covered. It allows investments in money market instruments such as Treasury Bills and Commercial Papers and gives users the option to invest in both Naira and U.S. Dollar-denominated assets.
What sets Doubble apart is its accessibility. You can start investing with as little as ₦5,000. The platform isn’t just about investing; it also acts as a savings tool. Users can earn returns of up to 56% on their savings or contributions. It’s a win-win for anyone looking to grow their wealth, especially given the flexibility and low entry point. For those just starting their investment journey, Doubble is an easy entry point with a seamless user experience available on both iOS and Android.
I-invest: A Leading Platform for Investment and Savings
Since its launch in 2018, I-invest has become one of Nigeria’s go-to platforms for both savings and investment. The platform offers a variety of products, from Treasury Bills to equities and even bonds. For those looking to diversify their portfolios, I-invest also provides access to investments in multiple currencies.
Starting with an initial investment of just ₦10,000, I-invest makes it possible for a broad range of people to invest. One of its standout features is how easily users can access shares in listed Nigerian companies. This opens stock market investing to a wider audience, even those who previously thought it was out of reach.
For savers, I-invest offers a savings account with returns of up to 14%, making it a much more attractive option than a traditional bank savings account. Plus, I-invest has an ethical investing angle, offering profit-sharing investment models that align with the values of socially responsible investors.
Altinvest: A Shariah-Compliant Investment Platform
For those seeking ethical, Shariah-compliant investment options, Altinvest is the platform to consider. Launched by Alternative Bank, Altinvest allows Nigerians to invest in a range of products that align with Islamic principles. These include commodities, ethical bonds (Sukuk), and real estate investments, designed to meet both short- and long-term goals.
With an entry point of ₦10,000, Altinvest is accessible to many Nigerians. A unique feature of the platform is its gold investment option, where users can start investing from just 1 gram of gold, allowing them to benefit from price fluctuations without having to buy physical gold. Additionally, Altinvest offers Sukuk-linked ethical bonds that deliver both value protection and sustainable returns.
For ethical investors or anyone interested in socially responsible investing, Altinvest provides an opportunity to grow wealth in a way that aligns with their values.
What’s the Real Impact?
The rise of digital investment platforms is more than just a trend, it’s a signal that the way Nigerians engage with their finances is changing. These platforms offer better access to high-yield investment options, catering to those looking for alternatives to traditional savings accounts, which no longer provide significant returns. For many Nigerians, especially the younger generation, these platforms represent an opportunity to break free from the limitations of the past.
But there’s more than just convenience at play. The flexibility to invest in multiple currencies, gold, or ethically sound products means that investors now have more ways to diversify their portfolios and reduce risk. Platforms like Doubble, I-invest, and Altinvest are helping Nigerians balance risk and reward in an uncertain economic climate.
What’s Next for the Nigerian Retail Investor?
As the digital investment landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, one thing is clear, and it is that access to investment opportunities will keep growing. More platforms will emerge, offering unique products to cater to a wide range of individuals chasing different financial goals. The democratization of investing is helping more Nigerians understand how to make their money work for them whether through savings, stock market investments, or ethical options. This ultimately provides opportunities that are accessible, ethical, and beneficial to all Nigerians, playing a pivotal part in helping them secure a more prosperous future.
