GKG’s KIG BV, the Netherlands-based global financial services group, has acquired a South Africa-based financial service provider, Maru Asset Managers, with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). Maru is an asset management company focused on combining disciplined methodologies with insightful qualitative investment processes. It offers equity investment solutions to the institutional investment market. The acquisition, part of KIG BV’s strategy to expand its global reach, gives the Group the right to provide intermediary services for shares, money market instruments, debentures, securitized debt, warrants, certificates, and other instruments. In terms of discretionary services, the acquisition provides KIG BV with a license for bonds, derivative instruments, collective investment schemes, along with long- and short-term deposits in South Africa.
Acquisition will give KIG BV access to Africa’s second-biggest economy, which is continuing to grow and is seen as the engine for growth for the continent. Furthermore, it will add to KIG BV’s presence in Africa, as it acquired a license in Mauritius earlier in the year. KIG BV has made four significant acquisitions to increase its global reach and products. The Group entered the US with GK Trade New York by acquiring a FINRA licensed broker-dealer, the Australian market with ASIC licensed FairMarkets, the Mauritian market with FSC licensed GK Trade International, and the Turkish market by the takeover of Işık Menkul, a CMB regulated multi-asset broker.