All You Need to Know About the CIC Global Balanced Special Fund

Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) are becoming increasingly attractive to Kenyan investors seeking diversification beyond local markets. 

For those seeking to get exposure in the global market, the trend has been accelerated by the recent volatility in domestic market that has seen returns for Money Market Funds (MMFs) fall.

There this has pushed investors to look for other opportunities such as the special funds. In this article, we break down everything you need to know about the CIC Global Balanced Special Fund — a newly launched USD-denominated fund that gives investors access to both domestic and global markets.

What is the CIC Global Balanced Special Fund?

The CIC Global Balanced Special Fund is a balanced collective investment scheme managed by CIC Asset Management (CICAM), a subsidiary of the CIC Insurance Group.

It is designed for investors seeking exposure to global opportunities while maintaining a balanced, risk-managed portfolio. The Fund provides access to a diversified mix of assets both locally and internationally to help investors achieve sustainable long-term capital appreciation.

The fund was launched on October 8, 2025. Currently, CIC Asset Management manages over Ksh183 billion in total Assets, positioning it among Kenya’s leading asset managers.

Read more: Oak Special Fund: All You Need to Know About the Fund Offering Over 20% Net Returns

Key Features of the Fund

The CIC Global Balanced Special Fund stands out through its diversified approach and focus on capital growth. Below are its key features:

• Capital Appreciation Across Market Cycles: Designed to deliver growth in both bullish and bearish market environments.
• Balanced Portfolio: The fund minimizes volatility by spreading investments across various asset classes — including equities, fixed income instruments, and global securities.
• Global Diversification: Provides exposure to both domestic and offshore opportunities, reducing concentration risk and enhancing resilience.
• Transparency: The fund offers daily pricing with clear reporting of the Net Asset Value (NAV), ensuring investors can track performance easily.
• Risk Management: Investments are made in rated and well-researched instruments to maintain a prudent risk-return balance.

CIC Global Balanced Special Fund Investment Limits

Below are the fund’s participation terms:

• Minimum Initial Investment: USD 1,000 (Ksh129,520)
• Minimum Top-Up: USD 100 (Ksh12,952)
• Minimum Account Balance: USD 1,000 (Ksh129,520)
• Minimum Withdrawal Amount: USD 10 (Ksh1,295)
• Fund Management Fee: 2.5% per annum
• Lock-in Period: 6 months from the initial deposit (any top-ups made within the 6-month period are also locked in).

Who Can Invest With CIC Global Balanced Special Fund ?

The CIC Global Balanced Special Fund is open to a wide range of investors both individual and institutional It is ideal for:

• Individuals looking to grow wealth in USD while minimizing exposure to local market swings.
• Diaspora Investors interested in accessing Kenya’s regulated investment market while holding globally diversified assets.
• Retirement Funds, Family Businesses, Trusts, and Endowments seeking medium- to long-term capital appreciation.
• Institutional Investors, including banks, SACCOs, and NGOs, aiming to optimize returns through well-balanced global exposure.

Read more: Mansa X: All You Need to Know About the Special Fund Offering 24% Returns

Where Money is Invested

The CIC Global Balanced Special Fund pools money from multiple investors and strategically allocates it across a mix of local and international assets.

The goal is to strike a balance between growth and stability by Investing in local fixed income instruments, such as Treasury bills and bonds, to ensure consistent income and liquidity; and deploying funds into global instruments such as Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), global equities, and mutual funds, offering access to some of the most dynamic markets in the world.

To strengthen its global reach, CIC Asset Management has partnered with reputable international institutions such as Trade Development Bank (TDB), Swiss private bank Vontobel and Co-operative Bank of Kenya.

‍What is the Interest Rate?

Being a new fund, the interest rate of the fund has not been revealed but generally, special funds usually offer higher interest rates than MMFs and can fluctuate from time to time. For instance the existing funds such as Mansa X and Oak Special Fund have had interest rates ranging from from 15% to 18% per year.

What to Do if You Want to Invest

Those seeking to invest in the fund are advised to reach out to CIC Group and their representatives to be guided on how to invest and the documents needed. 

Benefits of Investing in Special Fund‍s

• Diversification: Funds are typically invested across various assets, reducing exposure to any single risk.
• Professional management: Funds are managed by experienced financial experts who aim to maximize returns and manage risks.
• Accessibility: Most funds have clear entry and exit options, with relatively low barriers to start investing.

Risks of Investing in Special Funds‍

• Market fluctuations: returns may vary month-to-month depending on market conditions and underlying asset performance.
• Liquidity risk: The fund has a 6-month lock-in period, meaning your initial investment cannot be readily accessed within that timeframe. 
• Currency risk: Given its exposure to global markets, the fund is subject to currency fluctuations.