Investec has launched a new trading app for investors and traders called Clarity, which offers access to local and global markets.
“Retail investors and traders looking for a simple and cost-effective platform to grow their portfolios in their own way can now do so with Clarity by Investec,” said the bank.
Backed by Investec’s trading and investing capabilities, Clarity is a new online platform that offers instant access to local and global markets – in rands or foreign currency (USD) – with a low minimum investment, it added.
Through Investec-issued contracts for difference (CFDs), investors can trade or invest in over 600 local and international shares and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). And they also have the option of trading with or without margin – at any value.
“We are launching Clarity for the South African investor who wants to build their investment portfolio in their own way,” said Tinus Rautenbach, Business Head of Clarity. “These are digitally comfortable investors who want to control their own destiny and invest on a global stage.”
Users can instantly transfer rands into foreign currency (USD) and can earn interest on funds held in an overnight savings account. A digitally led in-app service model offers live chat functionality and self-service capabilities.
“With trading and investment information, transparent pricing, and low fees, Clarity empowers investors looking to experience the freedom of investing on their own terms,” added Head of Savings for Investec, René Grobler.
“As Clarity is backed and endorsed by Investec, a trusted and respected financial institution, the independent investor can trade and invest across the globe with confidence,” she added.
Investec Bank Limited CEO Richard Wainwright explains that following the boom in self-directed investing during the pandemic, Investec identified a need to empower a new breed of retail investor who wanted to trade online and in real-time.
“Clarity brings the independent investor to a place where they’ll have the best of Investec’s capabilities at the touch of a button. The platform opens up global markets to a generation of self-directed investors across South Africa.”
While Clarity is currently exclusively available to Investec Private Banking clients, the broader retail market in South Africa will get a chance to trade with less complexity and more clarity in early 2024, said Investec.
“The initial rollout to Private Banking clients offers additional investment opportunities within the Investec ecosystem and strengthens our client value proposition with a self-directed platform to obtain their share of the investment markets,” noted Wainwright.
Investec Private Banking clients can sign up on nowclarity.com and download the Clarity app from the Apple or Google Play app stores to start their trading adventure.
