C-TRADE – playing the financial inclusion role
Mobile phones and other telecommunications and digital technologies offer potential opportunities for the cost-effective expansion of financial services into previously overlooked or under-served markets. Technology thus, is a critical aspect in bridging the financial exclusion gap. Throughout the world, the use of technology is changing the way financial products and services are made available to the people. C-TRADE therefore is harnessing the benefits brought about by technology, especially mobile technology, to enhance the reach of investment and savings products to a broader sphere of investors.
Financial inclusion simply refers to the delivery of financial services at affordable costs to vast sections of disadvantaged and low income groups. Financial inclusion efforts seek to ensure that all households and businesses, regardless of income level, have access to and can effectively use the appropriate financial services they need to improve their lives.
While this is a collective effort requiring input from a diverse range of service providers, C-TRADE plays a significant role in promoting financial inclusion and national development. It is a game-changer set to alter how investors perceive and interact with stock markets. Every citizen can now partake in and enjoy the benefits of deploying their money with unprecedented simplicity.
C-TRADE minimises the financial exclusion gap by enabling access to capital market products and services through simple and everyday tools such as mobile phones, mobile wallets and other online platforms. Efficient and cost effective delivery channels will ensure that investors across all segments have accurate and up-to-date financial and other information regarding the firms that they have or wish to invest in.
Capital markets should be a focus for both retail and corporate investors and others seeking investment opportunities. In addressing this, C-TRADE enables access to capital market products and services through simple and everyday tools such as mobile phones, mobile wallets and other online platforms.
Traditionally the participation of the retail sector has remained subdued and C-TRADE by interconnecting market participants, is determined to change the status quo. C- TRADE has introduced investor interface tools such as the Online Investor Portal strictly meant for retail investors. There is also an app-based solution for retail investors on smart phones. The USSD-based solutions which are targeted at nonsmart phone users and integrates mobile money services. An online investor portal offers an advanced interface which allows investors to participate on the exchange in real-time through personal computers. Through these tools, retail investors can trade securities, make or receive payments, obtain statements and follow market news anytime anywhere. Through this platform investors, both local and foreign can purchase securities from anywhere in the world anytime, using mobile devices.
The critical element is that no matter the number of shares involved, one can participate on the stock exchange. One can buy as low as a single share.
The adoption of mobile and online trading will result in a larger volume of traffic to the stock market due to the added convenience in transacting. The mobile trading, because of its wide reach will encourage participation at grassroots level as well as among the small retail investor, thus widening and deepening the scope of capital markets, hence playing a financial inclusion drive. To start investing on the ZSE and FINSEC listed counters on the go, simply download the C-TRADE mobile app or dial *727# across all mobile networks. Alternatively visit ctrade.co.zw to register. Econet subscribers— 08080277
Netone subscribers— 08010077
Live chat on web portal Email C-TRADE on ctrade@escrowgroup.org WhatsApp 0737594405