Nairobi — OMS Africa, the brokerage business majority-owned by Kweli Capital Group, has appointed Lydia Wangare Gakanga as its principal officer.
Gakanga takes over the regulatory role after joining from Stanbic Bank Kenya, where she was an investment specialist in the Wealth and Investments team.
She has more than a decade of experience spanning banking, asset management, portfolio management and capital markets.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
The appointment comes about a year after Kweli Capital Group acquired a majority stake in the brokerage, formerly known as Old Mutual Securities Ltd, from Old Mutual Holdings in a transaction whose value was not disclosed.
As principal officer, Gakanga will be responsible for the firm’s operations, compliance and client conduct under the regulatory framework overseen by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA).
“I am delighted to take up this role at a time when the industry is experiencing unique challenges,” she said.
“I look forward to working with my team to position this firm among the best brokerage companies not only in the region, but across the continent.”
Her appointment comes as Kenya’s capital markets industry grapples with competition for investors, changing trading patterns and the need for stronger investor confidence and compliance.
OMS Africa has operated at the Nairobi Securities Exchange since 1992 under broker code B08. The firm says it serves more than 34,000 clients.
The appointment also marks a shift in the leadership of the brokerage following the acquisition by Kweli Capital, which has been expanding its presence in financial services.