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ELIZABETH IRUNGU
CEO, ABSA ASSET MANAGEMENT
When it comes to navigating a volatile market, one name stands out in Kenya for offering tailored solutions – Elizabeth Irungu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Absa Asset Management. With a firm belief that, “Our setbacks today are our comebacks tomorrow,” Elizabeth advocates that anyone, regardless of their income level, can save and invest wisely by managing risks effectively.
Managing risks is where Elizabeth excels. A trained economist and seasoned fund manager with over 17 years of experience in investment and leadership, she offers clients a diversified portfolio supported by credible, up-to-date research. Her goal is to empower clients with insights on structuring portfolios through thorough analysis of the best assets, particularly in African markets, while also offering bespoke solutions like structured notes from other markets. This holistic approach ensures her clients maximise their investments. Notably, Elizabeth is dedicated to diffusing investment know-how and opportunities to everyone, not just those in urban areas, but also to rural communities.
In her day-to-day work, Elizabeth emphasises expanding the conversation beyond traditional banking, making investment accessible to the everyday mwananchi. “As a fund manager, what keeps me awake at night is ensuring our clients navigate risks and avoid falling into the crocodile-infested rivers of bad investments,” she asserts.
Elizabeth speaks from a wealth of experience. Before joining Absa, she served as the General Manager of Business Development and Client Relations at ICEA LION Asset Management until August 2022. Her career in investment management has been illustrious, having worked as Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and Portfolio Manager, handling portfolios worth more than USD 1 billion.
It is worth noting that Elizabeth’s journey began as an Economist in the Office of the President, after which she transitioned to being an Analyst with African Alliance Investment Bank.
“As a seasoned investment manager, my principles are to deliver exceptional investment performance, offer a superior customer experience, drive asset acquisition ethically, and build a sustainable fund management business,” she shares on her LinkedIn profile.
Her accomplishments are numerous, spanning business strategy and execution, project management, business development, and economic and investment research. She is equally proficient in fixed-income research, budgeting, portfolio management, client relations, people management, and report writing. This wealth of skills and experience has enabled her to create wealth not only for ordinary individuals but also for high-net-worth clients and institutions, ranging from governments and large corporations to SMEs and MSMEs.
Elizabeth’s pragmatic philosophy, “High return, high risk; low return, low risk,” serves as a guiding principle for her clients. She cautions Kenyans against falling prey to pyramid schemes, which often lure investors with unrealistic promises. Her commitment to educating the public on such risks has been vital in a market where such schemes are prevalent.
Under her leadership, Absa Asset Management has become a formidable player in the asset management industry. Elizabeth has implemented innovative financial solutions that have significantly enhanced financial inclusion and accessibility. Her strategic leadership has earned her recognition for her ability to steer the company through complex economic landscapes.
Elizabeth is not only a leader in her field but also a passionate advocate for financial literacy. Holding a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Nairobi (UoN) and being a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA©), she regularly shares her insights on personal finance management, particularly in times of economic downturns. She champions prudent financial management, emphasising the importance of saving before spending.
Her passion for financial literacy extends to initiatives promoting economic empowerment. Elizabeth believes strongly in the transformative power of education and innovation to drive positive social change, and she is involved in several programs aimed at fostering financial literacy across Kenya.
In addition to her financial expertise, Elizabeth is a Certified Productivity and Engagement Coach, accredited by the International Coaching Federation. She is also passionate about emerging trends in financial markets, investments, and TechWealth, often writing articles and conducting training in these areas. Her enthusiasm for technological innovation in finance positions her as a thought leader in the future of African financial markets. She foresees a bright future for these markets, driven by advancements in technology and increased investor interest.
Elizabeth Irungu’s deep involvement in the financial sector, coupled with her commitment to educating and empowering individuals, has made her one of the most influential leaders in Kenya’s investment landscape. Through her work, she continues to inspire many, proving that with the right guidance, anyone can achieve financial success – even in volatile markets.
