As one way of promoting capital market in the country, Old Mutual Malawi has launched Unit Trust Equity Fund.

Speaking during the official launch of the fund in Blantyre, Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) Director of Capital Markets and Microfinance Supervision Khumbo Mtalika, said the initiative provides individuals with an opportunity to support national development and company growth by investing in the capital markets.

RBM Director of Capital Markets and Microfinance Khumbo Mtalika

On his part, Old Mutual Unit Trust Board Chairperson, Alfred Majamanda, said investors will benefit from professional investment management, diversification across different companies and potential returns from their investments.

“The Unit Trust Fund we are introducing today represents our commitment to giving Malawians more opportunities to grow and participate in the economy. It allows individuals to invest in businesses, shares in their growth, and build long-term wealth in structured and sustainable way.

“Importantly, this new fund, the Equity Fund, is part of a broader and well-diversified Unit trust offering. Alongside it, our interest-Bearing Assets Fund provides more stable, income-focused option for investors seeking lower risk and consistent return, while our balanced Funds offers blended approach-combining growth and income to suit investors looking for a middle ground between stability and capital appreciation,” said Majamnda.

The fund allows individuals to invest a minimum of K500,000, which Old Mutual will pool and invest in various companies and projects on behalf of investors.

The Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) has slapped Standard Bank with a fine of MK100 million over failure by the bank to disclose material information regarding a customer’s loan.

Standard Bank is among six companies that have been fined for violating competition and consumer protection laws.

Speaking during a media briefing in Lilongwe, CFTC Chief Executive Officer Desmond Kaunda said the decisions were made during the 75th meeting held on 8 May 2026.

Kaunda said the fines are totaling to MK361 million while six other companies have been orderd to refund the consumers

The Commission adjudicated 14 cases of alleged anti-competitive and unfair trading practices, closing three at the preliminary stage due to lack of merit or early resolution.

According to Kaunda,Standard bank had unilaterally extended a three-year loan to five years due to a system error, leading to deductions beyond the agreed repayment period.

Meanwhile FDH Bank has received the largest penalty of MK200 million for misleading conduct and unconscionable practices related to Keyman insurance on a MK150 million facility.

The bank was found to have removed and altered insurance terms without disclosure, made unexplained deductions and denied indemnification after the Keyman’s death.

The CFTC has since ordered FDH to refund MK120.2 million plus interest, reverse overdraft charges and repay MK200,000 erroneously deducted.

Fertilizer supplier Nitro Phos Limited has been fined MK50 million for supplying defective CAN fertilizer that caused crop failure for farmers across multiple districts.

The Malawi Bureau of Standards confirmed that certain batches failed to meet nutrient and moisture specifications.

CTS Courier Services has been penalized with MK5 million after losing consumers’ items worth MK815,000 and failing to provide redress.

The Commission ordered the company to refund the full market value of the lost goods and the original courier charges.

Modern Dry Cleaners has been fined MK3 million for damaging clothes valued at MK1.46 million and offering inadequate compensation based on a contract clause limiting liability.

In a show of continued commitment to urban development and public-private collaboration, CDH Investment Bank has donated K2 million to Lilongwe City Council for the Mayors vision sharing and stakeholders’ engagement activity.

The symbolic funds handover took place on Tuesday 2nd June 2026 at Lilongwe City Council Civic Centre offices.

Speaking at the symbolic activity, the bank’s Account Relationship Manager – Corporate and Public Sector Jennie Madinga said the activity underscores the bank’s belief in the transformative potential of collaborative planning between government, business, and the community.

“CDH Investment Bank’s decision to partner with this initiative is rooted in our belief that Lilongwe is at a pivotal juncture, where effective urban management requires collaboration by all stakeholders to drive policy synthesis, private sector investment, and broad community engagement in transforming a city into a hub of innovation and support infrastructure development”.

The bank’s highlighted the importance of planning and trust in the executing the proposed vision, describing the initiative as a multiplier that could accelerate Lilongwe’s potential.

The message reiterated CDH Investment Bank’s commitment to providing financial advisory services and capital solutions to help turn ambitious plans into tangible outcomes for citizens such us bolster prioritized infrastructure projects identified through the Mayor’s vision sharing process and translate strategic discussions into practical improvements that enhance the quality of life for Lilongwe residents.

On his part Lilongwe City Council Chief Executive Officer Clement Stambuli hailed CDH Investment Bank for the contribution.

He said the funds will support the official launch event which will provide a platform for stakeholder sensitization and the development of the Capital City.

The stakeholder engagement will take place on 12th June 2026 and will foster dialogue among city leaders, private sector players, and the public.

CDH Investment Bank has donated K10 million to the Companies Registrations and Intellectual Property Centre (CRIPC) to support the official launch of the institution.

The institution is transitioning from the Department of Registrar General into a specialised agency which will now be overseeing Intellectual Property Rights and Copyrights mandate.

CDH Investment Bank Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary, Daniel Mwangwela said CRIPC is key stakeholder in the country’s business environment hence the support.

“At CDH Investment Bank, we like creating value for our stakeholders in our businesses and the Companies’ Registrations and Intellectual Property Center, which was previously known as the Research General’s Office, is one of our key stakeholders in what we do every day in our businesses. Why are they a key stakeholder? They’re a key holder in the sense that we at CDH Investment Bank have the target market, among them corporates, high net with high net worth individuals, and medium scale enterprises, and you know corporates and medium scale enterprises have to go through the office of the research journal, then which is now the center, which we call CRIPC.

“They have to register their business there, some form of partnerships, corporates, and for them to come to do business with us to open accounts with us. And once they do that, we are able to give them facilities, and for us to give them facilities, we need to have security in form of collaterals, and these collaterals have to go through the center again for us to be secure to register them in various registries, be it personal property securities, more even mortgages, and you know, charges,” said Mwangwela.

Deputy Registrar General for Intellectual Property at CRIPC, Chifwayi Chirambo hailed CDH Investment Bank for the timely donation.

“We are very grateful to CDH for this sponsorship. It will go a long way in assisting us towards preparing for the launch of the new institution that we are transforming into, which is the Companies Registrations and Intellectual Property Center,” said Chirambo.

He said the transformation from the Department of Registrar General to CRIPC will enhance service delivery through improved digital solutions, including a new website and online services portal.

Old Mutual Life Assurance Company has declared a 94% return on its Guaranteed Fund for the year 2025, an increase from 37% declared in 2024.

Announcing the fund’s performance, Old Mutual Life Assurance Company Managing Director Mark Mikwamba, described the result as a reflection of the company’s disciplined investment approach and long-standing commitment to protecting and growing members’ retirement savings.

Mikwamba said “It is a strong result that we are proud of, but what makes it truly significant is not just the number, it is what the number represents. It reflects disciplined investment decision-making, a robust fund structure, and our commitment to growing and protecting our members’ retirement savings. The 94% is proof that our strategy works.”

The Old Mutual Guaranteed Fund is the largest investment fund in Malawi offered to retirement funds, comprising three access structures including Segregated Funds, the Unrestricted Fund, and the Preservation Fund (Protektor).

According to Mikwamba When markets are broadly favourable, most funds will perform well. The real differentiator is what happens when markets turn.

“Our Guaranteed Fund is built with a smoothing mechanism that protects members from market volatility both on the way up and on the way down. That consistency over full market cycles is what sets us apart.” He said.

Looking ahead, Mikwamba said the company remains committed to the principles that have underpinned the fund’s long-term performance and always declaring returns that beat inflation.

Old Mutual Malawi has applauded the Malawi National Spelling Bee especially on the impact it is having in nurturing discipline, confidence, critical thinking and communication skills among the youths in the country.

Old Mutual Group’s Strategy, Digital and Data Executive Lorraine Mlenga said this in Blantyre during the official donation of Mk15 million meant to support the National Spelling Competition activities country underway in the North and Central regions.

“The National Spelling Bee is more than a competition. It is a platform that nurtures confidence, discipline, critical thinking, communication skills, and the courage to excel — qualities that Malawi needs if we are to realise our national ambitions and build a thriving future.

“We are especially proud of the progress Malawi continues to make on such platforms, including the recent bronze medal achievement at the Africa Spelling Bee competition in Zimbabwe,” said Mlenga.

On his part Director of Operations and Special Events at Malawi National Spelling Bee Andrew Chikho hailed Old Mutual for the financial bailout.

He promised Old Mutual that the funds will be used for the intended purpose.

Turning to the World Spelling Bee Competition slated for China in July this year, Chikho said preparations are at an advance stage.

“We are knocking the doors of various companies seeking for support and we are hopeful that some companies will come forward,” said Chikho.

Malawi team finished third at African Spelling Competition in Harare Zimbabwe and the trip was sponsored by Old Mutual.

Despite the economic downturn which has resulted in fuel and forex scarcity in the country, Finca Malawi has registered a MK4.1 billion profit after tax in 2025, up from MK1.2 billion in 2024 representing 226 percent profit.

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Charles Anderson Bello revealed this in Blantyre during a media briefing where he said that the company has also registered a deposit book growth of MK17.8 billion representing 76 percent growth.

Bello attributed the growth to a move by the company to reduce the interest rate and the confidence that the customers have toward the company.

“Yes there are problems within the market which has also impacted our customers. There is acute shortage of forex which is a driver for our customers to do business especially for those who do cross-border business but what we have seen is that we did reduce our interest rate to cushion our customers and this has resulted in the number of our customers growing.

“Overall, it’s more of the confidence that customers have on finca, we are flexible and if customers are in distress we are able to talk to them and restructure their loans,” said Bello.

He further explained that the company has also created products that resonates well with the customers hence the growth.

In 2025, the company also registered a loan book expansion to MK39.3 billion representing 61 percent growth and Interest income jumped to MK24.1 billion representing 49 percent growth.

The company’s asset grew to MK48 billion representing 42 percent growth.

FINCA Malawi has since promised to come up with more affordable products to customers across the country.

One of the leading micro-finance companies in the country, FINCA has honored six Malawian spellers following a successful trip to Harare Zimbabwe where they took part in this year’s Africa Spelling Bee Competition.

The Malawi National Spelling Bee team especially the senior team came third during the three day competition thanks to Nicole Manguluti, a student from Sir Harry Johnson.

As a token of appreciation, FINCA Malawi presented certificates to the six spellers and donated some hampers at a ceremony held at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre.

Speaking in an interview with the press FINCA Malawi Marketing Officer Chileso Wandale Nyangulu said the company is very happy with Malawi National Spelling Bee team’s performance in Zimbabwe hence the gesture.

“As FINCA Malawi we are very happy as to how the Malawi team fared at the competition and we promise we will continue supporting the Malawi Spelling Bee,” said Nyangulu.

On his part Malawi Spelling Bee Chief Executive Officer Lewis Mbaula hailed the Malawi team for the gallant fight.

“The competition was very tough, but our learners performed well and we were able to compete at a high level against other countries. Finishing third in Africa is a significant achievement,” he said.

He then revealed that the team has been invited to the 2026 World Spelling Bee competition set for July in China.

The competition brought together 72 spellers from 12 African countries, making it one of the toughest contests on the continent.

FINCA Malawi sponsored the Zimbabwe trip with money amounting to MK7.8 million.

One of the leading micro-finance companies in the country FINCA Malawi has urged six spellers travelling to Harare, Zimbabwe for this year’s Africa Spelling Bee Competition to fight teeth and nail.

FINCA Malawi Marketing officer Chileso Wandale Nyangulu said this during the sendoff ceremony for the six spellers at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre ahead of the trip on Wednesday.

“We are your sponsors, yes, but today, we are also your biggest fans. so go there with high confidence and spell your way into the African Spelling Bee history books.

“Go to Harare. Spell your hearts out. Make us proud not just by winning, but by showing the grace, intelligence, and spirit of our nation and we hope you will bring the trophy home,” said Nyangulu.

On her part one of the spellers Melville Kajasiche said she is proud to represent Malawi in Zimbabwe.

Malawi National Spelling Bee Director of Operations Andrew Chikho described the competition as one of Africa’s most important educational platforms, bringing together learners from about 27 countries.

He said the competition incorporates African languages such as Chichewa and Shona, helping to preserve and celebrate the continent’s linguistic diversity.

FINCA Malawi has pumped in MK7.8 million into the competition.

Old Mutual Malawi has donated Mk10 million to the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) in support of this year’s Power Institute of East and Southern Africa (PIESA) conference.

The conference which is slated to take place from February 22 to 24 in Lilongwe under the theme; ‘Transforming Electricity Energy Systems for a Sustainable Future with Focus on Africa’.

Speaking in an interview with the press in Blantyre Old Mutual Investment Group Managing Director Mphatso Kasalika said the company recognizes the importance of the PIESA Conference hence the donation.

“The upcoming PIESA conference represents a unique opportunity for the power sector professionals, experts, and key stakeholders to gather, discuss, and address the sector’s pressing challenges. It is a forum that encourages dialogue, fosters partnerships, and inspires collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable future.

“Through our sponsorship, we aim to provide the necessary resources and support to ensure the success of this event. We understand that organizing such gathering requires thorough planning, effort, and resources including finances. It is our pride to stand alongside our partners, ESCOM, in making the event possible,” said Kasalika.

Kasalika also revealed that the company exploring opportunities to invest in the energy sector in order to contribute to Malawi’s development.

On her part ESCOM Director of Optic Fibre Communications, Stella Senti hailed the donation, saying it has come at the right time and will help ensure the smooth hosting of the conference.

Senti said the PIESA conference will be a platform for knowledge exchange and innovation hoping to move electricity issues from state of uncertainty to state of stability.

CDH Investment Bank has promised to continue supporting development projects being carried out by the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR).

This was revealed on Friday at Bunda Campus during the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding where the Bank committed to release MK208.8 million ($120,000) in the next three years.

According to CDH Chief Business Development Officer Jamal Kamoto, annually the bank will be releasing about MK69.6 million ($40,000).

“We are proud to enter into a new agreement with LUANAR today which will see us support four initiatives which are of strategic significance to LUANAR for the next three years.

MOU signing ceremony at Bunda Campus

“CDH Investment Bank will support USD120, 000.00 in the next three years with approximately USD40,000.00 (about MK69,6 million) being spent each year towards three strategic initiatives. Firstly, our partnership will enable us to support LUANAR’s eco-forestry and tourism development through the tree-planting initiative with the growing of trees, and management of the same in communities around LUANAR University campuses,” said Kamoto.

He added: “We will also support the development and management of eco-forestry and touristic spaces within LUANAR campuses and the Bunda Mountain area, valued at USD27,000 (about MK46.98 million) over three (3) years. We supported the tree planting activity in the previous MOU, in collaboration with the Forestry Department at LUANAR, and are committed to continue supporting as Malawi observes a National Tree planting season.”

Kamoto further said that $30,000 (K52.2 million) chunk is meant for solar energy infrastructure, $18,000 (K31.32 million) for innovation scholarships, $15,000 (K26.1 million) for general scholarships and $30,000 (K52.2 million) for an endowment fund.

LUANAR Vice Chancellor Professor Emmanuel Kaunda hailed CDH Investment Bank for the partnership.

Kamoto captured after planting his tree

After the ceremony, officials from the two institutions with the help of the community around the school planted 2,500 tree seedlings at Mlewa Traditional Authority.

Second Vice President Enoch Chihana launched the 2025/2026 tree planting season on January 16, 2026, at Mpata Primary School in Phalombe District.

This year the exercise is being carried out Under the theme “Trees and Forests for Community Resilience,” the campaign aims to plant over 41 million trees nationwide to combat deforestation and enhance environmental sustainability.

CTS Courier, a company which is owned by a widow by the name of Jacqueline Msiska Bokosi has been recognized as the Best Local Courier Company by Business In-Detail Magazine (BIM).

The recognition comes barely weeks after the company launched a promotion dubbed “Ma Plot Apite Competition”, which will see each customer walking away with a plot in each city across the country.

During the event which happened at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe, CTS Courier Managing Director and Founder was also honoured with the Woman of Excellence in Business Award.

On her remarks Bokosi said the recognition reflects the growing confidence Malawians have in using CTS Courier to send and receive parcels.

“We will continue to serve Malawians with honesty, professionalism,” said Bokosi.

Bokosi also described the Woman of Excellence in Business award as a significant milestone in her career, noting that she remains committed to empowering other women in the country to become economically independent.

BIM Lead Coordinator, Comfort Jarden Mkandandire, encouraged business operators to remain resilient, describing resilience as key to sustaining businesses in a challenging economic environment.

CTS Courier has received five awards, a clear indication of the trust Malawians place in the company and the high quality of its services.

As one way of fostering innovation and student development initiatives, CDH Investment Bank has donated MK27.8 million to Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR).

The event follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between CDH Investment Bank and LUANAR in 2023, laying the foundation for collaborative efforts to foster innovation and talent development in Malawi’s agricultural sector.

MK16.7 million out of the MK27 million is designated for awarding winners of the Falling Walls Lab competition and supporting the university’s efforts in protecting intellectual property rights for innovative projects. This contribution is part of the bank’s second disbursement to LUANAR this year, which also included a successful tree-planting activity aimed at environmental sustainability.

The bank’s Chief Business Development Officer Jamal Kamoto said the bank remains committed to supporting innovation at LUANAR.

“Supporting innovation is vital for fostering resilience and growth across all sectors.

“Our partnership with LUANAR demonstrates our commitment to developing sustainable opportunities and contributing to the nation’s progress,” said Kamoto.

The Bank has also allocated MK10. 8 million to support talented students, emphasizing its dedication to nurturing future leaders and addressing skills gaps in agriculture.

LUANAR Vice Chancellor Professor Emmanuel Kaunda thanked CDH Investment Bank for the partnership and for supporting innovation at the institution.

Two of Old Mutual Malawi’s subsidiaries emerged overall winners at the inaugural Institute of Marketing in Malawi (IMM) Super Brand Awards held on 12 December at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre.

Old Mutual Life Assurance Company was recognised as the Best Life Insurance Company, while Mthunzi Funeral Services received top honours in the Funeral Services category.

Reacting to the recognition, Old Mutual’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs Executive, Patience Chatsika, said the awards reflect the Group’s long-standing commitment to delivering dignity, care and financial wellness to Malawians.

“For over 70 years, our business has been centred on serving people, helping them thrive and achieve both their short- and long-term financial goals,” said Chatsika. “We are honoured to receive this recognition for consistently being available to our customers at life’s most critical moments.”

She added that the awards reflect the trust and confidence customers have placed in the Old Mutual and Mthunzi Funeral Services brands.

Chatsika further emphasised that customer centricity remains at the heart of the Group’s operations, “We will continue to serve and champion the customer in all that we do. The customer is the lifeblood of our business; therefore, putting them first will always remain our driving goal.”

Old Mutual Malawi is a leading financial services company with interests in life insurance, pensions, investment, asset management, and the provision of end-to-end funeral services.

As one way of bringing its products closer to its customers, FINCA Malawi has launched a new national visibility and product awareness campaign dubbed “FINCA Ikuoneka Kumeneko”.

The campaign highlights three products, which are Village Bank Loan, Pamodzi Savings Account and FINCA Mobile.

Through this campaign, FINCA has reduced interest by 4 percent for Village Bank loans and also increased the maximum loan amount to MK4 million.

FINCA Chief Commercial Officer Madalitso Jonazi,

Speaking after the launch FINCA Malawi Chief Commercial Officer, Madalitso Jonazi said the campaign reaffirms the company’s commitment to financial inclusion.

“This theme was chosen deliberately. It speaks directly to our customers and FINCA is visible, FINCA is present, FINCA is active-and FINCA continues to serve Malawians.

“FINCA Ikuoneka Kumeneko is therefore not just a marketing campaign. It is a reaffirmation of our commitment to remain close to our customers and relevant to their everyday financial needs. For over three decades. FINCA Malawi has worked alongside individuals, groups, entrepreneurs, farmers, youth, and women across the country,” said Jonazi.

He added: “We have grown with our customers and adapted to their changing needs, while remaining true to our mission of advancing financial inclusion and eradicating poverty.”

The launch comes barely days after FINCA Malawi was recognized at the 2025 Super brands Awards as the Best Microfinance Institution in Malawi.

As one way of giving back to the community, one of the leading courier companies in the country CTS Courier has launched a promotion dubbed ‘Ma Plot Apite Competition’.

Through this competition, customers will walk away with a plot in each city across the country and the competition will run from December 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026.

CTS Courier Co-founder and Managing Director Jacqueline Msiska Bokosi has confirmed of the development in an interview with faceofmalawi reporter.

According to Bokosi, once a customer receive of send a parcel of any kind through CTS courier stand a chance of winning a plot.

“We have come up with a promotion tagged ma plot apite which will run from 1st December to 31st may 2026 as one way of giving back to our customers. This is a way of thanking our customers for being with CTS Courier through thick and thin.

“Malawians are supposed to send or receive their parcels through CTS Courier. Write their details and put the details in a promotion box,” said Bokosi.

Winners of the said promotion will receive their plots through Citizens Real Estate Company, according to Bokosi.

CTS Courier Services has branches across the country.

Malawi Property Investment Company (MPICO) has transformed the lives of 37 youths from around Soche Township in Blantyre following a 5 weeks training in Electrical Installation and Plumbing courses at Soche Technical College.

The 37 youths received certificates at a colourful event held on Wednesday at the institution and the event was graced by officials from MPICO and Old Mutual Investment Group led by Head of Property Services, Eliot Jambo.

Speaking after the ceremony Jambo said the company will continue supporting venerable people in the country.

“We believe that this initiative is about restoring hope, creating opportunities, and empowering young Malawians to become productive citizens. It is also a reflection of Old Mutual’s commitment to the Responsible Business pillar, where we aim to make a positive social impact while promoting financial wellness and economic empowerment,” said Jambo.

Jambo then hailed Soche Technical College for training the graduating students.

On his part Soche Technical College Principal, Greystone Mabveka commended MPICO for the partnership, noting that the programme has provided participants with practical skills, financial literacy training and guidance on income management.

One of the graduates, Desire Linje said she will use the technical skills obtained during the training to set up her own business.

Shen then appealed to MPICO to support the graduants with safety gears.

“We are grateful for the skills we have acquired, but we need support to take the next step. We humbly request MPICO’s assistance in providing safety gear and working tool, enabling us to put our skills into practice and create a brighter future for ourselves and our families,” said Linje.

MPICO pumped in MK10 million in the 5 weeks training.

As one way of alleviating challenges that many public hospitals face in the country, CDH Investment Bank has donated MK10 million towards the 2025 Nation Publications Limited’s Mothers’ Fun Run (MFR).

Through this year’s initiative, NPL is targeting to raise about MK500 million which will be used to support Kasungu District hospital and its satellite health facilities.

Speaking in an interview after presenting the Cheque the bank’s Chief Human Capital Development Officer, Ivy Kwatiwani said the bank values a critical role that health workers play and the challenges they go through hence the donation.

“Our contribution is not just about the provision of resources; it’s a symbol of our dedication to improving lives and ensuring that every mother, child, and patient receives the care they deserve. We believe that access to healthcare is a fundamental right, and we hope this contribution will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many.

“We thank healthcare workers for their unwavering commitment, and we salute the mothers and families for their strength and perseverance. Let us continue to work together in building healthier, stronger communities. We also applaud our partner, Nation Publications Limited for driving this challenge and helping our nation, “said Kwatiwani.

On his part Nation on Sunday Editor Emmanuel Luciano hailed CDH Investment Bank for the timely support.

Luciano then urged other companies and well-wishers to follow suit.