On Wednesday, September 3, Meristem Securities Limited and digital investment platform, Cowrywise, hosted a landmark event at the Meristem Ikoyi headquarters to announce their strategic collaboration. The partnership, which also had the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) in attendance, marks a pivotal step in making the Nigerian stock market more accessible to everyday investors.
Through this alliance, Meristem Stockbrokers Limited will leverage its extensive track record and reputation in Nigeria’s capital market, while Cowrywise brings its technology-driven investment platform to the table. Together, they are lowering barriers to entry and creating new pathways for millions of Nigerians to own shares in their favourite companies.
Speaking at the event, Saheed Bashir, the Managing Director of Meristem Stockbrokers Limited, emphasised the transformative nature of the partnership:
“We expect this relationship to reposition the market, to disrupt the market, and bring more people in. When execution is fast, when information is clear, and when the process is easy, then more Nigerians will participate. That’s how we create more opportunities for individuals and for the country.”
This collaboration reflects Meristem’s broader commitment to deepening financial inclusion and broadening participation in Nigeria’s capital market. By making stock investment more intuitive and affordable, the firm aims to address longstanding challenges around trust, access, and market education.
The CEO and co-founder of Cowrywise, Razaq Ahmed (CFA), noted that the partnership would allow users to transition seamlessly from saving and investing in mutual funds to owning stocks in Nigerian companies. The core driver is Meristem’s credibility as a sponsoring stockbroker, a role that ensures compliance, transparency, and investor protection at every stage.
The vision behind the alliance is clear: to democratise investing. As both companies highlighted, the goal is to make it possible for anyone, regardless of social class or financial standing, to become part-owners of Nigeria’s biggest companies, effectively owning a piece of the Nigerian dream.
With NGX’s presence underscoring the industry’s support, this launch signals the beginning of what both partners describe as a “tremendous transformation” for Nigeria’s capital market. The initiative reaffirms both Meristem and Cowrywise’s position not only as a market leader but also as a champion of innovation and inclusion in the financial sector.
