ESX expands trading floor with two new investment banks

The Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) has admitted First Addis Investment Bank and Sinqee Investment Bank as new trading members, bringing the total number of authorized market participants to seven. The two institutions were officially granted membership on May 8, 2026, after successfully completing licensing requirements set by the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA). Both banks […]

ESX expands trading floor with two new investment banks

The Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX) has admitted First Addis Investment Bank and Sinqee Investment Bank as new trading members, bringing the total number of authorized market participants to seven.

The two institutions were officially granted membership on May 8, 2026, after successfully completing licensing requirements set by the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA). Both banks met the operational, technical, and regulatory standards required to operate as intermediaries in the country’s nascent capital market.

With their admission, First Addis and Sinqee are now authorized to execute securities trades and facilitate investor access to market services.ESX Chief Executive Officer Tilahun E. Kassahun said the inclusion of the two banks reflects growing institutional capacity within Ethiopia’s capital market.

“The joining of these two institutions demonstrates the growing institutional readiness of the Ethiopian capital market,” he said. “Their participation will create broader options for both local and foreign individual and institutional investors.”

Market observers expect the addition of the two investment banks to boost liquidity and deepen market activity. As trading members, they are positioned to connect issuers seeking capital with a broader pool of investors, supporting corporate fundraising efforts while expanding investment opportunities for the public.