What you need to know about STANLIB Lesotho
- Relebohile Kabelo
- Jan 27
- 12 min read
There are many companies that some Basotho are aware of, but they do not know what products these companies provide. STANLIB Lesotho is one of those companies. Not many Basotho are well informed about STANLIB's products, and one might assume this is due to our poor economy, as the majority of ordinary people would not be able to afford them even if they were aware of them. However, I would argue that this view is unfair, as Lesotho's economy is sufficiently robust to encourage any layperson to invest in financial products. This is exactly why STANLIB operates in Lesotho, especially considering that it is only present in a few countries across Africa. If STANLIB has been in Lesotho since 2001, who are we to claim that our economy is too poor for us to invest our money? Now, you may be wondering what STANLIB Lesotho has in store for you. Don't worry, I will highlight everything you need to know about their products in this article.
STANLIB is a subsidiary of the Standard Bank Group and is fully owned by Liberty Holdings Limited. It was founded in 2002 when Standard Bank Asset Management and Liberty Asset Management joined forces, hence the name "STAN" from Standard Bank and "LIB" from Liberty. It currently operates in nine African countries, including Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini, Uganda, Botswana, Kenya, and South Africa, and has business partners in North America, the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Its head office is located in Johannesburg, South Africa.
STANLIB Lesotho was established in August 2001 as part of the Government of Lesotho's privatization and private sector development program. It is co-owned by Liberty Holdings (South Africa) and Sekhametsi Investment Consortium (Lesotho), with management handled by STANLIB Asset Management, a South African-based asset management company.
STANLIB Lesotho is a legally registered financial institution regulated by the Central Bank of Lesotho under the Collective Investment Schemes Regulations, 2018. This regulatory oversight ensures that investing with STANLIB Lesotho is safe, as it is a licensed financial services provider employing professional asset managers to handle your investments.
If you are familiar with how financial services operate and simply want to learn about STANLIB Lesotho's products, feel free to skip ahead to the subtopic that starts with "STANLIB Lesotho’s products include," as the following paragraphs provide context on how financial services work.There are many reasons why you should invest your money, and this is reflected in the phrase "you can't have your cake and eat it too." It means that you need to make sacrifices in order to secure a fruitful future, and in terms of finances, this means growing your money. Money is earned in various ways, including providing services or selling items, which is commonly known as trading. Trading often stops around the age of 65 for most individuals, which is why it is important to "eat the cake later." Before the age of 65, people are active enough to build an income that sustains their lives through the same trading activities. However, at 65, they are often forced to retire because they need rest as they grow older. It is during retirement that many people require new sources of income, and those who were wise enough not to "eat their cake" earlier are usually fortunate enough to still have something financing their lives. This is why saving money is important, but bear in mind that there are different timeframes for saving, and it can either be long-term or short-term.
Besides trading services or items, one way to grow your money is by investing in assets. There are various types of assets, including property, minerals, and financial assets. Many of these assets are too expensive to invest in, and since most ordinary people do not have sufficient funds to invest in them, financial institutions such as STANLIB Lesotho exist to provide more affordable investment packages. An asset can be invested in because its value is not stagnant; it can either gain or lose value. The device (your smartphone, laptop, or whatever you are using) you are using to read this article can be considered an asset. For illustration, let’s assume you bought it for M1000. As you continue using it, its value could either increase or decrease compared to the original price. In most cases, our devices depreciate because they wear out with use. However, let’s suppose the same device you are using is discontinued, taken off shelves, and never produced or sold again. In this case, the device could become more valuable over time, as it might be considered a historical artifact in the future. Supply and demand play a huge role in determining the worth of the asset you own. For instance, if museums want to acquire it for their collection, the demand would rise, and its value would likely increase. However, if no one wants it, you cannot sell it for the same price you bought it for, as it has been used, and anyone can still buy a new one from the store at the same price.
Since this article focuses on financial products, let me use an example related to financial assets. There are various types of financial assets, with the most popular being bonds and shares. A bond is money you lend to institutions, such as governments or companies, when they need funding for purposes like infrastructure development for governments or expansion for companies. A share, on the other hand, is when you buy a part of a company; unlike borrowing, you are purchasing ownership in the company. There are different institutions that provide these assets, but since it can be quite expensive to invest directly in them, institutions like STANLIB Lesotho are designed to help people with limited funds access them. These assets are available through products such as money market funds, pension funds, and similar offerings. For example, when you invest your money in a pension fund (an account intended to be accessed after retirement to provide pension income), your money earns interest, meaning you will receive more than you initially invested.
When it comes to investing in financial assets, it is advisable to conduct your own research and consult professional advisors, as failing to tread carefully could result in losing your money. For STANLIB Lesotho, you can always visit their offices and inquire about everything you need to know. The products I will be sharing are meant to provide general information, and if you require more specific details, such as exact returns on your investment, it is best to visit their offices.STANLIB Lesotho's products include:
STANLIB Lesotho Income Fund
STANLIB Lesotho Money Market Fund
STANLIB Lesotho Equity Fund
Lesotho Unit Trust Fund
N.B.: I won’t be mentioning percentage returns for each product because financial institutions often keep interest rates on their products private. The only way to find out the exact percentages is by visiting their offices and inquiring directly. What you need to know about STANLIB Lesotho's returns is that they are generally higher than those offered by banks. Banks typically offer around 3%–5% per annum on fixed deposits, while STANLIB Lesotho offers a range of 9%–25%, depending on the product being invested in.1. STANLIB Lesotho Income Fund The STANLIB Lesotho Income Fund is a unit trust designed to generate a reasonable level of income while preserving the stability of the capital invested. In simpler terms, it’s a safe and conservative investment option that aims to provide consistent returns.
What Does the Fund Invest In?
The Fund invests in fixed income securities (like bonds) and other stable, non-equity assets such as:
Financially sound preference shares
Debenture stocks and bonds
Other secure instruments within the Common Monetary Area (CMA), which includes Lesotho, South Africa, Namibia, and Eswatini.
These investments focus on stability and are managed by a team of skilled fund managers to ensure optimal performance.
Why Choose the STANLIB Lesotho Income Fund?
Here’s why this Fund might appeal to you:
Low Risk: The Fund invests in stable, high-quality assets issued by credible institutions, minimizing the risk of capital loss.
Steady Returns: Fixed income investments often offer a better return than traditional savings or money market accounts. For example, bonds, the Fund’s core investment—typically yield around 9% annually.
Accessibility: With a minimum investment of just M5,000, it’s a great option for individuals or organizations looking to grow their income conservatively.
To illustrate, consider bonds: When you invest in a government bond, you’re effectively lending money to the government, which they use to fund various initiatives, including controlling inflation. Governments repay these loans with interest, making them a secure and predictable investment.
Key Features and Benefits
Quarterly Income Distributions: The Fund pays regular income to supplement your earnings.
Liquidity: You can access your funds when needed, as long as the minimum balance of M5,000 is maintained.
Economic Impact: By investing in local securities, the Fund also contributes to the development of Lesotho’s financial markets and infrastructure.
How to Get Started
Initial Investment: M5,000
Top-Ups: M1,000 minimum (via monthly debit order or as needed)
Withdrawals: Minimum account balance must remain at M5,000.
2. STANLIB Lesotho Money Market Fund
The STANLIB Lesotho Money Market Fund is a unit trust that focuses on maximizing income while keeping your capital safe and ensuring easy access to your money. In simple terms, it’s like having a supercharged savings account, your money works harder for you, earning higher returns than you’d get from a typical bank deposit.
What Does the Fund Invest In?
The Fund places your money into a mix of highly secure and short-term debt instruments, including:
Government securities, like treasury bills
Corporate financial instruments, such as negotiable certificates of deposit (NCDs), bankers’ acceptances, and commercial paper
Other debt securities issued by South African and Common Monetary Area (CMA) governments and banks, including Lesotho, Swaziland, and Namibia.
These are all fancy terms for short-term loans to governments and banks, where you earn interest on your investment. The Fund calculates interest daily and pays it out monthly, making it a reliable and consistent source of income.
Who Should Invest?
This Fund is perfect for individuals, companies, or institutions looking for:
A better return on cash: It offers higher interest rates than local bank deposits.
Flexibility: You can park your cash for the short term while having the freedom to withdraw funds with ease.
Low-risk investments: If you want a safe place to grow your money, this Fund is an excellent choice.
Think of it as a great alternative to traditional savings accounts, offering better yields with the same peace of mind.
Why Choose the STANLIB Lesotho Money Market Fund?
In the past, many of our parents relied on savings accounts for goals like buying a house, saving for education, or retirement. But now, the STANLIB Lesotho Money Market Fund gives you a smarter way to grow your cash while keeping it accessible. It’s an especially good fit if you need to set aside funds for a major expense or just want to earn more on your savings.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
Higher Returns: By pooling investments, the Fund can access high-yielding financial instruments that you wouldn’t be able to access as an individual investor.
Liquidity: Need to withdraw some funds? No problem, this Fund makes it easy to access your money when you need it.
Expert Management: The Fund is managed by one of Africa’s top money market teams, ensuring your money is in good hands.
How to Get Started
Minimum Investment: You can start with M10,000.
Top-Ups: Add as little as M1,000 at any time, whether through a monthly debit order or as a one-time contribution.
Withdrawals: You can take out money anytime, but make sure to leave at least M5,000 in the account to keep it active.
With the STANLIB Lesotho Money Market Fund, your money doesn’t just sit, it works for you. Whether you’re saving for a big goal, planning for emergencies, or simply looking for a safe, short-term parking bay for your cash, this Fund is a smart choice.
3. STANLIB Lesotho Equity Fund
The STANLIB Lesotho Equity Fund is a unit trust designed for steady growth in both your income and capital over time. If you’re thinking long-term and want your money to work harder, this Fund might be just what you need.
What Does the Fund Invest In?
The Fund primarily invests in equities (stocks) but also includes other securities and takes participatory interests in collective investment schemes. In simple terms, it’s all about putting your money into a mix of companies and investments with the potential for growth.
What makes this Fund unique is its style-agnostic approach, meaning it’s not limited to any single investment style like value or growth. Instead, the Fund managers use a bottom-up stock-picking approach to select high-performing companies. It also allows up to 25% investment offshore and 5% in African equities outside of South Africa, offering a bit of international flavor to diversify your portfolio.
Who Should Invest?
This Fund is ideal for individuals, companies, or institutions who:
Want steady, long-term capital growth
Have an investment horizon of five years or more
Are comfortable with medium to high risk in exchange for potentially higher returns
If you’re looking for a way to grow your wealth while taking on some calculated risk, this Fund can serve as the equity building block in your investment portfolio.
Why Choose the STANLIB Lesotho Equity Fund?
Here’s why this Fund stands out:
Growth-Oriented: The Fund is built for steady income and capital growth over the long term.
Expert Management: It’s managed by a dedicated Equity Team that uses insights from the STANLIB Research Team to make informed stock picks. They focus on companies with strong earnings growth, economic profitability, and attractive valuations.
Local Impact: Investing in this Fund doesn’t just benefit you, it also contributes to Lesotho’s economy. By investing in local securities, the Fund helps develop domestic capital markets, supporting the nation’s economic and infrastructure growth.
The Fund measures its performance against a benchmark and maintains a tracking error of 3-5%, ensuring disciplined management to meet its objectives.
How to Get Started
Minimum Investment: You can begin with M5,000.
Top-Ups: Add M1,000 or more anytime, through a monthly debit order or as needed.
Withdrawals: Keep a minimum of M5,000 in your account to remain active.
4. Lesotho Unit Trust Fund
The Lesotho Unit Trust Fund is like a financial all-rounder, it combines investments in equities, bonds, property, and cash to provide capital growth while keeping the risk and volatility lower than an equity-only portfolio. This is what’s called a multi-asset fund.
What Does It Invest In?
This Fund spreads investments across multiple asset classes, offering diversity that helps reduce risks and protect your capital. Think of it as not putting all your eggs in one basket. It includes:
Lesotho investments: Fixed income securities like bonds, treasury bills, fixed deposits, and negotiable certificates of deposit.
South African investments: Equities, bonds, listed property, commodities, and currencies.
Global investments: International equities, bonds, listed property, and currency exposure.
The Fund uses a balanced investment strategy, aiming for consistent, inflation-beating returns. It’s actively managed, meaning experts are constantly analyzing markets and adjusting the portfolio to keep it performing well.
Who Should Invest?
This Fund is great for those who:
Want steady, long-term capital growth with less risk than equity-only investments.
Prefer a low- to medium-risk investment approach.
Are looking for returns higher than fixed income funds over the medium to long term.
Want an investment that’s diversified across both local and international markets.
It’s suitable for individuals, retirement funds, and corporates who want a smart mix of income and growth over time. Whether you’re planning for retirement, building wealth for the future, or just looking for a stable investment, this Fund can work as a stand-alone solution or a part of a broader portfolio.
Why Choose the Lesotho Unit Trust Fund?
Here’s why it’s worth considering:
Diversified Growth: By investing in different asset classes, the Fund minimizes risk while aiming for consistent, inflation-beating returns.
Expert Management: It’s managed by the experienced STANLIB Balanced and Equity teams, using global research and expertise.
Local and Global Exposure: You get the best of both worlds, local fixed income securities combined with global equity markets.
This Fund also contributes to Lesotho’s economy by investing in local financial instruments, supporting domestic financial growth while offering attractive returns to investors.
How to Get Started
Minimum Investment: M5,000.
Top-Ups: Add M1,000 or more whenever you like, or set up a monthly debit order.
Withdrawals: Keep at least M5,000 in your account to keep it active.
How to Invest and Disinvest in STANLIB Lesotho Funds
Investor-Friendly Process
Getting started with STANLIB Lesotho is straightforward:
Complete the Application Form: Forms are available at STANLIB Lesotho’s head office, Standard Lesotho Bank branches, or the STANLIB website.
Submit Supporting Documents: Provide a certified copy of your ID or passport, proof of residence, and any additional documents required for your investment category.
Transfer Funds: Once your application is approved, transfer your initial investment to activate your account.
Simple Disinvestment Process
Need to withdraw your funds? It's just as easy:
Fill Out the Withdrawal Form: Ensure all necessary signatories approve and sign.
Choose Total or Partial Withdrawal: Funds will be transferred electronically to your account. For security reasons, payments can only be made to the account holder, not third parties.
Key Features of STANLIB Lesotho Unit Trusts
Affordability
Start investing with as little as M5,000 (lump sum) or a monthly debit order of M1,000.
No high costs or hidden fees make unit trusts accessible to a wide range of investors.
Flexibility
Switch between funds within the product suite as your goals evolve.
Reinvest income from one fund into another for diversified growth.
Safety and Regulation
Funds are regulated by the Central Bank of Lesotho, ensuring the highest standards of investor protection.
Oversight by trustees/custodians and annual audits ensure compliance and transparency.
Accessibility
Unit trusts are liquid, allowing you to access your money without withdrawal penalties.
Although designed for medium- to long-term investment, you can withdraw at short notice if needed.
Professional Management
Managed by STANLIB, the largest unit trust company in Southern Africa, with extensive expertise and a presence across multiple countries.
Regular Feedback
Receive monthly or quarterly statements detailing the performance of your investment for transparency and informed decision-making.
Diversification and Risk Profiles
Funds are diversified across asset classes, reducing volatility while maximizing returns.
Choose from conservative, moderate, or aggressive funds based on your risk tolerance.
Transparent Benchmarking
Fund performance is measured against established indices such as the STeFI Composite Index (Money Market and Income Funds) or the FTSE/JSE Shareholders Weighted All Share Index (Equity Fund).
In conclusion, if you have M5000 or more sitting around, visit STANLIB Lesotho or Standard Lesotho Bank and ask them how you can invest it so that it can grow into something more.
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