Most of your wealth may not make it to the next generation- Henry Hollingdrake.

At a round table discussion with our team, Henry Hollingdrake: representing; ARM Trustees Limited, stated that the chances of wealth being efficiently transferred successfully to the next generation without incurring liabilities and unnecessary risk combined with the ability to further invest free from any restraints and excessive taxation are more complicated now than ever before.

He buttressed that this is ironic given today’s world offers a lot more accessible tools for transfer and preservation of wealth. Tools like estate planning, wills and relevant estate planning vehicles such as Trusts and Foundations for example.

In breaking down this claim, he further explained that in today’s world, owning valuable assets does not always guarantee the value of the assets will be preserved when transferred to the next generation. In worse cases where there is intestate succession, i.e. no Will or mechanism in place to pass on wealth, this function is left to the state to decide.

Even if there is an estate plan in place, it would at least need to provide for adequate asset protection and future growth. One also needs guard against excessive professional fees charged against an Estate that is fraught with complications on death.

Engaging him further, we asked, if your claims are indeedvalid, how does one ensure that wealth is transferred and enjoyed by one’s next generation?

In his response, he stated that first, we must be willing to leverage estate planning tools like Wills, Guardianship documentation, Trusts and Foundations as well as the utilisation of relevant co-ordinated structure for larger and more complex estates. He explained that an Estate Plan be it local or international includes having strategies in place to manage: the effect of inheritance tax, ease of wealth transfer and business succession relating to investments, real-estate, your pension fund, and other assets, which could form a significant portion of your wealth.

An estate plan will help individuals and families with both local and international assets, investments and business operations give careful consideration and properly document their holdings to ensure the assets are protected and passed on to future generations. This is effective, legally robust, practical and efficient. Estate planning offers you protection without borders, especially considering potential shifts in Residency and Citizenship, which may impact one’s wealth. The protection of effective management and ownership of a business operation can also be safeguarded by setting up a Succession plan.

Mr. Hollingdrake concluded the round table discussion by stating that familieswho seek to get started on understanding what is required for an estate plan or indeed would like to set one up,  can reach out to ARM Trustees Limited, an independent award-winning firm with over 20 years’ experience in this field and now also offering international solutions.’

ARM Trustees bags international award for Private Trust

ARM Trustees has been recognized with an award for its contributions to Private Trust Law practice in Nigeria.

The award was given by Lawyers World, a United Kingdom-based awarding body on July 12th. 2019, named ARM Trustees in the Global Category of outstanding Private Trust law specialists following the success and growth of the Private Trust business, its international and local collaborations and several other factors taken into consideration by the voting public. The announcement was made after a comprehensive collation of thousands of voting nominations sent in from voters over a period of 12 months.

In response to this award, Mrs. Folashade Adeloye, Managing Director of ARM Trustees Limited said “We are delighted to receive this award and also accept it as a challenge to do even more in ensuring that  our clients receive the best strategies for effective estate planning. We remain focused on helping our clients preserve and enhance their wealth for generations to come.”

Established in 2001, Lawyers World Awards boasts of providing definitive guides to the world’s leading law specialists. They have awarded hundreds of outstanding law specialists from over 20 countries in various categories since 2011 in their Global and Country Law experts Categories respectively.

ARM Life Named among ‘Companies to Inspire Africa’

The London Stock Exchange (LSE) has recognised ARM Life Plc, following the company’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

This honour came after the company was featured in the ‘Companies to Inspire Africa 2019 report’, which was published by PwC Africa in conjunction with the LSE.

The NSE, recently partnered with the LSE and PwC Africa to host participating companies, market operators and international participants in Lagos.
The British Deputy High Commissioner would also host a networking reception, and select fast-growing companies in Africa, to celebrate the launch of the report in Lagos.

According to the LSEG, the criteria for giving the awards to ARM Life were its high standards of corporate governance, year-on-year growth trajectory, ethical business practices: challenging the status quo and being the benchmark for competition in this regard.

The Managing Director, ARM Life, Mr Stephen Alangbo, while speaking on the recognition said, “This in turn makes us a delight to our customers and partners thereby gaining their loyalty.”
He explained that the company’s year-on-year growth achieved in gross premium written, profitability and policy count were attributable to the unique strategy and values of the organisation.

The 2018 financial report of the company showed that ARM Life paid N604.15 million claims to its customer in the year under review, while its gross premium earned rose from N3.58 billion in 2017, to N5.699 billion in 2018.

As published on This Day Newspaper

What You Need To Know About Airtel IPO

airtel ipo

Airtel Africa Plc released its prospectus for a global Initial Public Offer (IPO) of ordinary shares worth $750mn (N270.0bn). The offer size translates to an addition of 595.2 million to 744.0 million ordinary shares to its current shareholding.

The Company expects to be admitted to the premium listing segment of the main board of the London Stock Exchange (LSE) at an offer price ranging between £0.8-£1.0/share. Also, the offer price for the Nigerian issue is expected to be within the range of N363 and N454/share, scheduled for listing on 4th of July.

 KEY INFORMATION FOR INVESTORS

  • ISSUER – Airtel Africa Plc
  • DOMICILE AND LEGAL FORM OF ISSUER – the United Kingdom, Public Company limited by Shares
  • ISSUING HOUSES – Barclays Securities Nigeria Limited and Quantum Zenith Securities & Investments Limited
  • METHOD OF OFFER – By way of book building
  • CURRENCY OF ISSUE – Nigerian Naira The currency of issue of Offer Shares sold pursuant to the Nigerian Offer shall be Naira.
  • OFFER PRICE – ₦363 to ₦454 (80 pence to 100 pence) The Offer Price for Offer Shares sold pursuant to the Nigerian Offer shall be determined by reference to the £:US$ last practicable date prior to pricing and may, therefore, differ from the indicative range set out herein
  • OFFER SIZE – 501,125,542 to 716,406,927 ordinary shares.
  • PURPOSE – The sole purpose of the issue is to deleverage the company’s balance sheet.
  • TYPE AND CLASS OF SECURITIES BEING ADMITTED TO TRADING – Ordinary shares of US$1.00 each ranking pari passu with other issued Ordinary Shares of the issuer
  • FUNGIBILITY STATUS: The shares listed on the NSE are fungible which means the shares can be traded on the London stock exchange (LSE)
  • NIGERIAN ADMISSION – Application has been made to Nigerian SEC and stock exchange (NSE) for registration of the Ordinary Shares set to be issued in connection with the offer.
  • EXPENSES CHARGED TO THE INVESTOR NOT APPLICABLE. – No expenses will be charged by the Company to any investor who purchases the Nigerian Offer Shares pursuant to the Nigerian Offer

To invest in Airtel shares, sign up at www.armstocktrade.com if you don’t have an account with us. Already a member? Log on to our portal to start trading.

Need help? Contact us via:
Email: customerservice@armsecurities.com.ng
Phone no: +234 (1) 2701096, 2701653; 0700 CALLARM (0700 225 5276)

Rising Tide Africa launched with ARM at African Angel Investment Summit

A group of experienced international business, Angel Investment angels and women investors from Africa, Europe and the USA have come together with ARM Securities Ltd. and ARM Trustees Ltd. to create “Rising Tide Africa”, (RTA) a unique, trans-border women-oriented investment program and funded by private investors who believe they will bring about positive change by investing in the continent’s exciting start-ups and next generation to create a New Africa.  The investments will range from 50 K USD to 500 K USD but always with the goal of bringing about a positive change.

Rising Tide Africa will be powered by ARM Securities Limited and ARM Trustees Limited, both members of the ARM Group which have been leading investments in entrepreneurial ventures and are dedicated to bringing about a better Africa.  In particular, ARM Securities will be bringing its financial advisory experience to help power “Rising Tide Africa” and will also share deal-flow on a case-by-case basis.

RTA shall be a leading and pre-eminent managed investment pool primarily focused on investments in digitally and technology-enabled companies.  This will bring a quantitative as well as qualitative return to improving the lives and lifestyles on the African continent, by, for example, providing access to health, education, energy, water, agriculture, commerce, transport, and several communications services and infrastructure. RTA will also be actively involved in the promotion of investment literacy among women in Africa.

It is intended that RTA shall be a preferred equity partner in Africa and a first mover in technology and digitally-enabled, early-stage technology investing in most parts of Africa. RTA seeks to pursue investment opportunities that have the potential to yield strong financial returns and significant impact in Africa.

RTA seeks to offer women an opportunity to build a diversified portfolio of early-stage investments in innovative African companies as well as training opportunities for women to become sophisticated angel investors, and networking with other women in this one of a kind angel community.

 

Rising Tide Africa” is by far the most ambitious incarnation of the “Rising Tide/Next Wave” movement which aims to bring experienced women private angel investors together with experienced business and corporate women executives who are investing for the first time. The movement originally started in the USA in 2015, followed in quick succession one month later in Europe with Rising Tide Europe 1 and 2 and now Rising Tide Africa.  Several of the Rising Tide Europe Board Members, Deal Leaders and LPs are involved in the setting up Rising Tide Africa.

The President of Rising Tide Africa is Dr Ndidi Nnoli Edozien (Nigeria) and the Board Members are Rebecca Enenchong (Cameroon), Evelyn Oputu (Nigeria), Hedda Pahlson-Moller (Sweden), Olayemi Wonuola Keri Crisc, (Nigerian), Clementine Vervelde (Rwanda), and Isabelle de Melo (Mauritius/Swiss) and a Representative from the ARM Group.  The Investment Committee Members are Brigitte Baumann (Swiss), Candace Johnson (USA/France/Luxembourg), Audrey Mothupi (South Africa) and Lexi Novitske (USA/Nigeria). ARM Securities Ltd and ARM Trustees Ltd. will also be represented in the Investment Committee.

 

Quotes:

Dr Ndidi Nnoli Edozien, President of Rising Tide Africa:  “It is my privilege to play a founding role inspiring this Movement of Investors from diverse backgrounds, co-investing with a shared vision to harness, develop, educate, mentor and network across borders, while nurturing scalable, replicable ventures that contribute to sustainable economic growth across our great continent Africa, most excitedly powered by some of the world’s most courageous Women.”

 

Jumoke Ogundare, Group CEO, Asset & Resource Management Holding Company Ltd.:  “We are proud to be associated with the RTA and support its raison d’etre of bringing together women, innovation and business. This combination would undoubtedly stimulate economic growth in Africa.”

Tomi Davies, President ABAN: “We at ABAN are very happy to support such an innovative approach to investing on the continent.  With RTA our women take their rightful place in contributing to the advancement of the African entrepreneurial ecosystem.  I am proud that ABAN is able to help make this happen and commend the initiators of this laudable project.”

 

Candace Johnson, President EBAN: “It is an honour to work with ABAN, the ARM Group, and Go-Beyond to create ‘Rising Tide Africa’.  We are looking forward to making great investments together which will bring about a ‘New Africa’.”

 

Brigitte Baumann, Founder and Chair of Go Beyond: “We are delighted to support RTA, the first of its kind learning and investing program leveraging the experience gained with the Rising Tide Europe programs. “

 

Who is ABAN?

The African Business Angel Network (ABAN) is a pan African non-profit association founded early 2015 to support the development of early stage investor networks across the continent and to get many more (early stage) investors excited about the opportunities in Africa.

 

Who is ARM Securities Ltd?

ARM Securities Limited is a limited liability company licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as Issuing House and Broker-Dealer firm respectively. Formerly known as Hamilton Hammer, the Company commenced operations in 1994 and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Asset & Resource Management Traditional Asset Management Limited (ARMTAM) in 2008. ARM TAM is a member of the ARM Holding Company Limited, the largest, independent non-bank financial institution in Nigeria.  Under ARM’s leadership, the Company has successfully been repositioned as a recognized financial advisory and brokerage firm in Nigeria.

 

Who is ARM Trustees Ltd?

ARM Trustees Limited (“ARMT”), incorporated in October 1997, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ARM Traditional Asset Management Limited (ARMTAM), a member of the Asset & Resource Management Holding Company Limited.  Licensed by the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), ARMT was incorporated to carry out a wide range of trusteeship services to Public sector, Corporates, Institutional and Private clients. ARMT’s corporate trust services include trusteeship under Private Equity structures, Loan Syndication/Consortium, Project/Structured Finance, Collective Investment Schemes, and Debenture Trust arrangements. The Company also renders private trust and estate planning services.

 

Who is EBAN?

EBAN is the pan-European representative for the early stage investor gathering over 150 member organizations more than 50 countries today. Established in 1999 by a group of pioneer angel networks in Europe with the collaboration of the European Commission and EURADA, EBAN represents a sector estimated to invest 7.5 billion Euros a year and playing a vital role in Europe’s future, notably in the funding of SMEs. EBAN fuels Europe’s growth through the creation of wealth and jobs.

 

Who is Go Beyond?

Go Beyond Investing enables novice & experienced, small & large investors, to access angel investing as an asset class through its unique platform, portfolio tools, education and expert angels. Go Beyond operates in Europe and the US. It has been in the top 10 Swiss FinTech startups in 2015 and 2016.  Go Beyond is managing the Rising Tide Europe 1 and 2 programs.

 

Who is Entitled to Stella’s Money?

Stella's-Money-Infographic-(Final)---Email

[nectar_btn size=”large” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” color_override=”#d0701a” icon_family=”none” url=”http://trustee.gbaradi.com/rsa-wills-result/” text=”See Answer Here”]

Brexit – The Nigerian Perspective

If you listen to news of any kind, especially international news, you would definitely have heard the term ‘Brexit’ more than a few times in the last few days. Coined from Britain- Exit, the term refers to Britain’s decision to pull out of the European Union.

Over 70 years after the establishment of the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom is the first country to demand an exit.  The decision is the direct consequence of a referendum (poll) where 52% of the population voted ‘Leave’ over the 48% that voted ‘Remain’.  Such a referendum is the first of its kind, with no precedent or example as to how the proceedings will go or what the world should expect. Analysts world over have however attempted to predict events that will follow and likely implications.

For Nigeria as a commonwealth nation, the eventual implications of Brexit might trickle down to us. In the immediate aftermath, there are just a handful of markers to consider in discussing Brexit for the benefit of Nigerians.

brexit-1481024_960_720

Weaker Great Britain Pound:  The first Brexit impact is the weakening of the Great Britain Pound relative to other currencies. Hence buying pounds now might not be a great idea. On the other hand, Shopping in the UK might be less expensive as the Naira will likely buy more than it would have before now.

Risky Investment threshold: Brexit poses a lot of political and economic uncertainty pending the actualisation of the breakaway. Foreign investors would be wary of pumping money into unstable economies. Hence, developing countries like Nigeria, which are generally considered as high risk investment destinations, are likely to witness even more reduced foreign investments.

Lower oil prices: In the aftermath of the Brexit vote, oil prices have weakened which is a negative for Nigeria as a major oil exporting country.

Eurobond issuance impossible or inflated: As stated in the 2016 budget, Nigeria plans to issue Eurobond to the tune of $US1 billion to finance the government spending. In the face of these economic uncertainties following Brexit, Nigeria will most likely find it difficult to raise the bond or at best will be forced to borrow at a much higher (expensive) rate.

Nigeria will be forced to look within for revenue: As a consequence of the above, including the potential decline in foreign investments, Nigeria will have to innovate internally to raise the funds needed to run the nation.

Travel processes remain the same: if you are a frequent UK traveller, you need not worry. Travel processes are likely to remain the same regardless of Brexit.

Should you invest in spite of all these? Yes, uncertain times are the best times to invest, especially because panic sell-offs are likely to be overdone. Investing now would allow you purchase good assets at cheaper prices with potential to generate greater returns in the near future.