Kim Eng expands retail investor base with its first investor centre

The group has also launched KE Forex, for trading foreign exchange and KE Trade Mobile, a iPhone app for stocks trading.

Kim Eng Securities opened its very first retail investor centre earlier this week in the latest megamall in Singapore, Nex at Serangoon Central.

The investor centre will allow investors to access Kim Eng’s stock broking services and educational seminars in a convenient and comfortable location, according to a Kim Eng report.

Explaining the rationale behind the opening of Kim Eng’s first investor centre, Chairman and CEO of Kim Eng Holdings, Mr. Ronald Ooi said, “We are looking to grow our client base by 20% in the next three years and opening this investor centre is part of our retail growth strategy.”

Mr. Ooi added, “Our aim is to make investing through Kim Eng accessible to everyone. Whether you are a savvy investor or a first- timer, we want to be approachable and to provide you with the products, trading platforms, research analysis and educational seminars that we hope will empower you to take charge of your investment strategy. The retail customer has been at the core of our business across Asia throughout our history and we will constantly innovate and reachout to this group of customers.”

As part of its investor centre opening promotion, anyone visiting the investor centre from now till 31 Jan 2011 will get a chance to take part in a contest to pick the best performing SGX stock for the month of February 2011 and win S$8,888.

Concurrently, Kim Eng has launched a new branding campaign featuring the iconic fortune cat, a popular Asian symbol of wealth and prosperity, as Kim Eng guides clients towards prosperity.

Another new product offering is KE Forex, a product which allows clients to trade foreign exchange. It has a “no dealing desk” execution model, so clients can trade with a complete ease of mind, knowing that Kim Eng does not operate as a market maker and hence does not take any positions against clients.

Recently, Kim Eng launched KE Trade Mobile, an iPhone app that allows its clients to trade stocks while on-the-move. Its features and usability have garnered many positive reviews since its launch.

Kim Eng is also aggressively expanding its reach in the region so as to cement its position as a leading regional player. Together with Berjaya Corp’s Interpac Securities, it has entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement on 26 November 2010, where Kim Eng will hold a 70% stake in a newly incorporated special purpose company (“SPV”) whilst Interpac Securities will hold up to 30% stake in the SPV of which 5% stake may be held by key employees of SPV subject to regulatory approval.

Underscoring Kim Eng's commitment towards geographical diversification and enhancement of its products and services, Mr. Ooi said, “As we look to the future, Kim Eng will continue to focus on product innovation and strategic investments in technology and people, so as to deliver better service and products to our clients in Singapore and the region.”