Strate, South Africa’s licensed central securities depository (CSD), together with approved CSD Participants and Euroclear, is pleased to announce the launch of Global Funds Access. This innovative solution gives South African investors a secure, efficient and standardised way to access international collective investment schemes through South Africa’s trusted financial market infrastructure.
We developed Global Funds Access in response to growing demand for offshore investment opportunities. The solution gives local investors access to approximately 250 000 global funds available through Euroclear FundsPlace, while benefiting from the governance, security and operational efficiencies of Strate’s existing market infrastructure.
“Global Funds Access represents a significant milestone in the evolution of South Africa’s financial market infrastructure. This solution delivers on our commitment to safeguarding investor assets while expanding access to international markets through trusted infrastructure,” says André Nortjé, Strate Chief Executive Officer.
A gateway to global investment opportunities
Through the CSD-to-CSD link between Strate and Euroclear’s International Central Securities Depository, Euroclear Bank, investors can access international funds through a single, standardised framework that reduces operational complexity and improves efficiency.
“Our collaboration with Strate demonstrates the value of connecting local and global financial market infrastructures. By combining Euroclear’s international funds ecosystem with Strate’s trusted market infrastructure, we are enabling South African investors to access a broader universe of investment opportunities through a seamless and secure operating model, supported by a range of services including data, rebates and distribution” says Bernard Ferran, Euroclear Group Chief Commercial Officer.
The solution offers:
- Access to approximately 250 000 international funds through a single access point
- A secure operating model supported by two highly regulated financial market infrastructures
- Segregated account structures that strengthen investor asset protection
- Standardised settlement, safekeeping, registry, asset servicing and reporting services aligned with international best practice
- A streamlined transfer agent account opening process
Built on trusted market infrastructure
Strate opened its account with Euroclear Bank in March 2024 following an extensive due diligence process. The account enables the secure movement and safekeeping of foreign securities through a recognised international market infrastructure framework.
As financial market infrastructures, Strate and Euroclear Bank operate within highly regulated environments that prioritise investor protection, operational resilience, transparency and asset security.
Through the Global Funds Access operating model, Strate and approved local CSD Participants support segregated account structures that provide enhanced protection and clear ownership records throughout the investment life cycle.
We look forward to helping clients to explore these new opportunities to grow their investments globally. For more information, contact CSDServices@strate.co.za.
