The Ethiopian Securities Exchange has officially onboarded Siinqee Investment Bank and First Addis Investment Bank as its 6th and 7th trading members, marking another step in the gradual deepening of Ethiopia’s capital market.
The onboarding ceremony was held at the ESX Trading Floor in Addis Ababa, bringing together key regulators, market participants, and financial institutions as the exchange continues expanding its operational base.
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“A Significant Milestone for Market Maturity” ESX CEO, Dr. Tilahun Kassahun
Speaking at the event, ESX CEO Tilahun described the development as a significant milestone for Ethiopia’s capital market.
He noted that reaching the 6th and 7th trading members signals growing market maturity and investor participation.
According to him, the expansion is not only about numbers but also about creating competitive options for investment banks, which strengthens efficiency and choice within the market ecosystem.
The Director General of the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority, Hanna Tehelku, emphasized that the market has already achieved important foundational milestones.
She noted that for commercial banks with investment subsidiaries, leveraging existing infrastructure can support faster integration into the capital market. However, she stressed that accountability remains central to building a credible financial system.
Hanna also acknowledged First Addis Investment Bank for its entry into the market, while delivering a cautious observation that investment account numbers remain very low. She emphasized the need for continued efforts to expand investor participation and deepen market engagement.
Speaking after receiving its trading member license, First Addis Investment Bank CEO Michael Addisu described the onboarding process as “flawless,” expressing gratitude to the regulatory authority and ESX for their support throughout the process.
He emphasized that building a functioning capital market requires strong collaboration among all stakeholders, stating that “to make things happen, we need to collaborate to make the market happen.”
He also thanked all institutions and individuals who supported the bank’s journey into becoming a trading member.
With the onboarding of Siinqee Investment Bank and First Addis Investment Bank, Ethiopia’s capital market continues to expand its institutional base, reinforcing efforts to diversify financing channels and strengthen long-term investment infrastructure beyond the traditional banking system.
