Question 1

Why do I need a securities dealer to buy and sell shares?

Accepted Answer

Only firms licensed by the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority and admitted as trading members of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange can place orders on the exchange. You cannot trade listed securities directly yourself. A licensed dealer such as Ethio Fidelity gives you access to the market, executes your orders under a best execution obligation, settles the trade through the Central Securities Depository, and operates under regulatory supervision designed to protect you.

Question 2

What services does Ethio Fidelity Securities offer?

Accepted Answer

We deal in listed equities and fixed income securities for institutional and retail clients, we trade on our own account as a market maker to support liquidity on the exchange, and we publish market research and company analysis. We are licensed as a securities dealer, which is distinct from an investment bank. We do not provide underwriting or corporate finance advisory services.

Question 3

How does Ethio Fidelity work with institutional clients?

Accepted Answer

Institutional clients are assigned a dealer who understands the mandate they are trading against. We discuss timing and sizing before working larger orders so that execution reflects genuine market demand rather than the footprint of the order itself, we provide detailed market research, and we can structure fixed income maturity ladders around an institution's own liability profile.

Question 4

Can individual investors open an account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We serve individual investors alongside institutions. You can begin your application online, and our team will guide you through account opening, help you understand the risks involved, and answer questions about how the exchange works. There is no requirement to be an experienced investor.

Question 5

What makes Ethio Fidelity different?

Accepted Answer

We were the first securities dealer licensed by ECMA, granted on 21 March 2025, and the first independently established dealer admitted as an ESX trading member on 30 July 2025. Because we hold a dealer licence, we commit our own capital to quoting two-way prices, which narrows spreads and means there is usually a price available when you want to trade.

Question 6

How do I open a trading account?

Accepted Answer

Start the application online, and we will contact you to complete verification. You will need to provide identification and a small number of supporting documents so that we can meet our know-your-customer obligations. Once verified, a securities account is created for you at the Central Securities Depository and you can begin placing orders.

Question 7

What documents do I need to open an account?

Accepted Answer

Individual applicants need a valid government-issued photo identification such as a national ID, passport or driving licence, proof of address, a recent photograph, and their tax identification number. Institutional applicants additionally need their certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of association, a board resolution authorising the account, and identification for each authorised signatory and beneficial owner. Our team will confirm exactly what applies to you.

Question 8

Is there a minimum amount required to start investing?

Accepted Answer

There is no fixed minimum to open an account. In practice the amount you need depends on the price of the securities you want to buy and the minimum tradeable lot for those securities. Speak to our team and we will tell you what is realistic for what you have in mind.

Question 9

How do I place an order?

Accepted Answer

You can place orders by contacting our trading desk directly by telephone or email. Every instruction is recorded, and you receive a contract note confirming the price, quantity, commission and settlement date once the order is executed.

Question 10

When does the exchange trade, and when do trades settle?

Accepted Answer

The Ethiopian Securities Exchange operates defined trading sessions on business days, and settlement takes place through the Central Securities Depository within the settlement cycle set by the exchange. Because these schedules are set by the ESX and can change, please confirm current session and settlement timings with our trading desk before you plan around them.

Question 11

What is best execution?

Accepted Answer

Best execution is our obligation to take all sufficient steps to obtain the best possible result for you when we execute your order, considering price, cost, speed, likelihood of execution and settlement, and the size and nature of the order. It does not guarantee the best price on every single trade. It requires a consistent process designed to deliver the best overall outcome. Our full policy is published on this site.

Question 12

What does it cost to trade?

Accepted Answer

Charges comprise our commission plus exchange, regulatory and depository fees. All charges applicable to your account are disclosed to you in writing before you trade, and every contract note itemises what was deducted from a given transaction. Contact us for the current schedule of charges.

Question 13

Is Ethio Fidelity regulated, and how is my money protected?

Accepted Answer

Ethio Fidelity Securities S.C. is licensed as a securities dealer by the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority and is a trading member of the Ethiopian Securities Exchange. Your securities are held in your own account at the Central Securities Depository, and client money is held separately from the firm's own funds. Being regulated does not remove investment risk. The value of your investments can still fall.

Question 14

How do I make a complaint?

Accepted Answer

Contact us at info@ethiofidelity.com or telephone the office, and we will acknowledge your complaint and investigate it under our published complaints handling procedure. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may escalate the matter to the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority.

Questions, answered plainly

General

Accounts & onboarding

Trading & execution

Costs & charges

Regulation & protection

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