CIO East Africa - Business Technology Leadership

Custody and Registrars (C&R) has announced a name change as it rebrands to tap regional opportunities in share registration services and incorporate document management solutions, a newly launched division of the firm.

Custody and Registrars Services, will operate under the trademark C&R Group, and is expected to expand to the East African region as it focuses on roll out of its share registry and document management services in these regional markets.

The name re-brand is part of the companies overall growth strategy and diversification as it seeks to grow its business in the region.

According to Ms. Kerry-Ann Makatiani, C&R Group CEO, the new corporate brand is expected to support the company's growth into new business segments.

"The firm's core business is share registry, and while we remain fully committed to this business, we have diversified our service provision to related services such as document management solutions, a major need for companies in the region," said Ms Makatiani.

C&R is the largest provider of share registrar's services in Kenya, currently commanding 34% market share in view of share registry service provision to listed companies. The firm is leveraging on its upgraded IT based solutions as part of a strategic plan to deliver cutting edge services. Among other elements, C&R is now in a position to offer electronic annual reports and electronic management of shares accounts. Last year the company also tested its mobile dividend payment solution and will be rolling the product out this year.

Ms Makatiani said the firm will continue to put technology at the center of the investor experience. "Today we have a robust IT system that enables shareholders to access up to date information on their investment portfolio from remote locations and at the touch of a button," said Ms Makatiani. Shareholders can access information such as dividend balances, account details, mandate details at the touch of a button, through their mobile phone or online, anytime, anywhere, still a first in the region.