Individuals accounted for more than 74% of fund certificate ownership as investment funds operating in Egypt rose to 187 by the end of March 2026.

Investment funds in Egypt recorded strong growth during the first quarter of 2026, with net asset values rising to approximately USD 7.8 billion (EGP 410.6B) by the end of March. This is according to the Financial Regulatory Authority’s first report on the performance of investment funds operating.

Why You Should Care

The latest Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) figures point to continued growth in Egypt’s non-banking financial sector, as investment funds attract a broader investor base and expand the range of products available in the market. 

The report also shows individuals continuing to dominate fund ownership, reflecting growing participation from retail investors in regulated investment products.

According to the FRA, the net asset value (NAV) of investment funds increased from around USD 5.97 billion (EGP 316B) at the end of December 2025 to approximately USD 7.8 billion (EGP 410.6B) by the end of March 2026.

The report attributed this growth to the launch of new funds, an expanding investor base, and the diversification of available investment products.

The total number of investment funds operating in Egypt reached 187 by the end of Q1 2026, up from 172 at the end of 2025. This reflects the growth of the asset management industry and expanding activity by financial institutions offering investment products tailored to various investor segments.

Investment fund certificates also recorded notable growth, rising to 31.4 billion certificates by the end of March 2026, compared to 20.3 billion at the end of December 2025. The report described this as an indicator of increasing investment awareness and broader participation in investment funds.

Individuals continued to represent the largest share of fund certificate holders, accounting for 74.34% of total ownership. Meanwhile, legal entities, including companies and institutions, represented 15.98%.

In terms of fund categories, EGP Money Market Funds recorded the largest net asset value at approximately USD 5.2 billion (EGP 276.5B). It is followed by Equity Funds with around USD 1.07 billion (EGP 56.4B).

Precious Metals Funds also posted strong growth, with net asset values increasing from USD 96.23 million (EGP 5.1B) at the end of 2025 to more than USD 188.7 million (EGP 10B) by the end of Q1 2026. The FRA attributed this increase to continued investor demand for instruments linked to precious metals.

The report also showed that Precious Metals Funds recorded the highest average quarterly return at 20.37%, followed by Index Funds at 7.54% and Private Equity Funds at 7.21%.

The Ripple

The growth in investment fund activity comes as Egypt’s financial sector continues to broaden the range of regulated investment products available to individuals and institutions. 

Rising participation in funds, particularly among retail investors, supports deeper capital market activity and provides financial institutions with greater room to expand asset management offerings.

The strong performance of Precious Metals Funds during the quarter also reflects how investors are continuing to diversify into different asset classes amid ongoing regional and global economic uncertainty.

What to Watch

The pace of new fund launches and product diversification continues to confirm the resilience of the Egyptian economy despite international and regional tensions. Furthermore, these results highlight the growing attractiveness of the non-banking financial sector. It also highlights its ability to provide diverse, secure investment tools that meet the needs of various investor segments.

The FRA continues to develop the regulatory and legislative frameworks governing investment fund activities. The Authority aims to enhance transparency and efficiency, protect investors’ rights, support innovation in non-banking financial products and services, and expand the use of financial technology.