First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has expanded its mobile banking capabilities by introducing an in-app mutual fund investment feature that enables customers to discover, buy and manage mutual funds without leaving the bank’s app. The move forms part of FCMB’s strategy to create a unified digital financial ecosystem that combines everyday banking with accessible investment options.

What the feature does

The new investment module lets users:

  • Open an investment account inside the FCMB mobile app.
  • Browse a curated list of mutual funds from FCMB Asset Management.
  • Invest in multiple classes — such as money-market, equity, debt and USD-bond funds.
  • Monitor holdings and request redemptions or transfers back to the customer’s bank account.

Why this matters for customers

Embedding mutual funds within the FCMB banking app reduces friction for new and existing customers. Instead of creating separate accounts on fund platforms, customers can transition from routine banking tasks (checks, transfers, payments) to long-term investing in a few taps. This convenience is a key driver for adoption among younger, time-constrained users and for those who are new to formal investing.

Who the initial funds suit

Each fund type addresses a different investor objective:

  • Money-market funds — for liquidity and short-term preservation of capital.
  • Debt funds — for conservative investors seeking regular income and lower volatility.
  • Equity funds — for long-term growth with higher volatility tolerance.
  • USD-bond funds — for exposure to foreign-currency fixed income and currency diversification.

Practical tips before you invest

Proactive steps customers should take:

  • Update your app: Install the latest FCMB mobile app release to see the investment option.
  • Read fund documents: Review the fund prospectus, minimum investments, and fee schedule.
  • Check liquidity: Confirm redemption timelines and any early-exit penalties.
  • Match risk to goals: Use the fund’s objective and historical volatility to determine suitability.
  • Consider currency risk: USD funds add foreign-exchange exposure which can be a hedge or an extra risk.

FCMB’s launch comes as banks, fintechs and asset managers increasingly converge: digital accessibility, product bundling and data-driven personalisation are reshaping the customer experience. From a regulatory perspective, the trend calls for transparent disclosure, stronger digital investor education, and robust AML/KYC processes embedded into digital onboarding flows.

How this affects competition & customer behaviour

With in-app investing, FCMB stands to increase customer stickiness by offering one-stop financial services. Competitors — both legacy banks and agile fintechs — may be compelled to add or improve their wealth features. For customers, lower friction and better UX typically translate into earlier participation in investment markets and higher long-term savings rates.

Product roadmap: what could come next

Potential near-term enhancements that would deepen the product’s value:

  • Expanded fund choices (sector, thematic, ESG or passive/index funds).
  • Goal-based investing, automated rebalancing, and robo-advisor recommendations.
  • Portfolio analytics and personalised insights (risk score, allocation heatmaps).
  • Integrations for cross-device continuity — mobile, web and branch support.


FCMB’s in-app mutual fund feature is a pragmatic step toward holistic digital banking. By lowering access barriers and simplifying the path from banking to investing, the bank is helping nudge more Nigerians toward structured savings and wealth building — provided that customers pair the convenience with careful review of risks, fees and suitability.

Further reading & resources

Suggested next steps for readers:

  • Download the latest FCMB app from the official store and look for the Investments/Wealth tab.
  • Request a fund prospectus from FCMB Asset Management before you invest.
  • Review independent fund performance data and compare fees — higher returns often come with higher risk.