Mansa X vs Oak Special Fund
Compare Kenya’s two most-discussed special funds side by side, on published net returns as at 30 June 2026. Minimum investment KES 250,000 (Mansa X) · KES 500,000 (Oak) 🇰🇪
Min: Mansa X 250,000 · Oak 500,000
Min top-ups: 100,000 · 50,000
Mansa X vs Oak Special Fund: the short version
Mansa X (Standard Investment Bank, launched January 2019) is a global long/short multi-asset fund with a seven-year public track record: an average of 18.37% net per year since inception (per the Q2 2026 fact sheet), 20.74% net in 2025, and 10.97% net in the first half of 2026 (Q1 4.74%, Q2 5.95%). The combined Mansa X funds crossed USD 1 billion in assets under management in February 2026. Oak Special Fund (Faida Investment Bank, launched February 2024) targets 20% net per year from a portfolio benchmarked 30% to the 364-day T-bill, 30% to the NSE All Share and 40% to the S&P 500, with disclosed use of leverage and CFDs: it returned an exceptional 29.38% net in 2024, 18.99% net in 2025 and 8.06% net in the first half of 2026 (Q1 4.72%, Q2 3.19%). Figures are as published to 30 June 2026.
Structurally: Mansa X has the longer verified record, larger assets and a lower entry point (KES 250,000 vs 500,000); Oak has cheaper top-ups (KES 50,000 vs 100,000). Their mandates differ rather than one being plainly safer: Oak benchmarks against 30% 364-day T-bill, 30% NSE All Share and 40% S&P 500, and held about 35% sovereign bonds and 27% cash at June 2026, while Mansa X runs a global long/short multi-asset book that SIB risk-rates 2 of 5. Oak also discloses the use of leverage and CFDs and reserves the right to suspend redemptions. Fee drag differs too: Mansa X charges 5% per year plus a performance fee above a 25% hurdle, Oak a flat 6% per year, and both report returns net of those fees.
For the full data-driven breakdown, read our Mansa X vs Oak Special Fund comparison. To model Mansa X against a money market fund instead, use the dedicated Mansa-X calculator, or park liquid cash via the MMF calculator.
This page is an independent illustration for general information only. It is not investment advice, a projection or an offer. Confirm all current figures, fees and terms with Standard Investment Bank and Faida Investment Bank before investing, and consider professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better returns, Mansa X or Oak Special Fund?
It depends on the period. Oak’s first full year (2024) delivered an exceptional 29.38% absolute return versus Mansa X’s 19.53% net. Over the full year 2025 Oak returned 18.99% net against Mansa X’s 20.74%. On a like-for-like trailing twelve months to June 2026, Mansa X is 21.87% and Oak 16.97%. In H1 2026 Mansa X posted 10.97% net (Q1 4.74%, Q2 5.95%); Oak’s H1 2026 net return is 8.06% (Q1 4.72%, Q2 3.19%). Only Mansa X has a long track record: 18.37% net per year on average since January 2019. Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns.
What are the minimum investments for Mansa X and Oak?
Mansa X: KES 250,000 minimum with KES 100,000 top-ups. Oak Special Fund: KES 500,000 minimum with KES 50,000 top-ups. Both have a 6-month initial lock-in and both are CMA-regulated special funds. Confirm current terms with Standard Investment Bank (Mansa X) or Faida Investment Bank (Oak) before investing.
What fees do Mansa X and Oak charge?
Mansa X: 0% initial, 0% redemption, a 5% per year financial services charge, plus a 10% performance charge on returns above a 25% hurdle. Oak: a 6% per year management fee. Both funds publish returns already net of fees, which is why this calculator applies no extra fee deductions to the rates you enter.
Can I invest in both funds?
Yes, and some investors do exactly that to diversify manager risk. With KES 750,000 you can meet both minimums (KES 250,000 in Mansa X and KES 500,000 in Oak) and get two different strategies: Mansa X’s global long/short multi-asset book versus Oak’s bond-anchored portfolio with a derivatives overlay.
Is this calculator affiliated with SIB or Faida Investment Bank?
No. PesaCalc is independent and not affiliated with either manager. This tool compounds the net rates you choose (defaults come from each fund’s published figures) and is an illustration, not a projection, offer or investment advice. Returns are not guaranteed and you could lose part of your investment.