Afrinvest rebrands digital arm as PlutusNeo in fintech pivot

Afrinvest (West Africa) Ltd. has rebranded its digital investment platform to PlutusNeo, signaling an expansion into broader financial services including payments and lending.

The transition from the previous “Optimus by Afrinvest” brand, launched in 2022, marks a pivot toward a more integrated digital ecosystem for retail investors. While the name changes, the firm confirmed that the platform’s governance, security protocols, and ownership remain intact.

The move follows a trend among established Nigerian investment houses to capture a larger share of the retail market through high-yield digital offerings. PlutusNeo provides access to naira- and dollar-denominated mutual funds, as well as U.S. equities, via a single interface.

“Optimus represented an important phase in our digital investment journey,” said Ayodeji Ebo, Managing Director of PlutusNeo. “PlutusNeo builds on that progress, evolving the platform into one designed to support long-term wealth creation for a broader audience.”

The rebranding aligns the platform with the group’s roadmap to introduce credit and payment capabilities, aimed at supporting users “holistically across their financial journeys,” according to the company.

Ike Chioke, Group Managing Director of Afrinvest, noted that the platform leverages the firm’s three decades of capital market experience to target inclusive wealth creation.

“We understand the importance of discipline and long-term thinking in wealth creation,” Chioke said. “PlutusNeo extends this approach to a wider audience, allowing more people to participate meaningfully in building wealth, regardless of income level or status.”

Existing users require no action; all login credentials, transaction histories, and portfolios remain unchanged.

Lagos-based Afrinvest operates as a capital markets holding company with interests spanning investment banking, asset management, and securities trading.