Women now represent 12% of investors on Thndr, Egypt’s largest digital investment platform, up from just 3% in its early years, a sign of slow but notable change in one of the Middle East’s most male-dominated financial markets, according to the company’s chief executive.
Ahmed Hammouda, Thndr’s co-founder and CEO, said the company plans to further expand female participation through targeted awareness campaigns and tailored engagement initiatives aimed at reducing barriers to investing for women.
“Broadening access to capital markets requires intentional design and sustained education,” Hammouda said during a press briefing on the company’s 2026 strategy. “Women’s participation remains a critical growth opportunity.”
Expanding Products as Investor Base Grows
Founded in 2020, Thndr has emerged as a central player in Egypt’s fintech ecosystem, positioning itself as a multi-asset platform for retail investors. Hammouda said the company has secured $37 million in funding, reflecting growing confidence in its expansion strategy amid rising demand for digital financial services.
The company has applied for regulatory approval to launch a gold investment fund and is preparing to offer silver-based investment products, expanding beyond equities and mutual funds. Thndr currently provides access to 34 mutual funds across asset classes, one of the broadest retail fund offerings in the Egyptian market.
Calls for More IPOs in Egypt
Hammouda also renewed calls for an increase in new listings on the Egyptian Exchange, arguing that even small initial public offerings could help revitalize market liquidity and widen investor participation.
Thndr recently obtained a license to cover public offerings, enabling it to play a larger role in supporting IPOs and connecting retail investors with new listings.
2025 Results Signal Scale and Market Influence
Thndr reported significant growth in 2025, surpassing 5.5 million users, with assets under custody tripling over the year. Mutual fund assets on the platform reached EGP 10 billion by December 2025, up sharply from EGP 575 million at the start of 2024, supported by more than 503,000 fund investors.
In equities trading, Thndr has consolidated its position as the dominant retail platform, accounting for roughly 30 percent of Egypt’s retail trading volume and capturing about 10 percent of the overall retail market. Average monthly traded value exceeded EGP 1 billion in 2025, according to company data.
Savings and Financial Inclusion
Savings products have become a central component of Thndr’s growth. More than 100,000 users now save through the platform’s treasury-bill–based “Savings Clouds,” with total balances exceeding EGP 3 billion. The product has gained traction as Egyptians seek alternatives to traditional banking amid inflationary pressures.
Demographically, Thndr’s user base reflects a widening of market participation. In 2025, 76% of users were first-time investors, the average age was 30, and 40 percent were based outside major urban centers. Women’s participation, while still limited, has increased steadily, supported by guided onboarding and in-app education tools.
Regional Expansion Planned for 2026
Looking ahead, Hammouda said Thndr plans to enter the Saudi market by the end of 2026 and is working to enable access to Dubai’s financial markets as part of a broader regional expansion strategy.
“Our focus is not short-term growth,” Hammouda said. “It is building a sustainable platform that allows individuals to save and invest as a normal part of everyday life.”
Following the acquisition of an asset management license, the company plans to develop in-house investment products, including fixed-income and real estate offerings, aimed at reducing costs and improving accessibility for retail investors.
