Frequently Asked Questions
General
What is Wahed Invest?
Wahed Limited (“Wahed”) is a discretionary Robo Adviser that aims to provide an efficient Halal and ethical investment platform. Our digital investment platform, sometimes also called Wahed or Wahed Invest, allows investors from all income brackets to invest their savings ethically and efficiently. Wahed’s corporate and regulatory information can be found in the legal section of our website.
What are the basic requirements to be eligible for opening an account with Wahed Invest?
You need to be able to provide BVN, NIN, a valid ID, proof of address and be at least 18 years of age. You also need a bank account to be able transfer funds in and out of your Wahed account.
Why is it necessary for me to link my Bank Verification Number (BVN) and National Identifictaion Number (NIN) ?
We require your Bank Verification Number (BVN) and and National Identifictaion Number (NIN) to verify your indentity, prevent identity theft, and provide an additional layer of security for your funds and transactions.
What's the minimum amount to start investing?
A minimum investment of N150,000 is required for you to activate your account and start investing with Wahed
Do I have to be a muslim/believe in islamic faith to invest?
No. Anyone can invest with Wahed.
Why wouldn't I buy the securities suggested by Wahed Directly?
While you may be able to buy the securities suggested by Wahed directly through your broker, our portfolio mix provides additional value through a cost-effective and efficient combination of investment assets/securities that may not be easily replicable on your own.
Wahed also monitors and periodically rebalances your portfolio for no additional cost.
What if I want to close my account?
You may close your account by sending us an email at nigeriasupport@wahed.com with your registered email.
Is my personal information safe with Wahed?
All your personal information is safe with us. We implement a variety of advanced data encryption measures to safeguard your data. We will never share your details with any third party without your consent. As your investment advisor, your trust is our most important asset. Please refer to our privacy policy for more details.
How do I get more information regarding the privacy policy and security features?
For any query or clarification regarding our services, you can reach us at nigeriasupport@wahed.com. We would be more than happy to assist you.
How it works
What does Wahed do?
We help you invest your money in competitive diversified portfolios. Wahed provides Robo advisory services to you through the use of our advanced digital platform, which employs financial algorithms derived from Modern Portfolio Theory to create optimal portfolios that are tailored to the needs of our investors. By opting to use our services, you will be entering into an agreement that grants us the authority to invest and manage your funds.
How do I open an account with Wahed?
Opening an account is simple.
1. To open an account with Wahed, you need to complete a risk assessment questionnaire
2. Then you need to complete the identity verification process providing your BVN, NIN, a valid ID, and proof of address. This is required so we remain complaint with the regulatory bodies.
3. We will then recommend an optimal portfolio based on the answers you have provided us
4. If you are happy with the portfolio recommended, you may proceed to fund your Wahed account. Otherwise, you may select your preferred portfolio to proceed
5. We’ll then invest your funds according to your chosen portfolio
How will my portfolio be optimized?
Our platform evaluates your risk profile by asking you a few basic questions about your investment goals, liquidity needs, time horizon, as well as other other assessment topics. Based on this information, we recommend a portfolio with an optimized combination of Investment assets/securities that may provide the highest potential return subject to your risk appetite. We use Modern Portfolio Theory to optimize and manage your portfolio at a fraction of the cost of most conventional wealth managers.
How will I be updated on my portfolio’s performance?
You will be able to monitor your performance daily through the platform. You can also download your monthly statements from your app which will have a summary of your portfolio holdings and performance.
Shariah-Compliant Investing
What is Shari'a-compliant investing?
Shari'a-compliant investing is the practice of trading in investments that are reviewed for permissibility according to Islamic financial ethics, laws and industry practices. Generally, this will mean screening out investments in certain conventional business sectors, as well as reviewing such remaining candidates to ensure they meet established asset to debt ratios. For more information on how our team ensures investments are review for Shari'ah-compliant click here.
What is the methodology for choosing Shariah-compliant investments?
Wahed screens potential portfolio investment based upon a strict set of constraints in accordance with best-practice Shariah-compliance standards, reviewed by our Shariah supervisory board (SSB). In summary, any portfolio cannot hold investment of any company or fund that:
Provides conventional financial services and any other related interest-bearing services.
Manufactures/sells products or services not approved by our SSB (i.e. liquor, tobacco, gambling, adult entertainment, weaponry, etc).
Does not have a certain percentage of real or physical assets.
Does not meet certain debt ratios.
Who certifies and ensures that investments are ethical?
In order to display our commitment to best practices in the field of Shariah compliance, we have designated Shariyah Review Bureau, a leading Shari'ah financial advisory firm, as our Shariah advisor. Our Shariah advisor provide the external, independent experts who sit on our SSB and advise Wahed on matters of Shariah-compliance and Islamic financial ethics.
You can see the certificate here.
Investments and Portfolios
Will I receive dividends?
Some of the funds and investments in your portfolios do pay out dividends, however, the frequency of such disbursement will depend on each fund's policies.
The dividends received on your investments will be automatically reinvested into your Wahed account.
Can my investment lose value?
The securities you own are subject to market risk. Fluctuations in market conditions are common, and when markets are down you may bear some loss. To make sure your portfolios are permitted under Islamic financial ethics, we cannot guarantee returns.
What returns can I expect?
Your expected return depends on your risk profile, asset allocation and the related market performance of those portfolio assets. Users with a conservative profile are expected to earn less and be exposed to less risk than users with an aggressive profile, who will be exposed to more risk in exchange for possibility of higher returns.
You can view our portfolios' historical performance on our Investing page.
Please note that historical returns are not an indication or guarantee of future results. Any portfolio investments may gain as well as lose value.
Where can I see the portfolio that my money is invested into?
To view your portfolio holdings, users can login to the Wahed app and under their Portfolio page, the Positions tab will show the current state of their investments.
All Wahed clients are invested into a diversified portfolio of securities. These securities are screened for Shariah-compliance.
Will my Wahed portfolio beat the market?
Wahed's portfolio is designed to minimize risk and maximize return. There is no certainty in performance and your annual return will depend on multiple factors including your risk profile and market conditions. More aggressive profiles are expected to earn higher returns on the Wahed platform, but may also experience greater losses depending upon market conditions and the performance of related investments.
Fees
What are the fees for Wahed services?
We charge wrap fees for our service, which is inclusive of management, custodian, and transaction fees.
It is a percentage of your account size and ranges from 0.99% to 1.5% per year. You can refer to our pricing page for more information.
This fee does not include any charges on bank transfers or other fees that may be charged by the custodian or your bank.
The ETF sponsors or Mutual funds usually charge expense ratios, which are not currently included in the wrap fee. These are extra fees you will pay indirectly. We always review these fees when we implement our initial rebalancing and we might at times strategically hold certain securities where the trading fees are high relative to the actual value of the position. For more information about our Fee Structure, please refer to our Client Agreement.
Are there fees for deposits or withdrawals?
Wahed’s Wrap Fee is inclusive of all management fees. Your bank may charge you for bank transfers, Stamp duty and VAT.
Can I close my account at any time?
Yes, you can request to close your Wahed account at any time. There are no account closure charges.
Is there a fee for a N0 balance?
No, you will never be charged for an account with a N0 balance.
Will market changes take me down a fee tier?
You will never be put in a more expensive fee tier due to market changes. You can, however, get placed into a less expensive fee tier due to upward market changes.
Where are the fees taken from?
Fees are taken from your Wahed account. No action is required on your part.
When does Wahed Invest charge fees?
Fees are charged monthly. You will never be charged for having an open account with a N0 balance. Kindly refer to the Pricing tab to know more.
Deposits and Withdrawals
How can I add funds to my account?
Please login to your Wahed account > Click on Funding > Add Funds > Fill the amount you wish to deposit.
You will then be able to see all of the receiving bank's details that you'll need.
Once you have this information, you’ll need to initiate the transfer through your bank by making a bank transfer directly from your personal bank account.
How can I withdraw funds?
On your app dashboard, click on transfer and withdraw funds> Withdraw funds> Select the account you want to withdraw from> Select either partial or full withdrawal> if partial, select the amount you wish to liqudate> click on submit a withdrawal request.
Is there a minimum subsequent deposit amount?
Yes. A minimum subsequent investment amount of N50,000
What's the minimum investment amount after withdrawal?
The minimum invesment amount after withdrawal is N25,000
What does partial withdrawal mean?
Partial withdrawal simply means withdrawing part of your total investment amount. For example, if you have an account of N150,000, you may decide to carry out a partial withdrawal of N25,000
Which method is available for withdrawals?
You can only withdraw funds through bank transfers
Do I get charged for deposits?
Your bank may charge you for transfers, this fee does not go to Wahed.
Is there any charge for withdrawals?
Our custodian may charge you for withdrawals, these fees do not go to Wahed.
How long does it take to fund my account?
1-2 business days from receiving your deposit.
Is there a hold period for withdrawals?
No, there is no lockup period. You can request to withdraw all your funds at any time.
However, the withdrawal process may be between 3 to 5 working days depending on the date of your withdrawal and bank. This is mainly due to a period for clearing and settlement of trades once your withdrawal request has been processed.
Can I transfer funds from an account under a different name?
No, you may only transfer funds from an account that bears your name. Transferring funds from an account under a different name will cause the funds to be rejected.
Can I withdraw funds to a third party?
No, you may only withdraw funds to an account that bears your name.
What happens if I invest less than the minimum amount?
If you invest less than the minimum amount of N150,000 the account status will be “Active (Insufficient Funds).” There will be no trades or securities allocated until you fund at least N150,000 into your Wahed account.
In which currency can I deposit funds?
We only accept funds in Nigerian Naira.
If there is an issue with my account. What should I do?
In case of any queries or concerns regarding your account, you may reach us by sending an email at nigeriasupport@wahed.com through your registered email or call +1 765-212-3831. We will get back to you at our earliest.
How can I deposit money into my investment account?
On your app dashboard, select the account you want to add funds to> click on add funds>Fill the amount you wish to invest and select if the deposit would be recurring or one-off> Select funding method> Click Submit.
How long does it take to withdraw my funds?
The timing of a withdrawal depends on several factors, including what time of day a withdrawal request is made, and the institution receiving your funds.
Withdrawals can take up to 3 business days before the requested funds are in your bank account. This is mainly due to the time it takes for trades to be cleared and settled.
Wahed App and Accounts
Is there a minimum balance?
Is there a minimum balance?
Can I have a personal consultation?
All customers have access to our customer support team that will happily answer any questions regarding your account. However, we cannot alter anything with you over the telephone or in-person regarding your investments or your recommended allocation – this can only be done through the Wahed App. Futhermore, we cannot provide any financial advice or planning through our customer support team.
I just changed jobs. Should I update my employment information?
Yes. As your financial situation changes, it is important to keep us informed so we can determine whether to update our investment recommendations for you. Keeping your information up-to-date (e.g. address, name change, employment information) ensures we are providing the most relevant and personalized financial recommendations for your current financial situation.
I just moved. Should I update my address?
Yes, it is important to keep your information up-to-date. Keeping your information up-to-date (e.g. address, name change, employment information) ensures we are providing the most relevant and personalized financial recommendations for your current financial situation.
Does Wahed Invest offer any tax planning?
We do not currently offer any tax planning advice or services.
Where can I see my transactions?
You can see every transaction that has taken place on your account by logging into the Wahed app. We track the flow of every naira for every Wahed account.
How do I change my portfolio?
If you wish to change your portfolio, here's how you can do it:
Login to the app and go the main menu
Go to your Account Details screen
Under 'My investment account' tap on your account type
Tap on 'Change my portfolio' at the bottom of the screen
This will allow you to retake the questionnaire or simply browse through our portfolios and/or change your allocation
If your account is active and funded, your positions will be adjusted within the next 1 to 3 business days.
If you haven't funded your account yet, the new portfolio will be updated immediately.
You can only change your portfolio once every three months.
How can I generate my statement of account?
To generate a statement of accounts, you must login to your account via the app. From your Dashboard, scroll down till you see statements under Activity.
Password Requirements
When creating a password during sign up, please ensure that the following conditions are met:
Length is at least 8 characters
Must contain both an uppercase and lowercase letter ('A' and 'a' or 'B' and 'b')
Must contain a number (any number from 0 to 9)
Must contain a special character such as !,@,#,$,%,^,&,*
