How to Invest in Australia and US Stocks from Zimbabwe: A quick-start guide

This guide is for Zimbabwean retail investors interested in diversifying their portfolio from Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) and Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX) by investing in Zimbabwe-focused Australia-listed companies like Prospect Resources and Invictus Energy or US stocks like Apple, Google and Nike. 

Please note the Zimbabwean trading hours for US Stocks are 4.30 pm to 11:00 pm and 1:00 am to 7:00 am for the Australian Securities Exchange, Monday to Friday excluding Public Holidays. (Australia time varies due to Daylight Saving Time (DST) -  the practice of turning the clock ahead as warmer weather approaches and back as it becomes colder again.) 

One of the best ways for Zimbabweans to invest in international stocks is to put money in an online investment account through Easy Equities, which can then be used to invest in shares of companies of your choice or Exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Easy Equities also offer paper trading, which lets you learn how to buy and sell with stock market simulators (demo account) before you invest any real money.

How to invest in stocks in four steps

1. OPEN A TRADING ACCOUNT

OPEN A TRADING ACCOUNT ON EASY EQUITIES

Sign up for a user account using this link, don't forget to use my referral Code: EE1298605 to receive an R50 free voucher gift.

No minimum balance is required for this account.

INSTALL THE EASY EQUITIES APP ON YOUR PHONE
Just search for it in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

ACTIVATE YOUR EASY EQUITIES AUD TRADING ACCOUNT
By default, the Easy Equities platform only Displays your US trading account (light blue colour) and a demo trading account (dark blue colour) to activate the AUD account, Toggle the + button on the home page and follow the instructions.

2. FUND THE TRADING ACCOUNT (US STOCKS)

OPEN A BORDERLESS BANK ACCOUNT ON WISE
Sign up for a bank account on Wise using this link.

INSTALL THE WISE APP ON YOUR PHONE
Just search for it in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

USE A ZIMBABWEAN BANK USD DEBIT VISA/ MASTERCARD TO SWIPE INTO WISE BORDERLESS ACCOUNT USD WALLET. (The one you use for international online purchases)

• To link your debit card, scroll to the USD Account tab on the top row, toggle the + Add button on the top left to add funds, put the amount you require, continue, select the debit card option, and complete your card information.
• Create a Business recipient on the bottom right within the Wise App homepage using the details from the My Funds tab within the Easy Equities App. (USE THE DETAILS IN THE SECOND PARAGRAPH UNDER THE HEADING AN ACCOUNT HELD WITHIN (NAME THE COUNTRY YOU WANT TO ACCESS) 
• DON’T FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR UNIQUE REFERENCE NUMBER.

*We have a WISE community on Whatsapp, where people generally use the Hawala system to transact. The link is available upon request, Just leave a comment below if interested.

3. FUND THE TRADING ACCOUNT (AUSTRALIA STOCKS)

Follow the same steps as above but after swiping your USD funds into Wise 

• CONVERT THE USD BALANCE TO AUD BALANCE WITHIN THE WISE APP
• ADD FIRST WORLD TRADER NOMINEES AS A RECIPIENT AND FUND YOUR EASY EQUITIES AUD ACCOUNT USING THE DETAILS ON THE “MY FUNDS TAB” ON YOUR EASY EQUITIES APP. (USE THE DETAILS IN THE SECOND PARAGRAPH UNDER THE HEADING AN ACCOUNT HELD WITHIN AUSTRALIA) DON’T FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR UNIQUE REFERENCE NUMBER
• SEND THE FUNDS (TAKES LESS THAN 24 HOURS TO REFLECT IN YOUR EASY EQUITIES TRADING ACCOUNT FOR AUD, THOUGH IT TAKES LONGER FOR TRANSFERS TO THE US)

4. HOW TO WITHDRAW FUNDS FROM EASY EQUITIES

• Toggle the My Funds tab on the bottom right, select Withdraw on the top right, select your investment account then confirm your banking details. I recommend you use your Zimbabwean Nostro Bank details here.

THAT’S ALL! FEEL FREE TO LEAVE ANY QUESTIONS IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW. I WILL RESPOND TO ALL

EasyEquities review

EasyEquities is a South African stockbroker founded in 2014. EasyEquities is regulated by South Africa's Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). EasyEquities is part of the Purple Group, which is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

EasyEquities is considered safe because it is regulated by the top-tier ASIC and its parent company is listed on an exchange.

Wise review

Wise (formerly known as TransferWise) is a money transfer service that sends and receives money from millions of customers worldwide listed on the London Stock Exchange. They offer close to the mid-market exchange rate with a transparent fee structure. You can send or receive money from a bank account in most countries around the world. Whether you send money through their Borderless account or multi-currency account, your money is secure.

In Australia, Wise is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and registered with the Financial Intelligence Unit (AUSTRAC) as a money remitter. 

It is also regulated in the US by FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) and renews its registration annually. Wise Inc. is registered with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). 

Disclaimer

Godwin Mungwadzi is not a broker/dealer, I am not an investment advisor, I have no access to non-public information about publicly traded companies, and this is not a place for the giving or receiving of financial advice, advice concerning investment decisions or tax or legal advice. I am not regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zimbabwe.

Do Your Own Research

This content is intended to be used and must be used for information and education purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment based on your own personal circumstances. You should take independent financial advice from a professional in connection with, or independently research and verify, any information that you hear from me and wish to rely upon, whether to make an investment decision or otherwise.

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