Free Forever! Free For Anyone!

Almas Group marked its Silver Jubilee Anniversary – 25 years of operations and the second year of rebranding and operations of Almas Equities, the group’s Stock Brokerage arm, a founding member of the Colombo Stock Exchange, with a 38-year history, with the launch of ‘AlmasONE’ at a gala ceremony at Galle Face Hotel.

This initiative, part of their rebranding strategy, introduces a suite of innovative solutions aimed at democratising access to the capital market. The event drew notable attendees, including High Net worth Investors, Institutional Investors, Fund Managers and representatives from the Banking and Finance Sector, reflecting the industry’s keen interest in this groundbreaking venture.

In an era where traditional approaches struggle to engage investors, Almas Group sets out to redefine the landscape. Despite decades of effort, only a fraction of the population actively participates in the capital market. Recognising this gap, AlmasONE emerges as a catalyst for change, aiming to kindle widespread interest and involvement in investment opportunities.

At the heart of AlmasONE lies a vision to empower investors with unparalleled access to knowledge and information. Its core product, the AlmasONE Insights portal, accessible at insights.almasequities.com is a free for all platform, accessible with only an email address. Unlike conventional platforms that offer static data, AlmasONE revolutionises the experience by allowing users to tailor content based on their investment preferences with features such as the Stock Screener. Whether one seeks stable returns or high-risk ventures, the platform offers customisable insights at the touch of a button, eliminating confusion and streamlining decision-making.

The sheer scale of AlmasONE’s data integration is awe-inspiring, with nearly two million data points seamlessly curated by its in-house research and tech team, to provide comprehensive information to investors. Despite the substantial investment required to develop such a platform, Almas Group reaffirms its commitment to accessibility by offering AlmasONE free of charge to the public.

The platform’s versatility caters to a diverse range of users, from novice investors to seasoned professionals, offering tailored featured sections for Market Analysis, Company Dashboards for all listed companies which include earnings, dividend and crossings data for the last five years, a comprehensive Stock screening tool as well as Almas’ own AI assistant. Additionally, the client services segment provides seamless account management for easy withdrawal of funds with a click of a button and a digital account opening portal, further enhancing the user experience.

AlmasONE doesn’t stop with its market portal offering. More details regarding the launch of AlmasONE can be seen on the newly enhanced website, www.almasequities.com.

Other pillars of the AlmasONE launch include its AlmasONE Rewards programme, where Almas Group clients in various tiers can redeem discounts from brand partners Food Studio, Fashion Bug, Fits Air, Crystal Property Group (Crystal Sands & Six Midigama), and Taru Villas.

AlmasONE AI is the infusion of AI technology into its Insights platform and the embracing of the technology by the group. The group’s commitment to investing into the best technology stands strong and the public can expect much more updates in the future apart from its AI tool already available for free on its newly launched platform.

AlmasONE Inspire is an invite-only programme for Almas Group clients who will have the opportunity to take part in knowledge sharing sessions from thought leaders from various industries and backgrounds, including topics such as self-development, mental health and psychology.

Finally AlmasONE Learn is a series of educational content to be released by Almas, focussing on financial literacy, content on entrepreneurship, building businesses and a podcast series featuring successful professionals and businessman in Sri Lanka.

AlmasONE heralds a new era of accessibility, providing a one-stop digital hub for investors to access real-time market updates and historical data effortlessly. Whether located in urban centres or rural communities, investors now have equal footing in accessing valuable market insights. This inclusivity extends beyond geographical boundaries, welcoming investors from around the globe to explore opportunities within the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE).

Ifadh Marikar, CEO of Almas Equities welcoming the esteemed gathering, thanked the diverse representation that attended for their participation. He also explained the core value offering of the group, Empowered Investing and its brand values of being Invested, being Innovative, and being Inspired.

During the launch event, Imtiaz Buhardeen, Chairman of Almas Group, reflected on the journey leading up to this milestone and outlined ambitious plans for the future. Drawing inspiration from the renowned investment firm Berkshire Hathaway, Buhardeen envisions Almas Group as a beacon of long-term wealth creation, poised to navigate market cycles with resilience and foresight.

“We adopt a strategic approach to trading, focussing on long-term investments backed by thorough analysis. Our success lies in identifying and investing in strong businesses, holding stakes for extended periods. This model has proven successful and remains our preferred strategy moving forward,” he said.

“Two years ago, we seized the opportunity to invest in a stock brokerage company, marking a significant milestone for us. Acquiring one of the oldest stock brokering companies, with over 40 years of history, was a pivotal moment. Despite facing adversity, we remained steadfast in our commitment to investment growth. We are proud of the achievements of our subsidiary, Almas Equities, and commend their dedication and resilience during difficult times,” he reflected.

“Looking ahead, we are optimistic about the future of the Colombo Stock Exchange and the opportunities it presents. The recent progress towards mutualisation by the CSE is promising, and we are excited to be a part of it as shareholders. Additionally, we recognise the untapped potential in various sectors, such as manufacturing, exports, and IT, which have yet to be fully represented in the market.

Shameer Buhardeen, Managing Director of Almas Equities, demonstrated the platform’s features, showcasing its transformative potential in revolutionising investment practices. Attendees lauded the platform’s intuitive interface and robust analytical tools, heralding a new era of informed decision-making in the investment landscape.

“Our dedication to empowering investors is evident in the innovative tools and services we’ve introduced. For instance, we pioneered the cumulative profit tracker, offering comprehensive insights into earnings trends. The launch of the dividend time alert and SMS notifications for real-time transactions further exemplifies our customer-centric approach,” he said.

“Looking ahead, our vision for the future revolves around enhancing accessibility and usability of financial information. AlmasONE, our latest endeavour, epitomises this vision. It’s a comprehensive portal designed to empower users with actionable market data. Developed over nine months by our in-house team of experts, AlmasONE is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence,” he explained.

“AlmasONE comprises five pillars aimed at revolutionising the way investors engage with financial data. Through this platform, users gain access to a wealth of information, from daily market summaries to interactive graphs illustrating market performance trends. Notably, AlmasONE is offered completely free of charge, reflecting our dedication to democratizing financial information,” he pointed out.

Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, a member of the Almas Holdings board, underscored the organisation’s evolution into a professionally managed entity, emphasising the diverse expertise and leadership guiding its trajectory.

Noting the company’s commitment to knowledge exchange and market transparency, he said: “I believe that this dedication to sharing will revolutionise the way Sri Lankans, including university students and young entrepreneurs, perceive and engage with the market.”

The launch event not only celebrated the debut of AlmasONE but also fostered invaluable networking opportunities, uniting stakeholders and investors in a shared vision for the future of the capital market. As Almas Group continues to chart new territories, the launch of AlmasONE marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards a more inclusive and dynamic investment ecosystem.