Compare Meristem, Optimus, and PiggyVest returns in 2025. Discover which platform offers the best interest rates and safest investment options in Nigeria.
Introduction
In Nigeria’s dynamic investment space, choosing where to park your money wisely is more important than ever. With inflation, currency pressure, and shifting interest rates, the “safe” savings account of yesteryear often doesn’t cut it.
This article dives into three popular platforms:
- Meristem Wealth Management (and its mutual funds)
- Optimus by Afrinvest
- PiggyVest.
We’ll review: what each offers, recent returns (as best as publicly available), pros & cons, and who might be the best fit for various investor types in 2025. Note: None of this is financial advice; always do your own due diligence.
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1. Meristem Wealth Management
What is it?
Meristem is a well-established Nigerian asset-management and capital-markets group via Meristem Securities Limited. They offer mutual funds, ETFs, fixed-income portfolios, money-market funds, etc.
Recent performance / typical returns
Some notable data:
Their Money Market Fund had a yield-to-date (as of 31 Oct 2024) of ~ 21.96% and a gross yield of ~23.61% for that fund.
A news article (March 2025) noted the Meristem Money Market Fund returned ~22.97% year-to-date as of early March.
For equity/more aggressive funds: their Meristem Equity Market Fund had YTD return ~25.81% as of 31 Oct 2024.
In a BusinessDay article: “dollar, fixed income funds … generate 9.72%, 14.17%” (for Meristem) though older data.
They also offer ETFs (e.g., the Meristem Value ETF) for passive tracking.
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Strengths & considerations
Strengths
- Strong track record, regulated fund manager.
- Access to mutual funds and ETFs (both equity and money-market).
- Higher returns in money market than typical bank savings (20%+ range) in recent years.
- Ability to have diversified portfolios (fixed income, dollar-denominated, equities).
Considerations/Risks
- Equity funds have higher risk (fluctuation in stock market etc).
- Performance is subject to investment environment (interest rates, FX, liquidity).
- Money-market funds currently see “high” yields due to elevated interest rates; if rates drop, returns may fade.
- Minimum amounts, management fees, and liquidity rules matter.
How it fits for 2025
If your goal is a moderate to higher return, and you’re willing to accept some risk (especially with equities), Meristem’s funds look attractive. If your goal is capital preservation with decent yield, their money-market fund (~20-23% recently) is compelling. That said, future returns may moderate if conditions change.
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2. Optimus by Afrinvest
What is it?
Optimus is a fintech investment/savings platform provided by Afrinvest Securities Limited (via “Optimus by Afrinvest”). It targets both savings and investments (stocks, mutual funds, savings plans) via mobile app.
Offers & advertised returns
Some of the advertised returns:
- For Naira fixed savings: “Lock in your funds … enjoy up to 20% per annum.”
- For target savings: “Up to 13% per annum.”
- On their App Store description: “Get up to 13% return on Naira investments and 5% on Dollar investments.”
Strengths & considerations
Strengths
- Clear “fintech” feel: accessible via mobile app, lower barriers.
- Options in both Naira and Dollar (for diaspora or those holding dollars) per their listing.
- Might cater better to newer / digital-savvy investors.
- Ability to diversify (savings + investments) in one app.
Considerations/Risks
- The “up to” wording means maximum possible—but actual returns may be lower depending on plan/tenor.
- “Fixed savings” vs “investments” distinction: savings may have lower risk but lower returns; investment has higher risk.
- Need to check the fees, lock-in, and underlying assets.
- As with any platform, past-advertised returns aren’t guaranteed for the future.
How it fits for 2025
If you’re looking for a user-friendly platform, want to save and invest via app, maybe with lower amounts, Optimus is appealing. The returns (up to ~13% for target savings, up to ~20% for fixed savings) are modest relative to some of the more aggressive funds, but likely come with lower risk. For risk-averse or beginner investors, this might be a good fit.
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3. PiggyVest
What is it?
PiggyVest is a Nigerian fintech savings/investment platform focusing on disciplined savings, fixed savings (Safelock), goal-oriented savings (Target), and some investment products. It’s become quite popular.
Recent performance / typical returns
Some data points:
PiggyVest announced that starting November 1, 2024, users could “earn up to 20% interest per annum” on certain savings wallets (Safelock, HouseMoney) in response to Monetary Policy Rate changes.
In February 2025: They announced “18% per annum on PiggyBank and up to 22% annually on Safelock.”
They also reported paying back over ₦2.6 trillion to users in H1 2025 (withdrawals, matured savings and interest).
Review sites claim some investment plans allow “up to 25% returns in a few months.”
Strengths & considerations
Strengths
- Very strong brand and user-base in Nigeria.
- High advertised yields for savings products (higher than typical bank savings).
- Low minimums – accessible to many.
- Goal-oriented features, disciplined savings tools, fintech user-experience.
- Good for “savings with yield” rather than just pure investment.
Considerations/Risks
- A savings product is not the same as a diversified investment fund; underlying risk may differ.
- “Up to” and “max” rates: your actual rate may be lower depending on duration, plan, or conditions.
- For the “investment” side (not just savings), need to check what the underlying investments are, risk profile.
- Market conditions (inflation, interest rates, FX) may reduce future yields.
How it fits for 2025
For someone whose main goal is to save with a reasonable yield and maintain flexibility, PiggyVest is very compelling. With yields in the high teens to low-20s% recently, this is better than many bank savings accounts. If you’re okay with a “savings first” mentality rather than high-risk, high-return investing, this is a strong contender.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Here’s a comparative look at key attributes:
Platform - Typical Recent Yields - Risk Profile - Minimum / Accessibility Best For
- Meristem ~20-25% (money market / equity) in recent periods, Low-to-High (varies by fund) Higher (mutual funds) Investors comfortable with funds & some risk.
- Optimus Up to ~20% (fixed savings), up to ~13% (target savings) Likely lower-risk savings + moderate investment Very accessible via app Beginners, digital savers, moderate risk seekers
- PiggyVest ~18-22% (savings wallet) recently; claims up to ~25% for some investment plans Savings-oriented, somewhat lower risk than equities Very low minimums Savers who prioritize ease + yield, less risk appetite
Yields are recent numbers or “advertised” maxima and may not be guaranteed.
Observations
If you compare pure yield potential, Meristem’s equity funds may have the highest upside (but also highest risk).
- PiggyVest offers very strong yields for savings instruments (18-22% recently) and is very accessible.
- Optimus seems to position itself between savings and investment: good for moderate risk, moderate return.
- Liquidity, lock-in periods, and risk differ: Savings products (PiggyVest/Optimus fixed savings) may have better liquidity and lower risk than equity mutual funds (Meristem).
Fees, minimums, and your personal risk profile (how much volatility you can accept) matter a lot.
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Which is Best in 2025? & For Whom
Scenario A: You want high return and are comfortable with risk
Choose Meristem, specifically their equity or mixed funds. The “~25% YTD” equity fund figure is attractive. But remember: equities are volatile.
Also ensure you pick a fund with a good track record, understand fees, and monitor the fund’s underlying holdings.
Scenario B: You want strong yields for savings with less risk and high liquidity
Choose PiggyVest. With savings yields ~18-22% recently, this is compelling relative to bank savings.
Best if you’re less interested in “beating the market” and more in growing savings at a rate comfortably above inflation.
Scenario C: You’re a beginner or moderate risk investor, want a platform to save/invest in one place
Choose Optimus by Afrinvest. It gives you a fintech app experience, savings + investment options, and moderate returns (~13-20%) with less hassle.
Good stepping stone into investments and for those with smaller amounts.
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Additional Tips & Considerations
- Lock-in & liquidity: Check how long your funds must remain invested before you can withdraw without penalty.
- Fees: Management fees, withdrawal fees, minimum investment fees—these affect net return.
- Underlying assets: For investment funds (Meristem especially), understand what assets the fund holds (stocks, T-bills, commercial paper).
- Interest rate / inflation / FX risks: Nigeria has inflation and currency risks; what looks like a 20% yield may be eroded by inflation or FX loss.
- Diversification: Don’t put all your money in one product; even within one platform pick different product types (savings + investment).
- Past performance ≠ future performance: Yields can change. For example, Meristem’s money market fund may see lower returns if the interest rate environment drops.
- Regulation and safety: Ensure the platform/fund is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (Nigeria) or other appropriate body.
- Minimums: Some mutual funds may have higher minimums; fintech savings apps often allow very small amounts.
Final Verdict
- If I had to pick one overall winner for 2025 based purely on yield potential + accessibility: PiggyVest edges it for most average savers. Its combination of strong savings yields and accessibility makes it great for many people.
- But if you can accept risk and want higher upside, Meristem is very interesting—for aggressive investors.
- If you’re just starting, want flexibility and moderate risk, Optimus is a strong choice.
In the end, the best return isn’t just about the highest % yield, it’s about the right platform for you—your risk tolerance, your time horizon, your liquidity needs, and how much you can invest.
References and Sources — Meristem vs Optimus vs PiggyVest (2025)
1. Meristem Wealth Management
Mutual fund investment in Nigeria | Meristem Securities Limited: https://meristemwealth.com/funds
2. Mutual Funds – Meristem Wealth Management: https://wealth.meristemng.com/meristem-wealth-management-limited/services/mutual-funds
3. Best Performing Money Market Funds in Nigeria — Q2 2025 Returns: https://nairacompare.ng/blogs/best-performing-money-market-funds-in-nigeria-returns?
4. A Practical Guide to Mutual Funds (Meristem Blog): https://blog.meristemng.com/a-practical-guide-to-mutual-funds
5. PiggyVest
PiggyVest New Interest Rates: Earn Up To 22% On Your Savings!: https://blog.piggyvest.com/save/announcement/new-piggyvest-interest-rates
6. PiggyVest official site: https://www.piggyvest.com
7. Best Savings Apps in Nigeria (2025) — Sycamore Blog: https://blog.sycamore.ng/best-10-savings-apps-in-nigeria-for-2025
8. High‑Yield Savings Accounts — PiggyVest Blog: https://blog.piggyvest.com/money/high-yield-savings-accounts
9. Optimus by Afrinvest
Optimus by Afrinvest (Western Union site): https://westernunion.optimus.ng
10. Optimus site — interest rate information: https://optimus.afrinvest.com
11. Afrinvest corporate site: https://afrinvest.com
12. Afrinvest Instagram post — Optimus 20% interest: https://www.instagram.com/p/C7Ryoj1I_Jk/?hl=en&utm_source=chatgpt.com
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