The verdict in three sentences
A custom investor relations portal for a listed mid-cap costs USD 22,000 to 48,000 in 2026, regulated distribution and archives included. Against an IR SaaS platform at USD 2,500-6,000/month, the proprietary build pays back in 12 to 18 months while removing vendor lock-in. Expect a 10-to-14-week timeline and secure hosting at USD 180/month with a hardened SLA.
What a custom IR portal covers
A listed company's corporate secretary has precise duties: disclosing regulated information, traceability, availability. The budget reflects these constraints.
| Module | 2026 range (USD) | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Regulated filing distribution | 5,000 - 9,000 | Dated publication, timestamping |
| Financial calendar | 1,800 - 3,500 | Earnings, AGM, roadshows |
| Document archives | 3,000 - 6,000 | Reports, decks, minutes |
| Alert system (email/RSS) | 1,800 - 4,000 | Subscribers, auto notifications |
| Secure shareholder area | 3,500 - 7,000 | Authentication, private docs |
| Live stock-price feed | 1,800 - 3,500 | Real-time widget, history |
A mid-cap ticking every module lands near USD 32,000. The regulated-distribution module is non-negotiable: it guarantees SEC/exchange compliance.
Custom build vs IR SaaS platform
The corporate secretary's real question: build or rent? The math depends on holding period.
| Criterion | Custom portal | IR SaaS platform |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | USD 22,000 - 48,000 | USD 4,000 - 10,000 (setup) |
| Monthly cost | USD 180 (hosting) | USD 2,500 - 6,000/mo |
| 3-year cost | USD 28,500 - 54,500 | USD 94,000 - 226,000 |
| Customization | Total | Template-bound |
| Vendor lock-in | None | High |
| Payback point | 12-18 months | — |
Over three years, custom costs 3 to 4 times less than SaaS for a company that files regularly. SaaS only makes sense for a first listing where speed matters and there is no technical team.
Mini case study
Catherine, corporate secretary of a listed industrial mid-cap on the NYSE American, must harden regulated-information disclosure. She uses an IR SaaS platform at USD 4,000/month, i.e. USD 48,000/year. The chosen custom portal costs USD 32,000 + USD 180/month hosting, i.e. USD 34,200 in year one and USD 2,160 thereafter. By month 11 the company is already ahead. Over three years the saving tops USD 100,000, redeployed into financial communication and the investor roadshow.
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FAQ
Is a custom IR portal compliant?
Yes, if it includes timestamping, archiving and simultaneous disclosure of regulated information. Compliance is about architecture, not being SaaS. Compliance work is included in the USD 22,000-48,000 build.
How much is secure hosting?
Around USD 180/month for a mid-cap, with a 99.9 % SLA, automated backups and monitoring. It is the price of the availability required on financial information.
Can we plug in a live stock price?
Yes, via a financial data feed. The widget and history cost USD 1,800-3,500 and immediately reassure retail shareholders.
What is the timeline for an IR portal?
Between 10 and 14 weeks in 2026, with 2-3 weeks of testing on regulated distribution. It is the most tested module because the most sensitive.
What if our reporting calendar changes?
A custom portal evolves with no license premium: add a module, a language, an area. SaaS re-bills every option.
Let's scope your project. Detail your disclosure duties, whether you need a shareholder area, and your deadline: we frame a budget between USD 22,000 and 48,000. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
