Boursa Kuwait Concludes Sponsorship of the CFA Institute Research Challenge, Promoting Financial Knowledge
Boursa Kuwait has successfully concluded its sponsorship of the CFA Institute Research Challenge, organized by the CFA Society Kuwait, a member of the CFA Institute. The challenge provided a competitive educational platform for university students to enhance their financial analysis skills and investment decision-making capabilities. This sponsorship aligns with Boursa Kuwait's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote financial literacy and empower young talent with technical knowledge and analytical skills, thereby contributing to the development of future leaders in the financial sector and the advancement of Kuwait's capital market.Through this partnership, Boursa Kuwait became the first official sponsor and strategic partner of the competition in Kuwait, reflecting its dedication to supporting educational initiatives that foster financial and investment knowledge. This year's challenge focused on analysing the financial performance of Kuwait Telecommunications Company (STC), as selected by CFA Society Kuwait. Student teams presented in-depth financial analyses and investment recommendations based on professional standards to a panel of judges, under the guidance of their respective universities and industry experts. Participating universities included:Kuwait UniversityAmerican University of the Middle East (AUM)Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST)American University of Kuwait (AUK)A panel of distinguished financial and investment experts evaluated the students' presentations, offering valuable industry insights. The judging panel consisted of:Ms. Noura Al-Abdulkareem – Head of Markets Sector, Boursa KuwaitMr. Abdulaziz Al-Wazzan – Chief Investment Officer, Yarwa CapitalMr. Ahmed Al-Falah – Managing Director, Investment Banking, Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz)
Mr. Ankul Aggarwal – Partner and Head of Deal Advisory, KPMG
The competition showcased a high level of academic and analytical performance, with Kuwait University's team securing first place, while the American University of the Middle East (AUM) placed second. The winning team from Kuwait University comprised:Khalid Al-EisaHilal Al-MutairiAbdulwahab Al-JasmiShahad Al-FahadThe team was mentored by Dr. Abdullah Al-Awadhi, Assistant Professor of Finance and Financial Institutions at Kuwait University's College of Business Administration. As the faculty advisor, Dr. Al-Awadhi oversaw student selection, served as the main liaison with CFA Society Kuwait, reviewed research and presentations, and provided feedback without influencing students' decisions or changing written materials.In his remarks to the competition's graduates, Mr. Naser M. Al-Sanousi, Senior Director of Marketing & Corporate Communications at Boursa Kuwait, stated: 'Today, we celebrate months of dedication, research, and meticulous financial analysis. We honour the achievements of ambitious young minds whose contributions will undoubtedly shape the future of Kuwait's financial sector.'Al-Sanousi added: 'I extend my sincere appreciation to the CFA Society Kuwait and the CFA Institute for their continuous commitment to promoting financial literacy in the next generation of financial professionals. Boursa Kuwait values its partnership with the institute and society and remains committed to shaping the future of capital markets by equipping the community with financial knowledge, technical expertise, and the confidence needed to succeed in the financial sector.'Boursa Kuwait's strategic partnership with CFA Society Kuwait and the CFA Institute is a key component of its efforts to make a meaningful impact on the communities in which it operates. This aligns with the bourse corporate sustainability strategy, its commitment to initiatives that cultivate a knowledgeable, skilled, and future-ready generation, and its broader goal of enhancing financial awareness and expertise within Kuwaiti society. This initiative also supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).From her side, Ms. Aminah Abotalaf, President and Chair of Advocacy Committee of CFA Society Kuwait, commented: 'This competition is more than an academic challenge; it is a real-world experience that reflects the realities of the investment sector. The students' commitment to research and analysis demonstrates an impressive level of dedication and ambition, which we strive to instil through such initiatives. We extend our gratitude to Boursa Kuwait for its valuable partnership and unwavering support in nurturing young talent in the financial sector. We look forward to seeing these students achieve remarkable milestones in their careers.'Boursa Kuwait signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CFA Society Kuwait in October 2018, aimed at providing informative and educational content on investment fundamentals through Boursa Academy Online, a digital learning platform developed by Boursa Kuwait, to enhance financial knowledge among new and experienced investors.The agreement enables both organizations to leverage their expertise in financial services and offer accessible educational content to individuals seeking to expand their investment knowledge. This includes resources to help investors assess opportunities and make more informed financial decisions, such as a financial glossary, definitions of financial instruments, guidance on financial planning, an introduction to investment strategies and methods, and various educational materials.Mr. Ahmed F. Al-Falah, Managing Director – Investment Banking at Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) and a member of the judging panel, emphasized the importance of such initiatives, stating: 'At Markaz, we are committed to participating in initiatives that encourage young talent, test their academic capabilities, and allow them to explore their potential as they embark on their careers in investment. It was inspiring to see some students we have previously supported at Markaz now presenting their insights with confidence and expertise.'Boursa Kuwait's corporate sustainability strategy is designed to ensure that all initiatives align with the company's corporate social responsibility governance framework, industry best practices, and investor expectations. The strategy also emphasizes the establishment of strong and sustainable partnerships that contribute to Boursa Kuwait's success, allowing the company to leverage the expertise and strengths of other organizations and institutions across various fields. Additionally, it seeks to integrate corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts into the company's culture, ensuring long-term sustainability and a lasting impact embedded within its daily operations.
As part of this strategy, Boursa Kuwait has launched multiple initiatives in collaboration with local and international organizations, with a particular focus on supporting NGOs and charitable programs, promoting financial literacy and capital market awareness, empowering women, and protecting the environment.
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"Market segmentation has created a more balanced, transparent, and inclusive marketplace for all stakeholders, enabling Boursa Kuwait to strengthen the efficiency of its infrastructure and better meet the needs of both issuers and investors," he noted. The CEO further explained that the traded value attributed to market makers grew by approximately 25.53% year-on-year, underscoring their effectiveness in enhancing liquidity levels and improving price discovery mechanisms within the market. "The Kuwaiti capital market also continues to consolidate its position as a preferred investment destination, with institutional investors accounting for 66% of total market participants — a key factor in reinforcing the market's strength and stability," he said. Mr. Al-Osaimi added that Boursa Kuwait remains committed to attracting international investors through promotional roadshows and institutional days in key global investment hubs, as well as through open engagement with international investment banks, sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, and leading asset management firms. "These efforts support the State's vision of positioning Kuwait as a prominent regional financial and investment hub," he affirmed. Mr. Al-Osaimi concluded his remarks by highlighting the positive outlook for Boursa Kuwait, saying, "We are committed to building on these achievements to drive sustainable growth and positively contribute to Kuwait's national economy. In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all our partners and investors for their continued trust and support. Their confidence in Boursa Kuwait and in its vital role in advancing the country's economic development inspires us to aim even higher as we move forward."
