Latest news with #BoursaKuwait
Kuwait Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Mnakh launches first sustainability practices index for Kuwait market
Sustainability index reveals performance of listed companies KUWAIT: Mnakh Research and Studies Company has launched Kuwait's first index to measure sustainability practices in the local market, marking a significant step in evaluating the performance of listed companies on Boursa Kuwait based on environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. The index serves as a launchpad to promote sustainable practices and align with global trends in responsible business. In a press release on Tuesday, Mnakh stated that this sustainability index aligns with the global shift towards a greener, more inclusive economy, and supports the goals of the New Kuwait 2035 vision. Sustainability, it added, represents a comprehensive vision for companies as they design and implement strategic plans. Investment opportunities The company emphasized that international markets now view sustainability as a driver of innovation and competitiveness, shifting from being merely a moral obligation to becoming a source of investment opportunities. Global best practices, including transparent reporting based on ESG standards, are now integral to investor decision-making. The Capital Markets Authority has required companies listed in the Premier Market to disclose annual sustainability reports, promoting fairness, competitiveness and transparency. These reports will be mandatory for the 2025 fiscal year, starting from 2026. Many Kuwaiti companies have already integrated sustainability into their investment decisions and operations, adopting initiatives to improve resource efficiency, promote social justice, address climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and establish responsible business standards. Market demand for sustainability continues to grow in parallel with increasing awareness among investors and consumers. Mnakh noted that the sustainability index utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze corporate reports, offering accurate and transparent assessments of ESG performance. The index is based on a structured methodology using international standards and specific weighting for each sector according to its unique challenges and risks. Companies are rated across 12 categories, from AAA+ to D. 2023 index results According to Mnakh, the 2023 results show that most listed Kuwaiti companies meet the basic sustainability requirements. In the banking sector, National Bank of Kuwait topped the list with a score of 79.60 points (A+). In telecommunications, Zain led with 78.90 points (A+), while Boursa Kuwait ranked first in financial services with 81.90 points (AA). In real estate, Mabanee scored highest with 77.7 points (A+), while Agility led the industrial sector with 83.25 points (AA) — the highest score across all companies in Kuwait. In consumer goods, Jazeera Airways topped the sector with 72.63 points (A). Across ESG pillars, Zain ranked highest in environmental performance with 87.5 points, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable environmental practices. In the social pillar, NBK, Agility and Boursa Kuwait all shared the top spot with 83 points, highlighting their robust social programs and attention to human capital and community engagement. Kuwait Finance House led the governance pillar with 84 points, indicating strong governance systems and corporate transparency. These results underscore Kuwaiti companies' growing ability to embed sustainability principles into their operations. Their rankings in ESG categories demonstrate that compliance with these standards has become a fundamental element of growth and competitiveness strategies. Mnakh's Sustainability Index is more than just an assessment tool — it acts as a catalyst for positive competition and a driver toward a sustainable economy. It offers a unified, data-driven framework for evaluating listed companies, moving beyond numerical rankings to foster a responsible competitive culture. The index encourages continuous improvement and adoption of sustainable practices in environment, society and governance.
Kuwait Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Boursa Kuwait recognized by Global Finance for its outstanding financial leadership in community sustainability
KUWAIT: Boursa Kuwait was awarded the 'Best for Sustaining Communities –Middle East' award for 2025 by Global Finance as part of the magazine's Sustainable Finance and Investment Banking Awards ceremony in London, United Kingdom, on May 13, 2025. Global Finance's recognition of Boursa Kuwait reaffirms the company's unwavering commitment to the highest standards of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) implementation and reporting and adopting them within its operational framework. It also reflects Boursa Kuwait's strategic vision of embedding a culture of corporate sustainability through impactful initiatives that drive lasting, positive change in the community and support the development of a more transparent and efficient capital market. Adopting a comprehensive approach, Boursa Kuwait has supported social, educational, and environmental programs to empower various segments of the population and expand access to financial literacy. These initiatives are in full alignment with the objectives of Kuwait's National Development Plan, reinforcing the company's position as a key driver of sustainable development in the country. In 2024, Boursa Kuwait continued its commitment to supporting social and environmental programs in collaboration with local and international organizations. Throughout the year, the bourse sponsored 38 initiatives aimed at creating a lasting, positive impact on the community it serves, including numerous environmental programs and initiatives designed to empower women. Additionally, the company launched the inaugural edition of the 'Bell' initiative to raise financial literacy and awareness. This initiative aims to position financial education as a cornerstone for achieving financial stability, economic development, and social prosperity, in partnership with several distinguished local organizations. Commenting on the award, Boursa Kuwait's Senior Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications Naser Meshari Al-Sanousi stated, 'This international award stands as another testament to Boursa Kuwait's continued leadership in corporate sustainability and social responsibility. The company is proud to see its efforts recognized by a prestigious publication like Global Finance, a reflection of the international business community's confidence in our business model and our commitment to transparency and positive impact. Boursa Kuwait remains focused on strengthening strategic partnerships and advancing sustainable practices across Kuwait's financial sector.' 'Boursa Kuwait firmly believes that sustainability is a shared responsibility across all segments of society, and a unique opportunity to build a prosperous future for generations to come. On behalf of Boursa Kuwait, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Global Finance for this recognition, which serves as a strong motivator to continue innovating across our initiatives and delivering added value to the Kuwaiti community and the national economy,' he added. This marks the second time Boursa Kuwait has received this prestigious honor from Global Finance, following its initial win in 2023. The company was also named 'Best in Sustainability Transparency' for both 2023 and 2024, further underscoring its leadership in ESG disclosure and sustainable business practices. Since 2018, the company has won over 25 awards in sustainability from several internationally renowned institutions and publications. The Global Finance Sustainable Finance Awards recognize global, regional and local leadership in sustainable finance, commending the efforts of financial institutions that support and adopt initiatives aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of climate change and building a more sustainable future for humanity. Award recipients are selected based on their contributions to comprehensive sustainable finance, community support, resource management, transparency and reporting, as well as their overall commitment to sustainable financing. Boursa Kuwait's Corporate Sustainability (CS)strategy stipulates ensuring initiatives apply and fall in line with the company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) pillars, industry best practice standards and investor expectations, creating strong and sustainable partnerships that ultimately achieve success and allow Boursa Kuwait to leverage the capabilities and strengths of other companies or organizations that have experience in different fields, and integrating sustainability efforts with the company culture, to achieve longevity and an ongoing impact that is carried on and instilled in the day-to-day operations of the stock exchange. As part of the strategy, Boursa Kuwait has launched many initiatives in partnership with local and international organizations, focusing on support for nongovernmental organizations and charity programs, financial literacy and capital market awareness, the empowerment of women as well as environmental protection.
Al Bawaba
26-05-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Boursa Kuwait recognized by Global Finance for its outstanding financial leadership in community sustainability
Boursa Kuwait was awarded the 'Best for Sustaining Communities – Middle East' award for 2025 by Global Finance as part of the magazine's Sustainable Finance and Investment Banking Awards ceremony in London, United Kingdom, on May 13, 2025. Global Finance's recognition of Boursa Kuwait reaffirms the company's unwavering commitment to the highest standards of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) implementation and reporting and adopting them within its operational framework. It also reflects Boursa Kuwait's strategic vision of embedding a culture of corporate sustainability through impactful initiatives that drive lasting, positive change in the community and support the development of a more transparent and efficient capital market. Adopting a comprehensive approach, Boursa Kuwait has supported social, educational, and environmental programs to empower various segments of the population and expand access to financial literacy. These initiatives are in full alignment with the objectives of Kuwait's National Development Plan, reinforcing the company's position as a key driver of sustainable development in the country. In 2024, Boursa Kuwait continued its commitment to supporting social and environmental programs in collaboration with local and international organizations. Throughout the year, the bourse sponsored 38 initiatives aimed at creating a lasting, positive impact on the community it serves, including numerous environmental programs and initiatives designed to empower women. Additionally, the company launched the inaugural edition of the 'Bell' initiative to raise financial literacy and awareness. This initiative aims to position financial education as a cornerstone for achieving financial stability, economic development, and social prosperity, in partnership with several distinguished local organizations. Commenting on the award, Boursa Kuwait's Senior Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications Mr. Naser Meshari Al-Sanousi stated, 'This international award stands as another testament to Boursa Kuwait's continued leadership in corporate sustainability and social responsibility. The company is proud to see its efforts recognized by a prestigious publication like Global Finance, a reflection of the international business community's confidence in our business model and our commitment to transparency and positive impact. Boursa Kuwait remains focused on strengthening strategic partnerships and advancing sustainable practices across Kuwait's financial sector.' 'Boursa Kuwait firmly believes that sustainability is a shared responsibility across all segments of society, and a unique opportunity to build a prosperous future for generations to come. On behalf of Boursa Kuwait, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Global Finance for this recognition, which serves as a strong motivator to continue innovating across our initiatives and delivering added value to the Kuwaiti community and the national economy,' he added. This marks the second time Boursa Kuwait has received this prestigious honor from Global Finance, following its initial win in 2023. The company was also named 'Best in Sustainability Transparency' for both 2023 and 2024, further underscoring its leadership in ESG disclosure and sustainable business practices. Since 2018, the company has won over 25 awards in sustainability from several internationally renowned institutions and publications. The Global Finance Sustainable Finance Awards recognize global, regional and local leadership in sustainable finance, commending the efforts of financial institutions that support and adopt initiatives aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of climate change and building a more sustainable future for humanity. Award recipients are selected based on their contributions to comprehensive sustainable finance, community support, resource management, transparency and reporting, as well as their overall commitment to sustainable financing. Boursa Kuwait's Corporate Sustainability (CS) strategy stipulates ensuring initiatives apply and fall in line with the company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) pillars, industry best practice standards and investor expectations, creating strong and sustainable partnerships that ultimately achieve success and allow Boursa Kuwait to leverage the capabilities and strengths of other companies or organizations that have experience in different fields, and integrating sustainability efforts with the company culture, to achieve longevity and an ongoing impact that is carried on and instilled in the day-to-day operations of the stock exchange. As part of the strategy, Boursa Kuwait has launched many initiatives in partnership with local and international organizations, focusing on support for nongovernmental organizations and charity programs, financial literacy and capital market awareness, the empowerment of women as well as environmental protection.
Zawya
25-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Boursa Kuwait recognized by Global Finance for its outstanding financial leadership in community sustainability
Kuwait City: Boursa Kuwait was awarded the 'Best for Sustaining Communities – Middle East' award for 2025 by Global Finance as part of the magazine's Sustainable Finance and Investment Banking Awards ceremony in London, United Kingdom, on May 13, 2025. Global Finance's recognition of Boursa Kuwait reaffirms the company's unwavering commitment to the highest standards of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) implementation and reporting and adopting them within its operational framework. It also reflects Boursa Kuwait's strategic vision of embedding a culture of corporate sustainability through impactful initiatives that drive lasting, positive change in the community and support the development of a more transparent and efficient capital market. Adopting a comprehensive approach, Boursa Kuwait has supported social, educational, and environmental programs to empower various segments of the population and expand access to financial literacy. These initiatives are in full alignment with the objectives of Kuwait's National Development Plan, reinforcing the company's position as a key driver of sustainable development in the country. In 2024, Boursa Kuwait continued its commitment to supporting social and environmental programs in collaboration with local and international organizations. Throughout the year, the bourse sponsored 38 initiatives aimed at creating a lasting, positive impact on the community it serves, including numerous environmental programs and initiatives designed to empower women. Additionally, the company launched the inaugural edition of the 'Bell' initiative to raise financial literacy and awareness. This initiative aims to position financial education as a cornerstone for achieving financial stability, economic development, and social prosperity, in partnership with several distinguished local organizations. Commenting on the award, Boursa Kuwait's Senior Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications Mr. Naser Meshari Al-Sanousi stated, 'This international award stands as another testament to Boursa Kuwait's continued leadership in corporate sustainability and social responsibility. The company is proud to see its efforts recognized by a prestigious publication like Global Finance, a reflection of the international business community's confidence in our business model and our commitment to transparency and positive impact. Boursa Kuwait remains focused on strengthening strategic partnerships and advancing sustainable practices across Kuwait's financial sector.' 'Boursa Kuwait firmly believes that sustainability is a shared responsibility across all segments of society, and a unique opportunity to build a prosperous future for generations to come. On behalf of Boursa Kuwait, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Global Finance for this recognition, which serves as a strong motivator to continue innovating across our initiatives and delivering added value to the Kuwaiti community and the national economy,' he added. This marks the second time Boursa Kuwait has received this prestigious honor from Global Finance, following its initial win in 2023. The company was also named 'Best in Sustainability Transparency' for both 2023 and 2024, further underscoring its leadership in ESG disclosure and sustainable business practices. Since 2018, the company has won over 25 awards in sustainability from several internationally renowned institutions and publications. The Global Finance Sustainable Finance Awards recognize global, regional and local leadership in sustainable finance, commending the efforts of financial institutions that support and adopt initiatives aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of climate change and building a more sustainable future for humanity. Award recipients are selected based on their contributions to comprehensive sustainable finance, community support, resource management, transparency and reporting, as well as their overall commitment to sustainable financing. Boursa Kuwait's Corporate Sustainability (CS) strategy stipulates ensuring initiatives apply and fall in line with the company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) pillars, industry best practice standards and investor expectations, creating strong and sustainable partnerships that ultimately achieve success and allow Boursa Kuwait to leverage the capabilities and strengths of other companies or organizations that have experience in different fields, and integrating sustainability efforts with the company culture, to achieve longevity and an ongoing impact that is carried on and instilled in the day-to-day operations of the stock exchange. As part of the strategy, Boursa Kuwait has launched many initiatives in partnership with local and international organizations, focusing on support for nongovernmental organizations and charity programs, financial literacy and capital market awareness, the empowerment of women as well as environmental protection. About Boursa Kuwait: The establishment of Boursa Kuwait in 2014 marked the first step in the privatization project of the Kuwait Stock Exchange, which was founded in 1977 as the first exchange in the Gulf Cooperation Council region and was reorganized in 1983 as an independent financial institution. The transitional phase began in 2016, with Boursa Kuwait officially assuming the responsibilities and operations of the Kuwait Stock Exchange, replacing it with an official license in the same year after the successful completion of the transitional phase. This ensured that Boursa Kuwait developed the infrastructure and operated according to best practices and international standards. It commenced the creation of an advanced, reliable trading platform built on efficiency, credibility, and transparency to serve all asset classes with a focus on the interests of traders and the national economy. Boursa Kuwait has undertaken various market reforms as part of its comprehensive plans to enhance it in several stages. It succeeded in introducing innovative investment tools, enhancing transparency, and restructuring the market to increase its liquidity and competitiveness, based on its mission-focused strategy, which emphasizes developing the market to meet international standards. The company's developmental and improvement efforts have also contributed to the reclassification of the Kuwait market as an «emerging market» among key global index providers, enhancing Kuwait's position as a leading regional financial center. In a pioneering step in Kuwait's privatization field, the privatization of Boursa Kuwait was successful, conducted in two stages. The first stage was in February 2019 when a consortium of Kuwaiti investment companies and a global exchange operator won the privatization bid, acquiring a 44% stake in the company. In December 2019, the privatization process was completed through the public offering of a 50% stake owned by the Capital Markets Authority to Kuwaiti citizens, with the offering oversubscribed by more than 850%. Boursa Kuwait is listed on the «Premier Market» under the name «Boursa». For further information, please contact: Ahmad Rashed Alowaish PR and Media Manager - Boursa Kuwait Email: aalowaish@
Kuwait Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
Boursa Kuwait, KCC promote Kuwaiti capital market to London's leading asset managers
Roadshow held in collaboration with Jefferies Financial Group in London from May 12-13 KUWAIT: As part of their ongoing efforts to support the development of the Kuwaiti capital market and elevate its position within the international investment community, Boursa Kuwait and Kuwait Clearing Company (KCC) organized a roadshow in London from May 12 to 13, 2025 in collaboration with Jefferies Financial Group, a world-renowned global investment banking and capital markets institution. The roadshow provided Boursa Kuwait and KCC with a unique opportunity to conduct focused one-on-one meetings with ten leading global investment management firms and advisory institutions. The delegation was led by Mohammad Saud Al-Osaimi, Chief Executive Officer of Boursa Kuwait, and Duaij R Al-Saleh, Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Clearing Company, who were joined by senior executives, including Boursa Kuwait Head of Markets Sector Noura Al-Abdulkareem and Abdulkarim A Al-Yaqout, the Director of Strategy and Product Development at KCC. During the roadshow, representatives highlighted recent developments in the Kuwaiti capital market, promoting its growing range of investment opportunities and presenting updates on key infrastructure and service enhancements, to global investors from several world-renowned financial institutions, including progress on the forthcoming Central Counterparty (CCP) framework, which is set to launch alongside exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as well as a platform for fixed-income instruments including bonds and sukuk. The roadshow also served as a valuable forum for direct engagement with some of the world's leading financial institutions, enabling the delegation to exchange views, gather investor feedback on their experience in Kuwait and gain a deeper understanding of their expectations and requirements. 'Boursa Kuwait remains focused on strengthening its ties with the global investment community, showcasing the progress of the Kuwaiti capital market and its growing range of opportunities to global capital. Over the past few years, the company has worked to build an integrated investment ecosystem with a solid market infrastructure, introduce investor-centric services and financial products tailored to international standards, while streamlining foreign investor onboarding to ensure a seamless and secure experience. This roadshow serves as a vital platform to promote the Kuwaiti capital market and foster deeper engagement with leading financial institutions, in line with Boursa Kuwait's efforts to position Kuwait as a prominent investment destination in the region,' said Mohammad Saud Al-Osaimi, the Chief Executive Officer of Boursa Kuwait. In collaboration with its partners in the Kuwaiti capital market apparatus, Boursa Kuwait is working on the launch of the Central Counterparty (CCP) framework, a foundational step in strengthening market infrastructure. Designed to enhance the efficiency, transparency and security of post-trade processes, the CCP serves as the counterparty to all transactions, ensuring safe and orderly settlements between buyers and sellers and will play a vital role in mitigating counterparty risk and aligning Kuwait's market operations with global standards in clearing and settlement. Kuwait Clearing Company CEO Duaij R Al-Saleh Commenting on the roadshow, KCC CEO Duaij R Al-Saleh said, 'Our participation in this roadshow alongside Boursa Kuwait reflects our shared commitment to advancing the Kuwaiti capital market, elevating its stature in the region and the world and strengthening engagement with international investors. It provided a valuable platform to engage with world-renowned financial institutions to highlight our clearing and settlement infrastructure and share updates on strategic initiatives, such as the CCP framework, which will enhance post-trade efficiency, reduce counterparty riskand serve as the foundation for more advanced financial instruments and services.' As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen market infrastructure and enhance the appeal of the capital market to foreign investors, the Kuwaiti capital market apparatus has introduced a series of enhancements and regulatory reforms to its clearing and settlement systems over the past few years, aligning them with the standards and expectations of leading global financial institutions. These enhancements include the acceleration of trading account openings for foreign clients, which are now completed within a single business day. Similarly, the process for transferring accounts between custodians has been redesigned to match this timeframe, improving operational efficiency and execution speed, while the introduction of partial settlement rejection has given foreign investors greater flexibility in managing their investment obligations. In addition, the omnibus account mechanism was introduced to further streamline order execution and reduce transaction volume, allowing institutional and foreign investors to execute trades through a single consolidated account, with shares allocated to individual beneficiaries immediately after settlement. Furthermore, a fully automated and upgraded version of the electronic general assembly meeting (eAGM) system has been launched. This system, which is mandatory for all listed companies, enables investors to participate and vote through multiple convenient digital channels. Other key developments include an enhanced mechanism for foreign investor participation in initial public offerings (IPOs), aimed at boosting cross-border investment, as well as the introduction of a Securities Lending and Borrowing (SLB) framework which broadens the range of financial instruments available in the market and offers investors increased flexibility and strategic options. Boursa Kuwait and the KCC play a pivotal role in the development of the Kuwaiti capital market and the diversification of the national economy and have remained steadfast in their dedication to establishing a transparent, efficient and advanced exchange platform, which has led to the creation of a liquid capital market. Boursa Kuwait and the KCC's unwavering commitment to promoting the Kuwaiti capital market and its participants through a series of roadshows and corporate days has also helped provide prospective institutional investors worldwide with profound insights into the market's opportunities. Since Boursa Kuwait took over operations of the Kuwaiti stock exchange, the Kuwaiti capital market has undergone an unprecedented development, thanks to the diligent efforts of the capital market apparatus. Their focus on empowering participants and raising standards has resulted in several key initiatives, including the diversification of products and services, establishing an appealing investment platform, expanding the issuer base, and adapting rules and regulations to meet market demands. The apparatus has also significantly enhanced the market's infrastructure and fostered an attractive investment environment, which resulted in the Kuwaiti capital market's reclassification to an Emerging Market by three prominent global index providers, and solidified Kuwait's position as a leading financial center in the region.
