Latest news with #CapitalMarketAuthority
Gulf Business
6 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Saudi Arabia's CMA approves key reforms to strengthen asset mgmt sector
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority (CMA) has approved a wide-ranging package of regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening the asset management industry and aligning it with international standards. The approved amendments cover the Investment Funds Regulations , Real Estate Investment Funds Regulations , and the Glossary of Defined Terms . The reforms are intended to improve transparency, investor protection, fund governance, and operational flexibility, particularly for investment fund managers and real estate investment trusts ( CMA's key changes include Expanded distribution channels: Digital platforms and electronic money institutions licensed by the Saudi Central Bank can now distribute fund units, enabling broader access for investors. New REIT flexibility: Real estate funds traded on the parallel market (Nomu) can invest in development projects without initial asset or percentage restrictions. Risk reduction: Money market and capital protection funds must cap exposure to a single debt instrument at 10 per cent and total exposure to one entity at 25 per cent of net assets. Improved governance: Rules now require CMA approval and a 60-day transition period for changes in fund management, ensuring continuity and investor protection. Retail investor limits: Caps were introduced to limit retail investor subscriptions in private and foreign funds to 50 per cent of total contributions, preventing concentration risks. These changes follow a record year in 2024 when the Assets under management reached nearly SAR700bn, growing 25.2 per cent year-on-year. The CMA said the reforms were finalised after public consultations held in June and October 2024 and in February earlier this year.
CairoScene
7 days ago
- Business
- CairoScene
GCC Residents Can Now Trade in Saudi Stock Market
Individual investors residing in GCC countries can trade listed stocks directly in Saudi, expanding access beyond mutual funds and bonds as part of broader market reforms. The Capital Market Authority has approved regulatory amendments allowing individual foreign investors residing in GCC countries to open investment accounts and directly trade listed stocks on the Saudi main market. Previously, access for such investors was limited to debt instruments, the parallel market, mutual funds, and derivatives. The updated framework expands eligibility, simplifies account-opening procedures, and permits continued trading even after the investor leaves the GCC - provided they had previously opened an account. The move aims to boost foreign investment, enhance market liquidity, and support economic growth.
Arab News
7 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
GCC expats can now invest directly in Saudi main market
RIYADH: Residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including expatriates, can now directly invest in Saudi Arabia's main stock market for the first time, under new regulations announced by the Capital Market Authority. The reform, unveiled by CMA Chairman Mohammed El-Kuwaiz, removes previous restrictions that limited access to swap agreements or required investors to go through licensed intermediaries. It applies to current and former residents of Saudi Arabia or other GCC states, according to an official announcement. The initiatives align with the Kingdom's economic diversification goals under Vision 2030, which seeks to deepen capital markets and attract global capital. By streamlining account openings and broadening access, the CMA aims to enhance liquidity, transparency, and investor confidence. In a post on X, El-Kuwaiz said the move 'promotes the openness of the market internationally, while at the same time building a long-term investment relationship with wider segments of investors around the world, within the framework of a more flexible and attractive regulatory environment.' In a separate statement, the CMA said the updates would 'enhance the attractiveness of the Saudi capital market for local and international investors, increase the level of investor protection, and strengthen the confidence of market participants.' The amendments were approved following the CMA's publication of the draft on Nov. 20, 2024, titled 'Facilitating the Procedures for Opening and Operating Investment Accounts for Various Categories of Investors.' The draft was open for public consultation for 30 calendar days via the Unified Electronic Platform for Consulting the Public and Government Entities, affiliated with the National Competitiveness Centre, and the CMA's website. The GCC investor expansion is part of a wider regulatory overhaul unveiled by the CMA last week to modernize Saudi Arabia's investment fund landscape. Key reforms included expanded distribution channels, allowing investment fund units to be distributed through licensed digital platforms and fintech firms approved by the Saudi Central Bank. Stronger governance measures have also been introduced, including new safeguards for fund manager transitions, which require CMA approval and a 60-day handover period to protect investors. REITs listed on the parallel market now have greater flexibility, as they can invest in development projects without strict asset allocation limits, potentially enhancing returns. The latest regulatory changes represent another strategic step to deepen liquidity, attract foreign capital, and position the Saudi Exchange as a leading money market in the region.
Argaam
12-07-2025
- Business
- Argaam
CMA Chairman: GCC residents can now invest in Saudi market
Residents of the GCC countries can now invest in the Saudi market, said Mohammed Elkuwaiz, Chairman of the Capital Market Authority (CMA). This announced followed the Saudi market regulator's approval for amendments to investment account regulations that allow current GCC residents, and those who previously resided in Saudi Arabia or other GCC countries, to directly invest in the Saudi main market. Elkuwaiz said: 'As the new amendments are approved, Gulf residents — or those who have previously lived in the Kingdom or the GCC — can continue investing in the Saudi financial market even after returning to their home countries.' This step enhances the market's openness to foreign investors, while building long-term investment relationships with a broader range of investors around the world, within a more flexible and attractive regulatory framework, he added.
Fintech News ME
10-07-2025
- Business
- Fintech News ME
Tali Ventures Invests in Tarmeez Capital to Support Sukuk Market Growth
Tali Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of stc group, has led a strategic funding round in Tarmeez Capital, a fintech company specialising in sukuk and debt instruments in Saudi Arabia. The investment marks Tarmeez Capital's transition from a self-funded business to one backed by a major national investor and supports stc group's broader strategy to invest in digital platforms contributing to the Kingdom's financial infrastructure. Tarmeez Capital, licensed by the Capital Market Authority (CMA), offers digital financing solutions across multiple sectors. Its Sharia-compliant sukuk products are available to both institutional and retail investors. The company has facilitated financing programmes exceeding SAR 2 billion and serves more than 180,000 users. Over the past year, sukuk issuances grew by 459%, supported by the firm's proprietary technology, which enables faster issuance processes compared to traditional channels. The investment follows significant growth in Saudi Arabia's corporate debt market, which reached SAR 140 billion in 2024. Digital platforms licensed by the CMA accounted for SAR 3.5 billion in issuances, a 127.36% increase year-on-year, with the total number of issuances rising 317.62% to 4,527. Majed Al Jarboua, General Manager of Corporate Fund and Entrepreneurship at stc group, stated: 'Tarmeez Capital is gaining ground in a sector that's becoming central to how companies access capital in Saudi Arabia. stc group is proud to back a homegrown fintech pushing the boundaries of digital finance. This investment marks a strategic step in scaling the next generation of financial infrastructure.' Nasser Al-Saadoun, Founder and CEO of Tarmeez Capital, commented: 'We're glad to partner with stc group, whose vision aligns with ours in advancing innovative, Sharia-compliant financial solutions. We're also grateful to the Capital Market Authority for fostering an environment where fintechs can thrive, and to our exceptional team for their continued dedication and drive.' Tarmeez Capital has facilitated financing in sectors such as industrial services and real estate. Red Sea International secured Sharia-compliant capital through the platform to fulfil contracts with Baker Hughes and Red Sea Global. The funding supported prefabricated infrastructure deployment in the Eastern Region. In the housing sector, RASF Real Estate Development is using sukuk financing for the Deem project in Al Khobar, a townhouse development targeting the Kingdom's growing middle class. Tarmeez Capital's platform also provides retail access to sukuk, contributing to broader financial inclusion and aligning with demand for ethical and ESG-compliant investment products, particularly among younger and underserved investor groups. The development supports the objectives of Vision 2030 to expand access to capital markets and promote sustainable economic growth.
