12-05-2025
CMA Chairman: SMEs Make Up 30% of Listed Companies in Saudi Market
Mohammed ElKuwaiz, Chairman of the Capital Market Authority (CMA), highlighted significant progress in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Saudi Arabia's capital market. Speaking at the SME Support Council during 'Finance Week,' hosted by Monsha'at (the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority), ElKuwaiz noted that the Kingdom has made considerable efforts in recent years to encourage public listings and diversify financing options for SMEs.
He pointed out that companies in the Saudi market now have access to nine different financing options, most of which were introduced recently. Among the key initiatives, the launch of the Nomu Parallel Market stands out as a major enabler, easing the path for SMEs to enter the capital market.
CMA
According to a CMA press release, SMEs now represent 30% of listed companies in the Saudi capital market. Fourteen companies have successfully transitioned from Nomu to the main market, demonstrating the effectiveness of the CMA's supportive investment environment.
ElKuwaiz reported that the Nomu Index has grown tenfold since its inception, with market capitalization soaring 26 times to nearly SAR 60 billion. Trading volumes also saw a significant boost, with liquidity increasing eightfold and total trades reaching SAR 14 billion in 2024. The CMA has overhauled listing requirements to align with global best practices, introducing direct listings and lowering regulatory hurdles through partnerships with strategic stakeholders.
To further encourage listings, over 14 incentives have been launched in collaboration with various entities, targeting areas such as government procurement, credit ratings, and evaluation standards for listed firms. Fintech
ElKuwaiz also underscored the growing influence of financial technology (fintech) in the capital market, noting that the sector's revenue surged by 105% compared to 2023. He emphasized the importance of credit ratings and company evaluations in improving access to financing, particularly through debt instruments, which are vital for sustainable market growth.
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