Capital Markets
From The Report: Kuwait 2024
View in Online Reader

Despite global economic volatility and uncertainty in recent years, Kuwait’s capital markets have demonstrated continued resilience and adaptation. Innovative products are set for launch, along with a new central counterparty system, which should put Kuwait more firmly on global investors’ maps. The central counterparty system will launch alongside a new platform for trading bonds, sukuk (Islamic bonds) and exchange-traded funds. Boursa Kuwait, the country’s oldest stock exchange, continues to provide investors with the expertise of the region’s oldest market, and companies with access to funding in an economy in which investors have deep pockets and policymakers are looking to push forwards with diversification efforts.

This chapter contains interviews with Mohammad Saud Al Osaimi, CEO of Boursa Kuwait; and Alex Krunic, former CEO of Kuwait Clearing Company.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Funding growth: A long-term programme and new technologies should boost the sector’s attractiveness for local and international investors
OBG
plus

Despite global economic volatility and uncertainty in recent years, Kuwait’s capital markets have demonstrated continued resilience and adaptation. Innovative products are set for launch, along with a new central counterparty (CCP) system. The system should put Kuwait more firmly on global investors’ maps, and it will launch alongside a new platform for trading bonds, sukuk (Islamic bonds) and exchange-traded funds. At the same time, Boursa Kuwait, the country’s stock exchange, continues to…

Interview

Expanding horizons: Mohammad Saud Al Osaimi, CEO, Boursa Kuwait, on elevating the visibility of capital markets and embracing sustainability
OBG
plus

Interview:Mohammad Saud Al Osaimi Which new developments are helping enhance capital markets’ product and service offerings? MOHAMMAD SAUD AL OSAIMI: Since its inception, Boursa Kuwait has been dedicated to elevating Kuwaiti capital markets by introducing products and services that not only cater to the needs of local investors, but also establish a reliable trading platform for investors on a global scale, in line with our strategic vision aimed at enhancing both transparency and liquidity…

Interview

Investor interest: Alex Krunic, former CEO, Kuwait Clearing Company, on boosting financial markets through technology and regional integration
OBG
plus

Interview: Alex Krunic What efforts have been made to enhance investors’ access to Kuwait’s financial markets? ALEX KRUNIC: To attract foreign direct investment into any emerging market, it is essential to raise standards to international levels. This involves providing the same degree of legal certainty for international investors as domestic ones. Additionally, creating a stable financial market infrastructure is crucial to avoid disruptions. This has been a focus in the GCC, as seen with…

Analysis

Generating interest: A new counterparty system expects to bring in global funding
OBG
plus

As part of its Market Development Project (MDP) – which aims to boost listings, as well as increase the volume of local and international trading – Boursa Kuwait is putting the final touches on a series of initiatives that are expected to greatly expand the range of products and services it offers. Central to this is a new central counterparty (CCP) system that is scheduled for launch in the first half of 2024. Under the CCP system, specialised financial institutions that have been approved…

Analysis

On the up: The macroeconomic climate is set to boost public offerings
OBG
plus

The GCC saw a rise in initial public offerings (IPOs) in 2022 despite volatility in secondary markets. The total number of IPOs in the region increased from 20 in 2021 to 48 in 2022, while proceeds from GCC issuers increased by 211% from $7.5bn to almost $23bn over the same period. In 2023 there were 47 listings on GCC exchanges, generating $10.6bn in proceeds. The number of successful IPOs in the region has resulted in greater interest from investors. Success Amid Turbulence The MSCI GCC Countries…