Kuwait Stock Exchange CEO Mohammed Al-Osaimi affirmed on Tuesday the exchange’s commitment to building a lasting bridge that links promising local investment opportunities with global sources of capital. He emphasized the need to press ahead with developing a comprehensive market system founded on advanced infrastructure that aligns with the expectations of international investors.
His remarks came during the conclusion of a two-day promotional tour in London organized by Boursa Kuwait in collaboration with the Kuwait Clearing Company and Jefferies Financial Group —a major international firm specializing in capital markets, asset management, and direct investments, reports Al-Rai daily.
Al-Osaimi explained that the tour plays a vital role in promoting the Kuwaiti capital market and reinforcing engagement with major financial institutions. He added that Boursa Kuwait aims to streamline the entry process for foreign investors, ensuring it is both seamless and secure.
As part of its ongoing development, Boursa Kuwait is working with stakeholders to roll out a central broker system—a foundational infrastructure enhancement designed to improve efficiency, increase transparency, and reinforce post-trade security. This initiative, Al-Osaimi noted, is expected to reduce risk and align with international clearing and settlement standards.
Clearing Company: Accelerated Reforms and Digital Advancements
Echoing these goals, Kuwait Clearing Company CEO Duaij Al-Saleh highlighted the shared objective of bolstering Kuwait’s capital market and elevating its global standing. He said the London tour offered valuable opportunities to engage with leading international investment firms and showcase the progress made in key strategic projects, especially the central intermediary system, which marks a significant step toward more advanced infrastructure.
Al-Saleh revealed that the Kuwaiti capital market has introduced several procedural enhancements to meet the requirements of global investors. Opening trading accounts for foreign clients can now be completed within one day, and the process of transferring accounts between custodians has also been accelerated to the same timeframe—both improvements aimed at boosting operational efficiency.
He added that order execution will be made easier, with fewer steps required, and that the market will activate a combined accounts system, allowing foreign institutions to trade through a single account and distribute shares to final beneficiaries after execution.
Digital transformation is also underway, with Al-Saleh announcing the automation and upgraded launch of the electronic general assembly system. This platform now enables investors to vote and engage using various electronic channels. The system is now mandatory for all listed companies.
In a further effort to attract foreign capital, Al-Saleh noted that mechanisms for foreign participation in IPOs have been updated, aiming to broaden investor access and deepen foreign involvement in the Kuwaiti market.
With these initiatives, Boursa Kuwait and the Kuwait Clearing Company are charting a course toward a more accessible, efficient, and globally integrated capital market.
