Finance

Saudi Arabia is considering reducing bank guarantee requirements for financial firms seeking licenses, aiming to strengthen its financial sector. The Saudi Central Bank has opened a public consultation on proposed changes to the Finance Companies Control Law, seeking feedback through the National Competitiveness Center’s platform. The proposal suggests lowering the minimum bank guarantee to 20 percent of the required capital,...

Saudi Arabia’s National Debt Management Center has raised SR3.71 billion ($990 million) through its April sukuk issuance, marking a 40% increase over the previous month. This follows a consistent trend of active domestic debt sales, with SR2.64 billion issued in March, SR3.07 billion in February, and SR3.72 billion in January. Sukuk are Shariah-compliant alternatives to traditional bonds, giving investors partial...

Saudi Arabia is set to strengthen its influence in the global Islamic finance sector in 2025, driven by economic diversification and a surge in sukuk (Islamic bond) issuances. The country's banking sector, bolstered by Vision 2030 reforms, is expected to be a major contributor to the expansion of Islamic banking assets, according to recent industry analysis. Investor interest in Saudi...

Saudi Arabia led the Gulf region’s debt market in the first quarter of 2025, securing $31.01 billion from 41 bond and sukuk deals. This accounted for over 60 percent of all issuances across the Gulf Cooperation Council, maintaining the Kingdom’s dominance in fixed income. However, Saudi Arabia’s total was nearly 20 percent lower than the same period last year. Across...

Saudi Arabia’s banking industry is entering a pivotal phase as it prepares to launch its first major sale of non-performing loans (NPLs). This move signals a push toward financial modernization and greater alignment with international credit risk standards. The timing is key, with the country embarking on large-scale infrastructure projects as part of Vision 2030. By selling off NPLs, banks...

Saudi Arabia’s stock market posted modest gains this week as key sectors and new partnerships drove momentum. The main index edged up, with most stocks rising and notable performances from companies in insurance, construction, and media. Red Sea International saw its stock jump nearly 10%, while Allied Cooperative Insurance also performed strongly. In contrast, Riyad Bank experienced the largest drop...

Saudi Arabia has launched a 5 percent Real Estate Transaction Tax (RETT) starting April 10, aimed at supporting economic diversification. This new tax is applicable to all property transactions, including residential, commercial, and industrial, regardless of their development status or ownership type. It also covers undocumented transactions. Property transfers must be registered via the RETT platform on the Zakat, Tax...

The Tadawul All Share Index in Saudi Arabia ended the trading session with a decline, closing at 11,096.65 points, down by 206.11 points or 1.82%. The trading volume reached SR6.83 billion, with 23 stocks rising and 225 falling. The MSCI Tadawul Index also experienced a drop of 23.02 points, or 1.61%, ending at 1,409.46. The Nomu parallel market saw a...

Accesso Technology Group PLC has been selected as the guest experience technology provider for the Qiddiya entertainment project in Saudi Arabia. Located southwest of Riyadh, Qiddiya covers over 300 square kilometers and is a key part of Saudi Vision 2030. It will feature attractions such as the Six Flags Qiddiya theme park and the Aquarabia water park. Accesso will implement...

Saudi Arabia has introduced the fourth round of its Sah savings product for 2025, delivering a 4.88 percent return for April through the Ijarah sukuk model. Managed by the National Debt Management Center and issued by the Ministry of Finance, Sah is the Kingdom’s pioneering savings bond for individuals. It operates on the Ijarah model, a Shariah-compliant leasing structure, allowing...

Nayla Finance, a fintech startup in Saudi Arabia, has raised $4 million in seed funding, with Sanabil Venture Studio by Stryber leading the round. Established in 2024 by Shaqran Alyahya and Khalid Naili, Nayla specializes in providing microfinance solutions tailored to small businesses. This investment will accelerate Nayla’s growth, supporting product development, business expansion, and an increase in available capital...

Saudi Arabia's US Treasury holdings dropped to $126.9 billion in January, down $10.6 billion from the previous month—a decline of 7.7%. This shift may reflect market changes or adjustments in investment strategies as the country responds to global economic trends. Despite the decrease, Saudi Arabia maintained its 17th place among the largest holders of US Treasuries and remains the only...

Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its presence in the debt market, raising SR2.64 billion ($704 million) through sukuk issuances in March. This follows substantial offerings in previous months, as the Kingdom leverages debt instruments to support its Vision 2030 economic transformation. The March sukuk was issued in four tranches, with maturities ranging from 2027 to 2039. The tranches were valued...

Saudi Arabia's Capital Markets Experience Robust Growth with $274 Billion Raised Saudi Arabia's capital markets have seen remarkable expansion, raising over $130 billion in the last five years to support the Vision 2030 initiative. This growth is part of a broader strategy to attract investment, enhance global interest, and diversify the economy. A report by S&P Global highlights that Saudi...

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia has introduced a $4 billion bond offering, as reported by Arab News. This launch includes $2.4 billion in five-year bonds, priced at 95 basis points over US Treasuries, and $1.6 billion in nine-year bonds, priced at 110 basis points over the same benchmark. This bond issuance follows PIF's recent completion of its...

Saudi Arabia is gearing up for another initial public offering (IPO) with Derayah Financial Company planning to offer 20% of its shares. The final pricing will be determined through a book-building process. This move is expected to contribute to another prosperous year for IPOs on the Saudi Tadawul. Established in 2009, Derayah is a digital investment platform providing brokerage and...

The Tadawul All Share Index in Saudi Arabia experienced a slight dip, decreasing by 0.06% to close at 12,362.39. Trading turnover reached SR7.62 billion, with 109 stocks rising and 122 declining. The Nomu parallel market fell by 317 points, closing at 31,000.87. Meanwhile, the MSCI Tadawul Index decreased by 0.26% to 1,545.02. Naseej International Trading Co. led the main market...

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Finance Minister HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari engaged in discussions with Saudi Arabia's Finance Minister Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Jadaan. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in investment, finance, and economic sectors, alongside addressing topics of shared interest.

The Saudi stock market saw a slight dip as the Tadawul All Share Index decreased by 0.08%, closing at 12,369.63. Trading volume reached SR6.92 billion, with 133 stocks rising and 97 falling. In the parallel market, Nomu dropped 27 points to 31,317.97, while the MSCI Tadawul Index declined by 0.17% to 1,549.08. Top Performers and Decliners Rasan Information Technology Co....

Saudi Arabia's Fintech Sector Transformation Saudi Arabia's financial sector is undergoing significant changes, fueled by Vision 2030 reforms, according to experts. The Financial Sector Development Program (FSDP) is at the forefront, aiming to diversify income and expand financial opportunities. Under the guidance of the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), the fintech and digital banking sectors are flourishing. Yaseen Ghulam, an economics...

Riyad Bank of Saudi Arabia is exploring an initial public offering (IPO) for its investment banking division, partnering with JPMorgan Chase & Co. for this venture, as per insider sources. The IPO for Riyad Capital might occur by mid-2025, with an estimated valuation of $2.5 billion. However, specifics such as the offering size and precise timing are yet to be...

Saudi Arabia and Oman have taken a significant step to bolster their financial ties through a new agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation and sharing expertise. Signed during the Islamic Development Bank Group's board of governors' retreat in Madinah, the agreement seeks to improve financial policies, public sector governance, and coordination on regional and international matters. Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan...

The Saudi stock market experienced a slight decline as the Tadawul All Share Index fell by 17.03 points, or 0.14%, closing at 12,109.94. Trading turnover reached SR5.77 billion, with 114 stocks advancing and 119 retreating. The MSCI Tadawul Index also saw a minor decrease of 2.34 points, or 0.15%, finishing at 1,509.67. In contrast, the Nomu parallel market rose by...

The Saudi and Omani Finance Ministers, Mohammed Aljadaan and Sultan bin Salem Al-Habsi, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance financial cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Oman. This took place during the Islamic Development Bank Group's Board of Governors' retreat in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Minister Aljadaan described the MoU as a pivotal move to deepen financial ties, facilitating...

The Saudi Minister of Finance, Mohammed Aljadaan, took part in the Islamic Development Bank Group's Board of Governors’ retreat at the King Salman International Convention Center in Medina. This gathering was dedicated to high-level consultations for crafting the Bank's strategy for 2026–2035. In his address, Minister Aljadaan welcomed the Governors, underscoring the significance of the meeting as a venue to...

The Sultanate of Oman and Saudi Arabia have entered into an agreement aimed at boosting financial sector collaboration. This memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Oman's Minister of Finance, H E Sultan Salim al Habsi, and his Saudi counterpart, Mohammed Abdullah al Jadaan. Key objectives of this MoU include strengthening bilateral relations, sharing financial expertise, and enhancing coordination on...

Saudi Arabia's banking sector is witnessing increased activity in the debt and sukuk markets as major banks aim to boost their capital and support growth. Key players like Al Rajhi Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi, and Arab National Bank are issuing significant amounts to attract local and international investors. This trend aligns with the Capital Market Authority's goal to transform the...

Saudi Arabia's banking sector is witnessing increased activity in debt and sukuk markets as major banks aim to bolster their capital and support growth initiatives. Leading institutions like Al Rajhi Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi, and Arab National Bank are issuing significant financial instruments to attract local and global investors. This trend aligns with the Capital Market Authority's Vision 2030, which...

Alinma Investment Company has received approval from both unitholders and the Capital Market Authority (CMA) for significant changes to the Alinma Saudi Government Sukuk ETF Fund - Short Maturity. These changes will take effect on 27 January 2025. The fund, adhering to Sharia principles, is an open-end public investment. Certification of its Sharia compliance has been granted by an appointed...

The GCC region saw a notable increase in Islamic debt issuances in 2024, driven by Qatar and Saudi Arabia, according to Kamco Invest. Total sukuk issuances reached a historic $82.1 billion, up from $56.1 billion the previous year, while non-GCC global sukuk fell to $50.4 billion from $65.1 billion. The GCC was the primary contributor to the rise in bond...