Saudi Capital Market Absolutely Opens to Overseas Buyers in 2026
Following the revised regulatory construction, the Capital Market Authority (CMA) has eradicated the Certified Overseas Investor (QFI) program throughout the Fundamental Market. The Capital Market Authority (CMA) formally introduced that Saudi Arabia’s inventory market can be totally open to all international traders starting February 1, 2026. This ruling allows international traders to speculate immediately in any market part, together with the Fundamental Market.
New Guidelines Authorized by the CMA Board
Purpose: Extra Buyers and Higher Market Liquidity
The permitted amendments goal to
➤ Develop and diversify the investor base within the Fundamental Market
➤ Improve international funding inflows
➤ Enhance total market liquidity
Finish of Certified Overseas Investor (QFI) Requirement
Following the revised regulatory construction, the Capital Market Authority (CMA) has eradicated the Certified Overseas Investor (QFI) program throughout the Fundamental Market. In different phrases, international traders now not have to fulfill sure requirements earlier than they’ll make investments. All varieties of international traders can now freely enter the market.
Swap Agreements Abolished
The CMA additionally canceled the regulatory framework for swap agreements, which beforehand allowed international traders to achieve solely financial publicity to Saudi-listed securities. With the brand new guidelines, international traders can now personal shares immediately within the Fundamental Market.
Sturdy Progress in Overseas Funding
By the top of the third quarter of 2025, worldwide traders’ possession within the Saudi capital market exceeded SR590 billion.
Anticipated will increase in International Funding
The CMA indicated that these amendments have the potential to draw a better variety of worldwide traders and improve international capital inflows into the Saudi market.
Earlier Steps to Simplify Funding Entry
In July 2025, the CMA licensed measures to streamline the procedures for opening and managing funding accounts for particular investor teams. These included:
🔘 Overseas people dwelling in GCC nations
🔘 People who beforehand lived in Saudi Arabia or different GCC states
This step was described as an interim section resulting in the most recent resolution and was meant to spice up confidence within the Fundamental Market and help the Saudi financial system.
A part of a Lengthy-Time period Market Opening Technique
Public Session Held in October 2025
In October 2025, the CMA revealed the draft regulatory framework for permitting non-resident international traders to speculate immediately within the Fundamental Market. The draft was shared on the Unified Digital Platform for Consulting the Public and Authorities Entities and on the CMA’s official web site.
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| Saudi Capital Market Absolutely Opens to Overseas Buyers in 2026 |
