Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority (CMA) has opened a new chapter in its push to attract global investors, approving sweeping amendments to the rules for opening investment accounts — a move designed to simplify access and expand participation in the kingdom’s rapidly growing capital markets.
The revised framework, unveiled in CMA’s latest annual report, reflects a broader strategy to modernize financial regulations, harness technology, and strengthen the country’s role as a regional investment hub under Vision 2030.
Among the most notable shifts is a rule change allowing individual foreign investors residing in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to directly buy shares listed on the Saudi Main Market (TASI). Previously, their participation was restricted to debt instruments, the Parallel Market (Nomu), investment funds, and derivatives. Access to the main market was limited to indirect exposure through swap deals or discretionary portfolios managed by licensed capital market institutions.
For the first time, individuals who once lived in Saudi Arabia or another GCC state can continue investing even after leaving the region, provided they had previously opened an investment account. This continuity aims to maintain long-term investor engagement and deepen cross-border capital ties.
“These enhancements build on our commitment to create a transparent, inclusive, and future-ready marketplace,” said Abdulaziz Almojel, CMA’s Deputy for Strategy, Research & International Relations. “By simplifying account procedures and broadening eligibility, we’re laying stronger foundations for sustainable growth.”
The numbers underscore the momentum: foreign ownership in Saudi-listed equities climbed to SAR 423 billion by the end of 2024 — a 5.5% rise from the previous year and more than double the 2020 level. The kingdom also ranked seventh worldwide in IPO proceeds at $4.3 billion and ninth in total listings, recording 44 public offerings last year.
With net foreign investment hitting SAR 218 billion and assets under management surpassing SAR 1 trillion, Saudi Arabia’s capital market is fast becoming a magnet for global capital — now made even more accessible by regulatory foresight.
