Government opens the stock market, known as the Tadawul, to foreign investors

On 15 June 2015, Saudi Arabia opened its stock market, known as the Tadawul, for foreign investors. Restrictions apply, however: Only Qualified Foreign Investors (QFI) can participate in the market (Art.1 and Art. 5); QFI’s need to be financial institutions with assets of at least USD 5 billion under management (Art. 6b), and must have been in operation for at least five years (Art. 6c). Also, individual investors may acquire equity stakes of no more than 5% in individual companies, and foreign investors cumulatively may not hold more than 20% (Art. 21a). Foreigners may not invest in all companies listed on the Tadawul (Art. 21a).

• Type:

  • Entry and establishment (Ownership and control)

• Industry:

  • Not industry specific

• Sources:

  • Capital Markets Authority, Rules for Qualified Foreign Financial Institutions Investment in Listed Shares, http://cma.org.sa/En/Documents/Rules%20for%20Qualified%20Foreign%20Financial%20Institutions%20Investment%20In%20Listed%20Shares.pdf, 15 Sep 2015