Foreign holdings in Saudi market hit $130B: Official

Foreign interest in the Saudi stock market reflects growing investor confidence, with more than 5,000 foreigners attracted since the launch of the Qualified Foreign Investor (QFI) framework, holding stakes exceeding $130 billion, said Nayef Al-Athel, Group Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Saudi Tadawul Group Holding Co.

Speaking to Argaam, Al-Athel added that the upcoming annual flagship “CMF Select” will be held in Riyadh from April 28–30, focusing on market development, the role of capital and innovation, and strengthening the global positioning of the Saudi capital market.

He noted that the New York edition brought together around 300 participants, including more than 100 investors, with over 55 meetings held between investors and issuers.

He added that four memoranda of understanding were announced during the forum, including a trilateral MoU with the Financial Academy and New York University to develop educational programs and applied research for capital markets leaders. Three additional MoUs were signed by the Regional Voluntary Carbon Market Company, underscoring international interest in advancing Saudi Arabia’s voluntary carbon market.

Saudi Tadawul Group continues to develop the capital market through the rollout of a new generation of investment products, with a focus on debt instruments, derivatives and data, aimed at deepening the market and broadening investment opportunities.

The group’s strategy is built around multiple pillars, including the development of the equity and capital markets, positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for debt instruments and Islamic finance, expanding the derivatives market, developing commodities markets, enhancing global securities services, and broadening data and index offerings, he concluded.