logo
Investment opportunities at the core of Boursa Kuwait's participation in HSBC's fourth GCC Exchanges Conference in London

Investment opportunities at the core of Boursa Kuwait's participation in HSBC's fourth GCC Exchanges Conference in London

Al Bawaba17-06-2025
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance its international presence and showcase the compelling investment opportunities within the Kuwaiti capital market, Boursa Kuwait concluded its participation in the fourth GCC Exchanges Conference, organized by multinational British investment bank HSBC, held in London from 16–17 June 2025 and coinciding with the bourse's 15th Corporate Day.The Corporate Day saw the participation of eight companies listed on the 'Premier' Market, including Boursa Kuwait, Kuwait Finance House, National Bank of Kuwait, Mobile Telecommunications Company (Zain), Warba Bank, Burgan Bank, Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Real Estate Company, and attracted a strong turnout from representatives of world-renowned investment institutions, including investment banks, asset management firms, sovereign wealth funds and international pension funds. Over 100 meetings were held throughout the Corporate Day, offering institutional investors in-depth insights into the financial performance, strategic plans and operational outlooks of the participating Kuwaiti companies.'Boursa Kuwait's participation in international investment conferences, corporate days, and roadshows underscores its pivotal role in positioning the Kuwaiti capital market as a compelling destination on the global investment landscape. These platforms are instrumental in showcasing the market's competitive strengths and reinforcing its reputation as a transparent, efficient, and regionally significant financial hub. They also provide valuable opportunities to exchange knowledge, share expertise, and adopt global best practices—bolstering investor confidence and advancing our vision of a sustainable market that aligns with evolving global economic trends,' said Boursa Kuwait's Head of Markets, Noura Al-Abdulkareem.Boursa Kuwait presented a comprehensive overview to institutional shareholders and potential investors, highlighting its key financial results for the first quarter, operational performance through May and key takeaways from its latest sustainability report. The company also outlined its announced plans, including the upcoming launch of the Central Counterparty (CCP) system, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and a dedicated fixed-income trading platform that includes bonds and sukuk.Commenting on the company's meetings with prospective investors and shareholders, Boursa Kuwait's Chief Financial Officer Mr. Naim Azad Din said, 'Boursa Kuwait's consistent efforts to enhance transparency and maintain direct and meaningful engagement with prospective shareholders and investors are aligned with the highest international standards adopted by leading exchanges across the globe. We are committed to presenting our financial and operational performance with clarity and accuracy while providing effective channels for dialogue that allow shareholders and investment institutions to stay informed on the latest developments and plans of Boursa Kuwait and the broader Kuwaiti capital market.''Key initiatives such as the launch of the Central Counterparty (CCP) system and the fixed-income trading platform reflect the capital market apparatus's commitment to broadening the range of financial products and improving investor experience—ultimately strengthening shareholder confidence, supporting the market's sustainable growth and maintaining its regional and international competitiveness,' he added.The GCC Exchanges Conference is taking place in London for the fourth consecutive year, bringing together representatives from all seven Gulf Cooperation Council stock exchanges. As one of the region's most prominent and influential financial forums, the conference provides a unique opportunity to deepen engagement with international investors and serves as a strategic platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing.Head of Wholesale Banking for HSBC Kuwait, Mr. Ahmed AlMurad, welcomed Boursa Kuwait's participation in the conference, saying: "Boursa Kuwait plays a pivotal role in developing Kuwait's capital market, driving economic diversification in line with the country's ambitious vision for economic transformation. As the largest international bank in the country with a longstanding history, HSBC is proud of the strong working relationship with Boursa Kuwait and will continue its role in connecting global investors with the investment opportunities in the country."Boursa Kuwait and HSBC share a longstanding partnership, having collaborated on numerous Corporate Days and Roadshows across major global financial centers as part of a broader strategy to attract foreign capital and institutional investors to the Kuwaiti capital market.Boursa Kuwait has been a key driver in the development of the Kuwaiti capital market and the diversification of the national economy, in line with the goals of the 'New Kuwait' vision. Since its inception, the company has worked diligently to create a thriving capital market that attracts local and foreign investors through a broad spectrum of new products and services, infrastructure upgrades, and market reform initiatives, as part of its multi-phase market development (MD) plans.Boursa Kuwait was fully privatized in 2019, the first government entity in the country to successfully undergo the process, bringing about greater levels of efficiency. It has also been self-listed since September 2020 and has made great strides in sustaining its operations and business continuity in the face of uncertainties and challenges.
The company has rolled out numerous market reforms and new initiatives as part of its comprehensive multi-phase market development (MD) plans and showcases some of the standout listed companies and the investment opportunities that reside in the Kuwaiti capital market through its series of Roadshows and Corporate Days, putting these companies in touch with some of the world's leading investment firms and financial institutions and highlighting their financial health and business strategies and outlooks, to help investors gain an in-depth understanding of the benefits and opportunities of investing in Kuwaiti companies.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Ninja raises $250 million, hits unicorn valuation ahead of planned IPO
Ninja raises $250 million, hits unicorn valuation ahead of planned IPO

Wamda

time3 hours ago

  • Wamda

Ninja raises $250 million, hits unicorn valuation ahead of planned IPO

Saudi Arabia-based q-commerce Ninja has raised $250 million in a funding round led by Riyad Capital, reaching a $1.5B valuation and achieving unicorn status. Founded by Saud Al Qahtani and Canberk Donmez, Ninja is a quick-commerce (q-commerce) service that delivers groceries and daily essentials across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. The company plans to go public by 2027, joining other Gulf tech firms preparing for IPOs on Tadawul. In early 2023, Ninja raised a pre-seed round led by Bunat Ventures, along with multiple VCs from the region, the US, and family offices in Saudi. Press release: Saudi Arabia's quick-commerce platform Ninja has raised $250 million in a funding round led by Riyad Capital, pushing its valuation to $1.5 billion and cementing its status as the Kingdom's latest tech unicorn. Founded in 2022 by Saud Al Qahtani and Canberk Donmez, Ninja delivers groceries and daily essentials across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. The startup's rapid ascent underscores the region's growing appetite for fast, tech-enabled consumer services. The new capital will help Ninja expand operations, scale its logistics capabilities, and prepare for a public listing on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) by 2027. The company joins a growing list of Gulf tech firms eyeing IPOs as the region pushes for a deeper and more dynamic capital market ecosystem.

EQIQ anchors $15 million round for InstaBank, Iraq's next-generation digital bank
EQIQ anchors $15 million round for InstaBank, Iraq's next-generation digital bank

Wamda

time3 hours ago

  • Wamda

EQIQ anchors $15 million round for InstaBank, Iraq's next-generation digital bank

EQIQ, a UAE-based VC fund and venture builder, has invested $3 million in InstaBank (officially Al-Fawr Digital Bank) as part of a broader $15 million funding round to support the launch and growth of Iraq's next-generation digital bank. Founded in 2025 by Hussain Qaragholi, InstaBank aims to transform Iraq's underserved financial sector through AI-powered solutions and customer-first design, with a focus on financial inclusion and scalable services. InstaBank will serve as the cornerstone of EQIQ's fintech strategy in Iraq, supporting its broader ambition to digitise financial ecosystems by integrating fintech, logistics, and social commerce. Press release: EQIQ, a venture capital fund and venture builder led by founding partners with a track record of investing over $500 million in technology ventures and generating returns exceeding 3.3x, has announced a $3 million anchor investment in InstaBank (officially Al-Fawr Digital Bank), a next-generation digital bank. The investment is part of a broader $15 million funding round to support the bank's launch and early-stage growth. InstaBank's mission is to bridge critical gaps in Iraq's banking sector through digital innovation and customer-centric design. By leveraging AI and advanced digital tools, the bank aims to increase financial inclusion and provide scalable, efficient services tailored to the realities of Iraq's dynamic but underserved market—the fourth-largest economy in the MENA region. InstaBank is led by Iraqi-American banker Hussain Qaragholi, a veteran finance executive and founder of Phoenix Finance Partners. Hussain spent over two decades at Merrill Lynch, Citigroup, and most recently at Deutsche Bank, where he served as Managing Director in London. He brings deep expertise in corporate banking, capital markets, and fintech. Qaragholi played a pivotal role in Iraq's $22 billion debt restructuring—earning the IFR Award for Global and EMEA Restructuring Deal of the Year—and executed $4.7 billion in sovereign bond offerings for Iraq. His sovereign advisory work also includes Abu Dhabi's landmark bond issuances and the Mubadala-IPIC merger. Qaragholi has served as a consultant to the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and currently serves on the RAND Corporation's Global and Emerging Risks Board. Recently, he led fintech lending and cryptocurrency initiatives with early-stage start-ups across Europe. Hussain holds two master's degrees from Georgetown University – an MBA and a Master's in Contemporary Arab Studies— as well as fintech certifications from Oxford University's Saïd Business School. 'Hussain's experience building global banking institutions, combined with his deep Iraqi roots, makes him uniquely qualified to reshape Iraq's financial future. InstaBank isn't just a bank—it's the digital infrastructure for an entire economy,' said Mohamed Al-Hakim, Founding Partner at EQIQ. 'We believe this is a defining moment for fintech in Iraq, and InstaBank will serve as the cornerstone of our broader strategy to digitize financial ecosystems in Iraq.' EQIQ's investment aligns with the firm's broader strategy to integrate fintech, logistics, and social commerce into a unified digital ecosystem. As a cornerstone of this vision, InstaBank will enable seamless, tech-driven financial transactions and support cross-sector growth within Iraq and the wider region. The team is actively engaging with technology partners, regulators, and investors to deliver a next-generation banking experience tailored for Iraq and beyond. 'This isn't just digital banking—it's Iraq's financial leapfrog moment. We're building the foundation for fintech innovation across the region,' said Hussain Qaragholi, Co-founder and CEO of InstaBank. 'EQIQ's investment and strategic support will be pivotal in accelerating our efforts to redefine banking and position InstaBank at the forefront of Iraq's emerging digital economy.'

Chestertons Unites Global Network in London to Reinforce Cross-Border Real Estate Momentum
Chestertons Unites Global Network in London to Reinforce Cross-Border Real Estate Momentum

Al Bawaba

time6 hours ago

  • Al Bawaba

Chestertons Unites Global Network in London to Reinforce Cross-Border Real Estate Momentum

Chestertons, the 220-year-old global property consultancy, recently convened its international network in London in June for a two-day showcase of cross-border opportunity, technological advancement, and real estate leadership. Bringing together partners, clients, and affiliates from around the world, the Chestertons Global London Summit and the London Roadshow offered a comprehensive view of the group's global progress while reinforcing its unique role as a connector between the UK and Dubai property InnovationHeld across two dynamic days in Mayfair on the 9th,10th and 11th of June, the dual events reflected the brand's efforts to advance its global partnerships and facilitate impactful dialogue between investors and market experts. The Chestertons Global Summit served as a strategic platform for international affiliates to share updates, achievements, and future plans, while spotlighting key developments in the group's innovation and impact agenda. Meanwhile, the London Roadshow, hosted by Chestertons MENA, focused on delivering high-value investment insights to high-net-worth clients and prospects interested in UAE's flourishing property Global SummitAt the heart of the Global Summit was Chestertons' commitment to continuous innovation, highlighted by the announcement of two significant technology integrations. One of these, a newly announced partnership with Kendal, introduces an AI-driven WhatsApp integration on the Chestertons Global website—enabling 24/7 client engagement, instant responses to property inquiries, and more efficient lead conversion. Together, these platforms mark a pivotal moment in Chestertons' digital evolution, enhancing client service while streamlining agent workflows.'The Global Summit was an opportunity to align with our global partners and showcase our innovation, growth, and the value we deliver to clients across borders,' said Mohamed Mussa, Head of Chestertons Global. 'With Dubai and London both representing key pillars in our network, this event enabled us to demonstrate how we're actively bridging those markets for the benefit of our investors and clients.'The London RoadshowRunning concurrently with the Summit in a separate room at the same venue, The London Roadshow was tailored to UK-based investors exploring opportunities in Dubai's dynamic residential and commercial sectors. Sessions covered Dubai's economic trajectory, the strength of its off-plan market, the advantages of the golden visa scheme, and holistic support services including banking, asset management, and long-term planning. Attendees also benefited from personalised consultations with Chestertons' Dubai-based specialists to explore tailored investment strategies. Adding further depth to the event, key representatives from the Dubai office — Rahma Bacha (Director of Residential), Ziman Li (Property Consultant), and Marwan Tayara (Associate Director – Off Plan) — were in attendance, offering on-the-ground perspective and regional to Mania Merrikhi, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of Chestertons MENA, 'There is a clear two-way appetite for investment between Dubai and London. UK-based investors are increasingly looking to Dubai for its strong rental yields, tax advantages, and growth potential, while we also see sustained interest from GCC investors in London's prime and super-prime sectors. Our role is to facilitate that flow of capital and provide clients with expert guidance and global insight.'Chestertons' Recent InitiativesThe Summit also highlighted Chestertons' social impact commitments, with a dedicated session on the Chestertons Foundation and its ongoing support of the Sand Dams initiative in southeast Kenya. With a goal to raise £40,000 to build a new sand dam in Makueni County, the initiative aims to deliver year-round access to clean water for over 500 people, empowering communities with long-term resilience and security. The Foundation also encouraged attendees to get involved through donations, fundraising challenges, client-gifting campaigns, and social advocacy.'As a brand with over two centuries of heritage, we know that our future depends on how well we adapt, connect, and lead,' added Mohamed Mussa. 'Through our various efforts, we aim to build a future that reflects our values of trust, clarity, and global impact.' Looking ahead, Chestertons will continue to deepen its presence across key global markets, champion innovation that enhances client experience, and foster cross-border investment flows that benefit both individuals and communities. With upcoming activations planned in the UAE, Europe, and the Caribbean, and a continued focus on digital transformation and sustainability, the momentum sparked in London marks only the beginning of an ambitious new chapter for Chestertons on the world stage.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store