Latest news with #capitalmarket
Zawya
21 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Study highlights Muscat Stock Exchange's tangible impact on economic development
An academic study confirms a positive correlation between the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) and its growing role in financing investments, in line with global trends positioning stock exchanges as effective financial instruments in modern economies. The study took the MSX as a practical case. Titled 'The Role of Muscat Stock Exchange Management in Financing Investments in Line with Oman Vision 2040,' the research is considered the first of its kind in the Sultanate of Oman to explore the capital market's contribution to investment financing. It aims to elevate the status of the MSX as a reliable liquidity provider and stimulate its use in financing major national economic projects. The study comes at a time when regional financial markets are striving to deepen their ecosystems, diversify financial instruments, and strengthen their roles amid a favourable investment environment in the GCC. These efforts are supported by economic reforms aligned with national strategies. The study seeks to assess the MSX's role in financing investments within the framework of Oman Vision 2040, highlighting key programmes that support its mission as a capital market financing tool and a generator of investment opportunities. It also examines the development trajectory of the exchange in recent years. Findings revealed a strong, direct, and positive linear relationship between the MSX's performance and the level of investment financing in the Sultanate, especially through mechanisms such as equity offerings (IPOs) and bond issuances. As the MSX's role expands, investment financing also increases—aligning with Oman Vision 2040's goals. The research also reviewed the foundational objectives behind the creation of global stock exchanges, particularly their function in mobilising capital for economic and developmental projects. It further emphasised the role of stock markets in channelling public savings into productive investment. The study concluded with several recommendations, most notably the importance of implementing national initiatives that enhance the MSX's competitiveness as a viable financing option. It also called for improved coordination among regulatory and operational bodies within the financial sector to diversify financing instruments and continuously improve the investment environment. Notably, the study opens the door for further specialised research in economic development and investment financing, especially efforts aimed at strengthening capital markets, advancing financial inclusion and fintech solutions, developing innovative financial products, and raising public awareness about investment opportunities—particularly those offered through initial public offerings. 2025 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Bursa Malaysia tops SE Asia's in H1 2025, says CEO
KAMPAR, July 26 — Bursa Malaysia has maintained its lead position in initial public offering (IPO) activities in South-east Asia, as well as recording an overall market capitalisation exceeding RM1.9 trillion in the first half of 2025. Bursa Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Fad'l Mohamed said this achievement reflects the strength of the country's capital market and also the business community's confidence in Bursa Malaysia as a partner for long-term growth. 'Retail investors' participation remains strong and continues to be a major contributor to the country's equity market. The average daily trading value (ADV) of retail investors remains stable at about RM450 million, in line with pre-Covid-19 levels, as of the middle of this year,' he said in his speech at the 2025 Perak Stock Carnival at Tunku Abdul Rahman University (UTAR) here today. Fad'l added that there are more than 113,000, or eight per cent of active retail investors in Perak, out of a total of 1.4 million in Malaysia, with nearly 6,000 new Central Depository System (CDS) accounts opened as of the middle of this year. He said Perak's potential for further growth in the capital market is very high with its 2.5 million population. 'However, despite these impressive figures, our priority is to build retail investors who are knowledgeable, responsible and confident about their investments,' he said. Bursa Malaysia also emphasised the need to raise awareness about the growing issue of investment fraud, with the police reporting more than 2,000 cases in the first quarter of this year, he said. The exchange is intensifying financial literacy programmes such as Sens-Ability, and providing various educational materials for new and experienced investors as a preventive measure, he said. 'Bursa Malaysia also introduced investment products like BR Capital, Bursa Gold Dinar, and MyBursa to cater to various investor segments. 'We encourage everyone present to leverage the knowledge-sharing sessions and opportunities provided throughout this carnival to make informed and wise investment decisions,' he added. The carnival, held for the first time in Perak, is part of a series of programmes that started in 2022, after previous events in Pahang, Terengganu and Perlis to strengthen investment literacy among the public. Perak's Tourism, Industry, Investment, and Corridor Development committee chairman Loh Sze Yee and UTAR research and commercialisation division vice-president Prof Dr Zuraidah Abd Manaf were also present at the event. — Bernama * Editor's note: A previous edition of the story contained an error which has since been corrected.
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
RM1.9t in IPOs: Bursa Malaysia tops SE Asia's capital market surge in H1 2025, says CEO
KAMPAR, July 26 — Bursa Malaysia has maintained its lead position in initial public offering (IPO) activities in South-east Asia, recording a market value exceeding RM1.9 trillion in the first half of 2025. Bursa Malaysia chief executive officer Datuk Fad'l Mohamed said this achievement reflects the strength of the country's capital market and also the business community's confidence in Bursa Malaysia as a partner for long-term growth. 'Retail investors' participation remains strong and continues to be a major contributor to the country's equity market. The average daily trading value (ADV) of retail investors remains stable at about RM450 million, in line with pre-Covid-19 levels, as of the middle of this year,' he said in his speech at the 2025 Perak Stock Carnival at Tunku Abdul Rahman University (UTAR) here today. Fad'l added that there are more than 113,000, or eight per cent of active retail investors in Perak, out of a total of 1.4 million in Malaysia, with nearly 6,000 new Central Depository System (CDS) accounts opened as of the middle of this year. He said Perak's potential for further growth in the capital market is very high with its 2.5 million population. 'However, despite these impressive figures, our priority is to build retail investors who are knowledgeable, responsible and confident about their investments,' he said. Bursa Malaysia also emphasised the need to raise awareness about the growing issue of investment fraud, with the police reporting more than 2,000 cases in the first quarter of this year, he said. The exchange is intensifying financial literacy programmes such as Sens-Ability, and providing various educational materials for new and experienced investors as a preventive measure, he said. 'Bursa Malaysia also introduced investment products like BR Capital, Bursa Gold Dinar, and MyBursa to cater to various investor segments. 'We encourage everyone present to leverage the knowledge-sharing sessions and opportunities provided throughout this carnival to make informed and wise investment decisions,' he added. The carnival, held for the first time in Perak, is part of a series of programmes that started in 2022, after previous events in Pahang, Terengganu and Perlis to strengthen investment literacy among the public. Perak's Tourism, Industry, Investment, and Corridor Development committee chairman Loh Sze Yee and UTAR research and commercialisation division vice-president Prof Dr Zuraidah Abd Manaf were also present at the event. — Bernama
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EU pharma chief calls for European Nasdaq to boost biotech innovation
Stefan Oelrich, president of Bayer's pharmaceutical division and newly appointed head of the EU's pharmaceutical lobby EFPIA, pointed out the urgent need for capital market reform to support biotech development in Europe. 'We need the equivalent of a Nasdaq in Europe where we can raise capital for biotech. Because biotech is not just about government finance,' Oelrich said during a press conference last week. Launched in 1971, the Nasdaq (originally the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations) was the world's first electronic stock market. Known for its fully electronic trading model, the exchange has historically been attractive to fast-growing sectors, including life science, listing some of the world's largest tech companies, including Apple, Microsoft, and Google. Oelrich argued that Europe must urgently develop a similar equity-driven financing ecosystem. 'Today, there is very limited venture capital available, which is largely due to the way we manage equities. We invest our equities not in venture, but elsewhere,' he said. According to him, the lack of early-stage capital means European biotech innovations often migrate elsewhere — especially to the US, where funding and commercialisation opportunities are more robust. 'The transition from basic research to patented applications tends to follow where the capital is. We must ensure that innovation generated in European universities and research institutions stays in Europe,' he warned. 'Why don't we do it?' His remarks came just ahead of the unveiling of the EU's long-awaited Life Sciences Strategy, which aims to revive Europe's position as a hub for biotech research and development. The strategy acknowledges that the gap in venture capital investment is widening in Europe. It points to the continent's fragmented capital markets and heavy reliance on bank loans, which are often limited in volume and duration, as major structural issues. The strategy also recommends strengthening innovation hubs and integrating them into value chains to better attract private investment. However, it does not place significant emphasis on completing the EU's Capital Markets Union (CMU), a key demand from Oelrich. 'This may sound ambitious, but it's absolutely doable. Interestingly, everyone I talk to recognises the need: So why aren't we acting on it?' Oelrich asked. He also suggested that part of Europe's pension and life insurance capital could be redirected toward venture investment if appropriate political frameworks were put in place. 'Inventions can find a market here as it's not only about a lack of capital in Europe: It's about how we allocate it. We need to do a better job,' he concluded. The broader context The EU's Capital Markets Union remains incomplete, with progress hindered by regulatory divergence, inconsistent enforcement, and political resistance to deeper integration. While the CMU does not directly aim to create new stock exchanges, it does support efforts to expand access to capital, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This improved access could encourage the development of specialised or regional exchanges, though the broader goal remains integration rather than fragmentation. Currently, Europe lacks sector-specific stock exchanges. Major platforms like Euronext, the London Stock Exchange, Deutsche Börse, Nasdaq Nordic, and SIX Swiss Exchange list companies across a wide range of industries. Instead of dedicated exchanges, sector-focused investment is facilitated through indices such as the STOXX Europe 600 family, which tracks sectors like banking, automotive, and leisure. Still, for many in the biotech sector, the absence of a specialised capital-raising platform remains a barrier. Whether the EU will — and can — move to address this remains to be seen. Sign in to access your portfolio
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Kuwait takes steps to boost capital market's operational efficiency
Kuwait is set for pivotal capital market transformation as part of its efforts to boost efficiency and woo big investment. The move is aimed at reshaping the regulatory and operational infrastructure of the market, thus paving the way for the introduction of new instruments and investment products. Reaffirming its commitment to building a more efficient, attractive, and globally competitive market that meets investor ambitions and aligns with international best practices, the Kuwaiti capital market apparatus has launched part two of the third phase of its comprehensive market development programme. This phase included a series of core initiatives aimed at strengthening the operational and regulatory infrastructure as well as expanding the range of products and services in the Kuwaiti capital market. Led by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and in collaboration with the Central Bank of Kuwait, local banks, investment firms and brokerage companies, Boursa Kuwait and the Kuwait Clearing Company (KCC) delivered a variety of transformative products, services and infrastructure enhancements, including the introduction of the Central Counterparty (CCP) framework, which reduces risks and provides guarantees to advance clearing and settlement processes in line with international standards. Among the other enhancements are cash settlements through local banks and the Central Bank of Kuwait's KASSIP system; the upgrade of brokerage firms' operating models to 'Qualified Broker' status, marking a significant step forward in market structure; and the introduction of sub-account numbers under omnibus accounts, which will strengthen transparency and oversight. In addition, the technical environment and IT infrastructure have been fully prepared and upgraded, with comprehensive testing conducted with all relevant parties in preparation for the listing and trading of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and fixed-income instruments, including bonds and sukuk. Legislative updates for these products are expected to be introduced later. This milestone represents one of the most significant transformations in the market's history since the privatization of Kuwait's stock exchange. It aims to reshape the regulatory and operational infrastructure of the market, paving the way for the introduction of new instruments and investment products that will deepen market liquidity, enhance its breadth and reinforce its role as a strategic driver of national economic growth. On the key achievement, Boursa Kuwait Chairman Bader Nasser Al Kharafi said these developments represent a pivotal milestone in the continued advancement of Kuwait's capital market, thus reinforcing its position and competitiveness on both regional and international levels. He highlighted that this achievement also reflects Boursa Kuwait's steadfast commitment to supporting the state's ambitious vision of establishing Kuwait as a leading regional financial centre that attracts investment, while working in close partnership with all stakeholders to implement a comprehensive strategic roadmap that accelerates market development and enhances its contribution to national economic growth. "We greatly value the remarkable efforts that have driven the various phases of the Market Development Program for Kuwait's capital market, a reflection of the power of constructive cooperation between the public and private sectors, which stands as a national model for realizing economic objectives and development ambitions rooted in innovation and professionalism," stated Al Kharafi. "This collaboration has played a vital role in advancing market infrastructure and introducing sophisticated products and services that promote a more transparent and dynamic investment environment. These efforts are essential to attracting capital, generating added value for the national economy, and supporting the diversification of income sources,' he added. Boursa Kuwait said it led the efforts to prepare the market's infrastructure for the launch of this latest phase, which represents a significant operational milestone for the bourse and the capital market apparatus. The exchange was instrumental in implementing the technical framework in MD 3.2, as it continued upgrading the trading system, which will support the introduction of new products, strengthen market integration, and lay the foundation for future offerings such as derivatives. The upgrades also highlight the market's readiness to broaden its range of investment instruments and align its regulatory framework with world-class standards, sauid its top official. "The launch of this phase reflects our unwavering commitment to developing an advanced, efficient trading environment that meets the highest international standards," remarked its CEO Mohammed Saud Al Osaimi. "It is the product of close collaboration across the capital market apparatus and represents a key step in expanding the depth, transparency and resilience of Kuwait's capital market," he added. -TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
