Saudi Arabia will open its capital market absolutely to international buyers from February 1, 2026, marking one of the important liberalisation steps within the Kingdom’s monetary market historical past.
The transfer removes long-standing restrictions on non-resident participation and is designed to deepen liquidity and entice further worldwide capital.
The announcement was made by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) following approval by the CMA Board of a brand new regulatory framework governing international funding within the Primary Market.
Saudi Arabia opens doorways to international buyers
Below the brand new framework, the Saudi capital market can be accessible to all classes of international buyers for direct participation throughout all its segments, efficient from February 1, 2026.
The permitted amendments are meant to broaden and diversify the investor base permitted to put money into the Primary Market, supporting funding inflows and enhancing general market liquidity.
As a part of the reforms, the CMA has eradicated the idea of the Certified International Investor (QFI) within the Primary Market.
This variation permits all classes of international buyers to entry the market with out the necessity to meet particular qualification necessities.
The amendments additionally take away the regulatory framework governing swap agreements, which beforehand allowed non-resident international buyers to realize solely financial publicity to listed securities. Below the brand new guidelines, international buyers can be permitted to take a position straight in shares listed on the Primary Market.
International possession already exceeds $157bn
Worldwide buyers’ possession within the Saudi capital market exceeded SR590bn ($157.3bn) by the tip of the third quarter of 2025. Throughout the identical interval, worldwide investments within the Primary Market reached roughly SR519bn ($138.4bn).
This represents progress in comparison with worldwide possession on the finish of 2024, which stood at SR498bn ($132.8bn).
The CMA mentioned the permitted amendments are anticipated to contribute to attracting further worldwide investments going ahead.
The CMA famous that the newest determination builds on earlier steps taken to open the market steadily. In July 2025, the regulator permitted measures to simplify procedures for opening and working funding accounts for sure classes of buyers.
These included pure international buyers residing in one of many Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, in addition to people who had beforehand resided within the Kingdom or in any GCC nation. The CMA described this as an interim part aimed toward growing confidence amongst Primary Market contributors and supporting the native financial system.
Saudi Arabia a world market
In response to the CMA, the permitted amendments align with its long-term technique to place the Saudi capital market as a world market able to attracting larger flows of international capital.
The regulator mentioned the adjustments construct on earlier phases of market opening and pave the way in which for additional complementary steps designed to reinforce the Kingdom’s enchantment to international buyers.
