Connect with us

Business

Boursa Kuwait concludes strategic IR workshops highlighting global trends

Published

on

KUWAIT CITY, Apr 26: Boursa Kuwait successfully concluded two high-‎impact workshops on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in collaboration with the Middle ‎East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA), bringing together capital market ‎professionals, corporate leaders and investor relations (IR) practitioners for a day of ‎insightful discussions and practical training. ‎

The workshops provided IR practitioners with a valuable opportunity to deepen ‎their understanding of international best practices and the evolving impact of ‎global trends on the investor relations landscape. The event also formed part of ‎Boursa Kuwait’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness of the critical role that ‎the IR function plays in supporting listed companies and enhancing market ‎transparency.‎

Commenting on the success of the event, Boursa Kuwait Director of Investor ‎Relations Mr. Fahad Al-Besher said, “These workshops reflect our ongoing ‎commitment to empower listed companies with the tools and knowledge to ‎advance investor relations capabilities within the Kuwaiti capital market and build ‎a more transparent and accessible investment environment. By connecting global ‎perspectives with local relevance, we are equipping market participants with the ‎tools to foster investor confidence and drive sustainable market growth. I would like ‎to sincerely thank our partners at MEIRA, our speakers and all attendees for their ‎ongoing dedication to advancing investor relations in the region.”‎

The first session, titled “From Global Trends to Local Impact – Understanding ‎Macro Sentiment from the World to Kuwait,” was led by Jaap Mejer, Head of Sell-‎side Research at Arqaam Capital and offered a comprehensive analysis of global ‎macroeconomic trends and their ripple effects across the GCC, with a particular ‎focus on Kuwait. Topics included interest rate trajectories, capital flows, regional ‎fiscal sustainability and Kuwait’s evolving regulatory and institutional landscape.‎

‎“Our session offered a timely overview of how macroeconomic dynamics—ranging ‎from shifting monetary policies to geopolitical risk—are shaping investor sentiment ‎and influencing capital flows across the GCC. By connecting these global trends ‎to Kuwait’s economic and regulatory context, we aimed to equip stakeholders with ‎actionable insights to navigate today’s complex market environment. I’d like to ‎thank Boursa Kuwait for the opportunity to share these perspectives and for their ‎continued leadership in advancing financial literacy and transparency,” stated Mr. ‎Mejer.‎

Meanwhile, the second session, “How to Best Target and Engage with Investors,” ‎was given by Mr. Sam Ryan Siahpolo, Partner at Instinctif Partners, who shared ‎practical strategies for identifying, engaging, and retaining diverse investor types. ‎Participants gained valuable insights into building targeted engagement plans, ‎aligning corporate messaging with investor expectations, and leveraging ‎disclosure and ESG commitments to broaden their shareholder base.‎

Speaking at the event, Mr. Siahpolosaid, “Engaging with Kuwait’s capital market ‎professionals on how to refine investor targeting and deepen engagement ‎strategies was a rewarding experience. As IR continues to evolve in both scope ‎and complexity, companies must adapt their approaches to align with the ‎expectations of a global investor base. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to ‎Boursa Kuwait for hosting this initiative and for their commitment to strengthening ‎IR capabilities in the region.”‎

‎“Today’s sessions highlighted the importance of continuous learning in an ever-‎evolving market landscape. Our long-standing strategic partnership with Boursa ‎Kuwait reflects a shared commitment to advancing the IR function in Kuwait and ‎across the region. At MEIRA, we believe our success is built on the dedication of ‎our members and the expertise of our partners. I would like to thank the bourse for ‎its unwavering support and its efforts to equip market participants with the tools ‎and insights needed to thrive in today’s dynamic financial environment,” said ‎MEIRA CEO Paolo Casamassima. ‎

Mr. Mohammad Abdal, Chairman of the Kuwait chapter of the Middle East ‎Investor Relations Association spoke about the rapidly evolving IR field, saying: ‎‎“Investor relations is becoming a core pillar of effective corporate strategy and ‎capital market development. In Kuwait, advancing IR standards is essential to ‎building investor trust, promoting transparency and enhancing the global ‎competitiveness of our market. The Middle East Investor Relations Association and ‎its Kuwait chapter are proud to support initiatives that equip listed companies with ‎the skills and knowledge needed to engage more meaningfully with investors and ‎adapt to evolving stakeholder expectations.”‎

Organizing enlightening workshops and other educational initiatives form an ‎integral part of Boursa Kuwait’s Corporate Sustainability strategy, which aims to ‎create a lasting and meaningful impact on the communities where it operates. ‎These programs also reinforce the exchange’s unwavering commitment and ‎continuous efforts to equip all market participants with an in-depth understanding ‎of the functioning of capital markets and various tools and techniques required to ‎make informed investment decisions and effectively meet investors’ needs. It also ‎aligns with Goal 4 – Quality Education – and Goal 17 – Partnership for the Goals – of ‎the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.‎

Business

Second phase of merging Kuwait oil companies underway

Published

on

By

KUWAIT CITY, June 30: In preparation for the second phase of merging the subsidiaries of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), informed sources revealed that the executive phase of merging Gulf Oil Company with Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) has begun through the transfer of the corporation’s shares in the capital of the Gulf Oil Company to KOC. They highlighted a meeting held recently between the two companies’ CEOs to start making administrative decisions regarding this matter. The sources explained that the second phase, following the initial merger of KIPIC with the Kuwait National Petroleum Company, is part of KPC’s strategy to restructure the oil sector. This phase commenced with a meeting between KOC’s CEO Ahmed Al-Eidan, acting CEO of Gulf Oil Company Bader Al-Munaifi, and representatives from the oil sector’s leadership and workforce. The meeting also discussed the implications of Decision No. 60/2024, issued on May 5, 2024, concerning the transfer of KPC’s ownership of shares. ‘

Al-Eidan affirmed the importance of job stability and preserving all benefits of Gulf Oil employees. It was decided that the legal and administrative status of Gulf Oil Company will remain unchanged at this stage, including the company’s name, logo, and operational sites at its headquarters and joint operations in Khafji and Al-Wafra. The sources clarified that Al-Eidan indicated the change is limited solely to the transfer of share ownership, with KOC becoming the owning entity instead of KPC. Consequently, the highest authority will be the Board of Directors of KOC, without affecting daily operations or the current institutional structure.

By Najeh Bilal
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff 

Continue Reading

Business

Kuwait enhances laws to combat money laundering and terror funding

Published

on

By

Kuwait enhances laws to combat money laundering and terror funding

The Kuwait government approves tougher measures to tackle financial crimes.

KUWAIT CITY, June 30: Kuwait is intensifying efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing by enhancing its legislative framework, announced Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment Noura Al-Fassam on Monday.

The minister spoke in a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance following the publication of Decree Law No. (76) of 2025 in the official gazette, Kuwait Today. This decree introduces important amendments to Law No. (106) of 2013, reflecting Kuwait’s integrated government efforts to strengthen measures against financial crimes.

During the Cabinet meeting on June 17, the draft of the amended decree law was approved, underlining Kuwait’s commitment to raising the effectiveness of the national response to money laundering and terrorism financing. The amendments align with the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and relevant international standards.

The new decree law includes two significant amendments:

  • Article One replaces Article (25) of Law No. (106) of 2013, empowering the Council of Ministers, upon the recommendation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to issue necessary decisions to implement United Nations Security Council resolutions related to terrorism, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. These decisions will take effect immediately upon issuance, consistent with Security Council Resolution No. 1373 of 2001. The executive regulations will define the rules for publishing these decisions, appealing them, authorizing the release of frozen funds for essential living expenses, and managing such assets.n
  • Article Two adds a new Article (33 bis) to Law No. (106) of 2013, stating that any violation of decisions issued under Article (25) will result in fines ranging from 10,000 to 500,000 Kuwaiti dinars per violation. This penalty complements any additional sanctions imposed by regulatory authorities on financial institutions or designated non-financial businesses.n

The Ministry emphasized that these amendments support the National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing by broadening its powers to apply targeted financial sanctions in compliance with FATF standards. This includes the mandatory freezing of assets belonging to individuals and entities listed locally as terrorists, effective immediately upon decision issuance.

Furthermore, the amendments enable the Committee to impose fines on violators and require publishing the national list of designated terrorists on the Committee’s official website, enhancing transparency and meeting international obligations.

Minister Al-Fassam concluded that the updated legislative measures reaffirm Kuwait’s strong commitment to fighting financial crimes, safeguarding national security and stability, and fulfilling its global responsibilities.

Continue Reading

Business

Kuwait updates regulations for public properties and service fees

Published

on

By

Kuwait updates regulations for public properties and service fees

Updated regulations aim to boost fair use and revenue from state properties.

KUWAIT CITY, June 30: The Ministry of Finance announced on Sunday the issuance of a new ministerial decision amending the regulations governing the use of state-owned real estate and service fees, in a move aimed at achieving a fair balance between public interest and the needs of individuals and institutions.

In a press statement, the Ministry said the decision comes as part of its broader efforts to regulate the use of government-owned properties and protect national resources. Ministerial Resolution No. 54 of 2025 introduces amendments to the regulations first outlined in Resolution No. 40 of 2016.

Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs and Investment, Eng. Noura Al-Fassam, stated that the amendments are intended to ensure fairness, clarify procedures, and improve transparency in the utilization of state assets.

“These changes aim to establish a fair balance in how state-owned properties are used by citizens and entities, while safeguarding public interests,” Al-Fassam said.

She added that the updated regulations were the result of a comprehensive pricing study comparing Gulf and international markets. The amended prices remain below average rates in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and were developed with Kuwait’s economic and social conditions in mind. The goal, Al-Fassam noted, is to promote equal opportunities and secure sustainable revenue streams for the state.

The amendments cover a wide range of activities involving the use of state-owned property, including chalets, rest houses, commercial complexes, cooperative societies, banks, and warehouses. They also apply to educational institutions, sports clubs, and hospitals.

In support of national food security and the promotion of local production, the Ministry also announced the stabilization of agricultural coupon prices under the new regulations.

The revised framework reflects Kuwait’s continued efforts to modernize its public asset management policies while maintaining a strong emphasis on economic fairness, efficiency, and sustainability.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 SKUWAIT.COM .