Saudi Arabia to Host Fifth Capital Markets Forum in Riyadh

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia is set to host the fifth edition of the Capital Markets Forum from February 18 to 20 in Riyadh, bringing together top financial experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the future of the Kingdom’s capital markets.

Organized by the Saudi Tadawul Group, the event is held under the patronage of Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Financial Sector Development Program Committee. With the theme “Powering Connections,” the forum will focus on unlocking new investment opportunities, fostering strategic partnerships, and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global financial hub.

Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Financial Market

Saudi-based economist Talat Hafiz emphasized the significance of the forum, describing it as a crucial platform for stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions about market opportunities and capital formation.

“Saudi Arabia’s capital market continues to demonstrate strong momentum, with increasing investor participation and a dynamic regulatory environment that supports sustainable financial growth,” Hafiz told Arab News.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s appeal to global investors, attributing it to factors such as market depth, regulatory advancements, and strong investor engagement.

Key Discussions at the 2025 Forum

The three-day event will feature discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities, focusing on macroeconomic trends, market growth, and investment strategies.

• Day One (February 18): The forum kicks off at the KAFD Conference Center with an official welcome, followed by discussions on economic frontiers, regional market trends, and the future landscape of capital markets. The day will conclude with the 2024 Saudi Capital Market Awards presentation, recognizing outstanding contributions in the sector.

• Day Two & Three (February 19-20): Hosted at the Four Seasons Hotel, these sessions will delve into capital management, market insights, and investment strategies. Industry leaders from DirectFN, Awqaf Investment, Nahdi Medical Co., and Sahm Capital will discuss how companies are adapting to economic shifts.

Special highlights include discussions on emerging financial technologies such as Liqaa and Edaa Connect, as well as presentations by Wamid and S&P Global on financial analytics and market transparency.

Notable Speakers and Industry Leaders

The forum will feature an esteemed lineup of speakers, including:

• Khalid Al-Faleh, Saudi Minister of Investment, who will discuss the Kingdom’s economic strategies.
• Sarah Al-Suhaimi, Chairperson of Saudi Tadawul Group.
• Khalid Al-Hussan, CEO of Saudi Tadawul Group.
• Poppy Gustafsson, UK Minister of Investment.
• Bonnie Y Chan, CEO of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited.
• Nandini Sukumar, CEO of the World Federation of Exchanges.
• Roland Chai, President of European Market Services at Nasdaq.
• Scott O’Malia, CEO of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association.

Highlights from the 2024 Forum

The 2024 Saudi Capital Markets Forum was among the largest financial conferences globally, attracting 4,200 participants and 640 investors from 41 firms.

Themed “Powering Growth,” last year’s forum facilitated 15,000 meeting requests and saw major memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed, including initiatives to enhance sustainability, environmental awareness, and cultural development.

A key highlight was the launch of a Social Responsibility Index in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to responsible investing.

Additionally, Saudi Tadawul Group introduced the first international edition of the forum, CONNECT Hong Kong, on May 9, 2024, fostering stronger ties between Saudi Arabia and Asian capital markets.

Over the past three years, the event has drawn over 10,000 attendees, hosted more than 4,000 investors, and facilitated 25,000+ meetings, further solidifying its status as a premier global investment platform.