The entity has also issued Resolution No. 1 of 2026, amending its rulebook to incorporate provisions specific to bonds and sukuk, in addition to completing an integrated suite of operational and technical measures, including the introduction of a dedicated trading board for bonds and sukuk that is separate from equities.

“Trading sessions and price limits were structured to reflect the distinct nature of these instruments, differing from conventional equity trading mechanisms. Together, these measures represent a significant addition to the Kuwaiti capital market and constitute a pivotal step toward developing its investment environment and diversifying its instruments in line with international best practices,” said Boursa Kuwait.

“We are pleased to announce the completion of full operational and technical readiness for this phase, as system tests conducted by Boursa Kuwait and the capital market apparatus delivered successful results, confirming the trading infrastructure’s readiness. Boursa Kuwait is now fully equipped to receive listing applications and operate the bonds and sukuk trading platform, with instruments to be listed upon meeting the applicable regulatory requirements,” remarked the exchange’s CEO Mohammad Saud Al Osaimi.

Noting that investor confidence in Kuwait’s capital market is a trust the exchange is committed to upholding, Al Osaimi added, “What sets this phase apart is the introduction of new investment instruments at a time when the region is facing exceptional geopolitical challenges. This reflects the depth of investor confidence in Kuwait’s national economy and its capital market, underscoring the apparatus’s commitment to continued development despite these conditions.”

“We would also like to reassure all market participants that trading systems are operating at full efficiency, and that Boursa Kuwait is distinguished by a robust operational infrastructure that provides investors with the tools and environment needed to manage their portfolios with confidence,” he continued.

Resolution 38 establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework, covering the full lifecycle of bonds and sukuk in the Kuwaiti capital market, from listing and daily trading through to early redemption or maturity.

The new framework will further govern the listing of both domestic and foreign issuances, setting out ongoing obligations for issuers and obligors throughout the listing period and defining procedures for delisting and withdrawal, including mechanisms for the treatment of these instruments in relation to their exclusion from market indices.

The resolution’s regulatory amendments also align with five clear strategic objectives that reflect the long-term direction for the Kuwaiti capital market.

“These include aligning the Kuwaiti capital market’s regulatory framework with standards recognised in global capital markets, establishing a clear and structured approach to listing and trading that provides legal certainty for all stakeholders, and enhancing market liquidity through the introduction of a new class of tradable instruments. The amendments also aim to strengthen disclosure standards and transparency in a manner that serves investors’ interests and reinforces their confidence, while supporting greater diversification of investment instruments in the Kuwaiti market and reducing reliance on equities as the primary investment vehicle,” Boursa Kuwait added.

“For the first time ever, Kuwaiti and foreign companies can finance their operations and projects through the issuance of listed bonds or sukuk on Boursa Kuwait, benefiting from clear and viable financing advantages. The instruments allow issuers to secure funding at competitive costs compared to traditional bank borrowing and access a broader and more diversified investor base beyond conventional lenders,” it remarked.

Under the new framework, companies seeking listing in Boursa Kuwait must meet conditions designed to safeguard investor interests. These include obtaining a credit rating from a recognized rating agency, adhering to a minimum issuance value of no less than KD100,000 (USD 322,860) or its equivalent in foreign currencies, ensuring free tradability without restrictions and establishing a body to represent and protect the interests of bond or sukuk holders.

“Additionally, sukuk issuances must comply with the principles and rules of sharia,” Boursa Kuwait concluded.

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Members of the public are expected to only invest through licenced entities to receive protection offered by CMA. It is reported that Cytonn Asset Management is the only licenced firm in the country It licenced to function as a fund manager and a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) manager. The firm manages funds that come under the approved Collective Investment Schemes which include Cytonn Money Market Fund; Cytonn Balanced Fund, Cytonn Equity Fund, Cytonn Africa Financial Services Fund, Cytonn Money Market Fund, and Cytonn High Yield Fund.

CMA Acting Chief Executive, Wyckliffe Shamiah, told the media, “Investors should only invest through licensed and approved entities to enable them to get the protection offered by the Authority through the capital markets legal and regulatory framework. Investors who invest in unregulated and unapproved entities risk loss of their investments with no recourse afforded to them under the capital market’s regulatory framework. Investors  should undertake due diligence and check the license status of any entity marketing investment opportunities  and purporting to be licensed by the Authority from the CMA website www.cma.or.ke.”

CMA has firmly said that action will be taken against any individual or entities investing in businesses in the capital markets industry without licences. Those affected by the illegal entities are requested to contact the Capital Markets Fraud Investigation Unit or the CMA.

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The acquisition will strengthen Co-operative Bank’s asset base to more than Sh 462 billion. With that, it will be a close competitor to NCBA Bank. 

Co-operative Bank will be the latest to acquire small lenders in the country. The bank said in a statement, “The acquisition will strengthen both institutions leveraging on their respective well established domestic and regional corporate public sector, retail business and the 15 million-member co-operative movement.”

Its board of directors have a positive outlook for acquisition of  Jamii Bora Bank. It is reported that the deal would increase the number of acquisitions in the Kenyan banking sector. In the recent past, National Bank of Kenya was acquired by KCB Group. 

The Central Bank of Kenya was in favour of the acquisition stating that it will boost the country’s banking sector. However, the proposed acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals, including from the Capital Markets Authority. This is because Co-operative Bank is listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. 

Last year, Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA) had shown significant interest in acquiring Jamii Bora Bank, media reports said. 

Co-operative Bank was ranked four by market share among 39 banks. It had a market share of  9.63 percent put behind KCB Group, Equity Bank and NCBA Bank. It is one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s nine largest banks with an asset base of more than 450 billion.

The Central Bank of Kenya has been driving mergers and acquisitions in the country — a move beneficial to the economy. 

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