Title: Press Release Regarding The Launch of the Regulatory Environment of Emerging Companies Market in the Exchange and Amendment to Some of the Listing Rules

Kuwait, 30 June 2025 – Within the framework of the Capital Markets Authority’s (CMA) pursuit to adopt and implement the best international practices in developing the capital markets in the State of Kuwait, diversifying the investment tools, and enhancing competitiveness and transparency to achieve a higher protection to investors, and in compliance with the provisions of Law No. 7 of 2010 and its Executive Bylaws, the CMA announces a number of regulatory amendments that aim to stimulate qualitative listing and support the sector of emerging companies.

On 29/06/2025, the CMA issued Resolution no. (108) of 2025 Regarding the Launch of the Regulatory Environment of the Emerging Companies Market in the Exchange in cooperation with Boursa Kuwait Securities Company. The CMA has also approved on 28/05/2025 amendment to the Exchange rules, the main amendments of which included the following:

• Launch of the regulatory environment of the Emerging Companies Market: establishing a new platform for listing and trading the shares of companies in the Emerging Companies Market in accordance with flexible regulatory requirements that consider the nature of those companies and the need to support their business growth.
• Developing the ongoing listing requirements: approving some amendments to the Exchange rules to ensure the listed companies’ continuous compliance with some conditions required upon submitting the listing application, which aim to enhance liquidity through setting the minimum free-float shares and the minimum market value of free-float shares.

These amendments are based on the importance of supporting this type of companies as a main part of the economic growth and achieving Kuwait strategic vision, as the CMA worked on launching the regulatory environment of the emerging companies’ market through listing and trading in a specific platform. This market provides an attractive financing environment for these companies, which contributes to enhancing the business sector and granting the investors with a new investment opportunity in accordance with advanced transparency criteria. Furthermore, based on a detailed study conducted by the CMA, the rules and regulations for launching the regulatory environment of the emerging companies’ market in the exchange were developed to become a supportive option to these companies and an innovative field for the investors in line with international best practice.

Within the framework of the regulatory environment of listed companies in the official market in its two parts the premier and the main, the CMA confirms the importance of the continuous development of the regulations of continuing to meet the listing requirements and protecting the investors from companies that do not comply with the continued obligations, and ensuring the existence of adequate liquidity for setting the minimum percentage of free-float shares and the minimum market value of shares.

In conclusion, the CMA continues to  enhance and develop the provisions of the Executive Bylaws regarding listed companies with the  aim of safeguarding market participants and empowering minority shareholders rights in making decisions related to the company.

Ends-
Notes to Editors:
The Capital Markets Authority was established pursuant to Law No. 7/2010, approved by the Kuwaiti Parliament in February 2010. Pursuant to the Law, the CMA shall regulate and supervise the securities activities, achieve transparency and fairness, observe listed companies’ execution of Corporate Governance regulations, and protect investors from unfair practices which violate the CMA's Law.

Furthermore, the Law's provisions stipulate the supervision of mergers, acquisitions, and disclosure operations. The CMA also aims to provide awareness programs related to securities activities.
For further information, please contact:
Public Relations & Media Office
Tel: 1888898
Email: pr-media@cma.gov.kw