Title: Press Release: Fintech Developments and the CMA’s Regulatory Role Highlighted in a University Awareness Workshop

Kuwait, April 27, 2025 – The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) held a university awareness workshop in the College of Business Administration – Kuwait University on April 21. The workshop is part of the CMA’s ongoing efforts to promote financial inclusion and investment awareness, recognizing fintech as a key pillar  The workshop was presented by:

- Ms. Zahra Almousa – Manager, Fintech Unit.
- Mr. Abdullah Alshamri – Senior Analyst, Fintech Unit.
- Ms. Jumanah AlQallaf – Analyst, Fintech Unit.

The session began with a brief overview of the CMA and its strategic objectives as set forth in its founding law, particularly its mandate to “Enhance investor protection” and to “Grow the capital markets, and diversify and develop investment instruments thereof in accordance with best international practice”.

The workshop then introduced definitions of  financial services and financial technologies, followed by a historical overview of fintech developments from its origins in mid-nineteenth century to the present day.

A key segment addressed  “Technologies used for delivering financial services”, with a focus on  blockchain and its applications, including crypto assets, alongside artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. It presented the most prominent sectors constituting the fintech industry in its current and future condition, in addition to the latest industry trends.

Following that, the workshop reviewed the CMA’s  regulatory objectives regarding fintech services in securities activities, including expanding access to financial services, providing  an integrated regulatory framework for those services, achieving financial inclusion, and supporting entrepreneurs and innovators, the workshop presented a detailed overview of the regulatory framework of the first batch of fintech services, specially the services of securities-based crowdfunding and digital financial advisory, explaining how these services operate and how they are accessed. The session concluded with answering the participants enquiries.

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