CMA LAW: Press Release: The Capital Markets Authority Issues a Resolution regarding the Launch of the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Program for Persons Registered in Registered Employment Positions.

Kuwait, August 13, 2026 - Within the framework of the Capital Markets Authority’s (CMA) continuous pursuit to develop the supervisory environment of the capital markets in the State of Kuwait and in implementation of its strategic plan, its commitment to keep pace with the latest international standards for securities activities, and based on the results of practical application and practices, and outcomes of research, study, and comparison with the latest regional and international legislations and practices, the CMA issued Resolution No. (117) of 2026, on Thursday, August 13, 2026, regarding the launch of the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Program for persons registered in registered employment positions.

In this context, the CMA confirms that the implementation of the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program came after a comprehensive review and analysis of the best international practices and experiences, with the objective of achieving the following:

• Keeping up with the regulatory and legislative developments of the capital markets laws that are subject to constant updates, including compliance with recent regulatory requirements.

• Enhancing effective risk management through continuous education, equipping financial market professionals with stronger knowledge tools to address various types of risks.
• Strengthening investor confidence in the market by enhancing the competence of financial market professionals and their commitment to continuous professional development.
• Supporting innovation in financial solutions and products, enabling specialists to keep pace with modern financial instruments and products that require in-depth and up-to-date knowledge.
• Increasing competitiveness in the competitive financial market, where professional development is an effective mean of achieving distinction and professional excellence.
• Improving professional skills and knowledge, enabling professionals to stay informed of the latest trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies.
• Enhancing job performance by developing personal and professional capabilities, which positively impacts work quality and productivity.
• Supporting compliance with professional standards, as the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) program is a main requirement for maintaining or renewing professional licenses in many sectors. 

Accordingly, some amendments were implemented to Module Five (Securities Activities and Registered Persons) of the Executive Bylaws of Law No. 7 of 2010 Regarding the Establishment of the Capital Markets Authority and Regulating Securities Activities and their amendments. The amendments included mainly the provisions of Continuous Professional Development Program for persons registered in registered employment positions as follows:

The program shall be applied to all persons registered in the following registered employment positions:
- Risk Management Officer.
- Internal Audit Officer.
- Sharia Audit Officer, for Persons Licensed to operate in accordance with Islamic Sharia Provisions.
- Compliance Officer. 
- Representative of Securities Activities
- Senior Investment Advisor. 
- Senior Asset Valuator.

The registered persons in the registered employment positions for licensed persons must complete 8 hours annually of structured and unstructured training, covering the following:
• Legislative aspects.
• Professional conduct (Code of Ethics/ Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism).
• Technical aspects related to the registered employment position.

The amendments also included the addition of an Appendix to Module Five titled “The “Continuous Professional Development Program for persons registered in Registered Employment Positions”, which includes the scope of application, approved professional development methods, and general guidelines and instructions regulating it.

The program shall come into force starting from January 3, 2027.

These amendments reflect the CMA's ongoing efforts to develop the provisions of the Executive Bylaws, in order to enhance the competence of persons registered in registered positions and employment positions for licensed persons, and to improve professional practices in the Kuwaiti capital market.

Finally, the CMA invites all licensed persons and relevant parties to view the final draft of the amendments, and implement its provisions, by visiting the following link: www.cma.gov.kw.

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:
Awareness, Public Relations & Communication Office
Tel: 1888898
Email: pr-media@cma.gov.kw
 

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only, visitors are encouraged to review and understand the information provided in the official scanned document attached in the link above (if available). The CMA endeavors to ensure that the information on this page is complete and accurate, but the CMA does not guarantee the quality, accuracy, or completeness of any content at any time. In the event the information on this page is different from the content in the official scanned document attached in the link (if available), the official scanned document attached shall take precedence.