CMA LAW: Press Release: “Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)” Highlighted in an Awareness Workshop by the CMA at the Kuwait Economic Society

Kuwait, August 23, 2026 - The Capital Markets Authority (CMA), in coordination with the Kuwait Economic Society, participated in an awareness workshop titled "Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)" on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the society’s headquarters. It featured representatives from the CMA and was attended by representatives from listed companies, specialists, and those concerned with capital market and investment.

The workshop follows the CMA's issuance of Resolution No. (80) of 2026 Regarding Amendment to Some Provisions of the Executive Bylaws of Law No.7 of 2010 and their amendments Concerning Exchange Traded Funds. This initiative aims to complete the legislative and regulatory framework for this investment tool, creating the necessary environment for its listing and trading in the Kuwaiti market.

The workshop was presented by CMA representatives:

• Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Failakawi – Director of the Markets Regulation Department, CMA.
• Mr. Ahmed Al-Khaled – Manager of the Collective Investment Schemes Regulation Section, Collective Investment Schemes Department.

The presenters highlighted the key features of the regulatory framework for ETFs, their nature, operational mechanisms, and the governing requirements and controls.

The session also addressed the importance of ETFs within the project of market development and offering financial products, as well as their role in expanding the platform of investment tools and options available in the local market. Additionally, the presentation outlined their core benefits for the market and investors, primarily deepening liquidity, enhancing pricing efficiency, attracting new segments of investors, supporting financial inclusion, and providing diverse investment options at competitive costs.

Furthermore, the workshop covered the main characteristics of ETFs as public open-ended funds listed in the exchange, that are set to support the development of the Kuwaiti market by boosting liquidity and pricing efficiency, offering an investment tool with adequate liquidity that enables wider range of investors to diversify their investments at a relatively low cost, and supporting business sectors and the national economy by providing regulated investment channels that are linked to indices representing priority sectors or investment themes in the capital market.

This workshop is part of the CMA's efforts to introduce the regulatory framework for ETFs and raise awareness of their structure, mechanisms, and compliance requirements. It aligns with the CMA's strategy to develop the market and diversify its financial products and instruments, and build upon CMA’s recent measures, which include upgrading current investment controls and regulating multi-asset funds. Such measures enhance market efficiency, strengthen governance, transparency, and disclosure, protect investors, and build a robust, sustainable investment environment for funds in the Kuwaiti market.

The workshop concluded with an open discussion to address the questions and inquiries of the participants.

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

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