Foreign Ownership in Saudi Financial Market Reaches SAR 413 Billion in July

The value of foreign investors’ holdings in the Saudi financial market reached SAR 413 billion in July 2025, up slightly from SAR 412 billion in June, according to the monthly bulletin issued by the Ministry of Investment, based on data from the Capital Market Authority (CMA) and the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul).

The data indicates that foreign ownership recorded its highest level this year in January, reaching SAR 437 billion.

Over recent years, the CMA has taken several initiatives to enhance the attractiveness of the Saudi capital market and facilitate access for foreign investors, both directly and indirectly. These initiatives include allowing resident foreign investors to trade directly in Saudi equities, permitting access through swap agreements, enabling qualified foreign financial institutions to invest in listed securities, and allowing strategic foreign investors to acquire substantial stakes in listed companies.

Additionally, the CMA has opened the door for foreign investors to directly invest in debt instruments. Most recently, the CMA introduced amendments to the rules governing foreign investment in securities, aimed at further streamlining entry into the Saudi market.

These efforts are part of the CMA’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and the Financial Sector Development Program, which seeks to create an appealing investment environment for both local and international investors. The Authority continues to work on stimulating investment in the capital market, enhancing its role in capital formation, improving infrastructure, strengthening stability, and raising standards of governance and transparency.

The CMA has also prioritized the development of the sukuk and debt instruments market. In 2025, it implemented the most comprehensive set of regulatory enhancements since the market’s inception. These reforms included easing regulatory requirements and broadening the scope of qualified investors — initiatives that have had a positive impact on market performance.