The Kingdom Ranks First Among the G20 in Four Financial Market-Related Indicators

The Capital Market Authority’s 2024 Annual Report confirmed that the Kingdom achieved advanced rankings among G20 countries and globally in 12 financial market-related indicators, based on the 2024 World Competitiveness Yearbook.

According to the report, the Kingdom achieved first place among G20 countries in four financial market-related indicators: Financial Markets (ease of access to foreign and domestic financial markets), Stock Market Capitalization (percentage of GDP), Shareholder Rights (sufficiently enforced shareholder rights), and Venture Capital (easily accessible venture capital for businesses).

The Kingdom achieved second place among G20 countries in two indicators, including Stock Markets (providing financing to companies) and Boards of Directors (companies’ boards effectively oversee corporate management). It also achieved second place in two global indicators, including Stock Market Capitalization (percentage of GDP) and Venture Capital (easily accessible venture capital for businesses). According to the data, the Kingdom ranked seventh among G20 countries in the Initial Public Offerings Index (average for the period 2021-2023), as well as globally. It also ranked seventh globally in three global indicators, including financial markets (ease of access to foreign and domestic financial markets) and stock markets (providing financing to companies).

The report indicated that the Kingdom ranked eighth among G20 countries in the stock market capitalization index (billion dollars), and ninth globally in two indicators: shareholder rights (sufficiently enforced shareholder rights) and stock market capitalization (billion dollars).

The report indicated that the Kingdom ranked 13th globally in the boards of directors index (company boards effectively oversee corporate management). Regarding the stock market traded value index (in dollars per capita), the Kingdom ranked 10th among G20 countries and 20th globally.

It also ranked 15th among G20 countries in the local companies listing index (number of local companies listed), and 24th globally in the number of companies listed on the stock market index. In merger and acquisition activity (deals by listed companies), the Kingdom ranked 13th among G20 countries and 33rd globally. In the Financial Market Index (percentage change in the index), the Kingdom ranked 18th among G20 countries and 60th globally. This progress reflects the efforts implemented in the financial market over the past period to develop this sector and implement global best practices. The Authority continues its commitment to driving development in support of achieving the goals of Vision 2030 and enhancing the Kingdom’s position in several global competitiveness indicators.