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China has not been a business destination for us but over the past years, especially since the visit of the Chinese president to Riyadh, a new era has been paved between the two countries and new historic milestones have been concluded in different sectors.Last week, the Public Investment Fund signed six memorandums of understanding worth up to $50 billion with leading financial institutions: the Agricultural Bank of China, Bank of China, China Construction Bank, China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation, the Export-Import Bank of China, and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. The PIF aims to strengthen relationships with leading financial institutions and accentuate PIF’s commitment to enhancing partnerships globally.China is still Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner, constituting more than 18 percent of Saudi Arabia’s total exports where bilateral trade between the two economies is more than $80 billion, not to mention that Saudi Arabia has traditionally been China’s top oil supplier.We at BMG Financial Group had our share of dealing with the Chinese in the semiconductor sector where we arranged for an agreement signing between King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and State Grid Corporation of China. The Saudi and Chinese parties have been exploring ways of mutually developing electronic chip design, manufacturing, and application in power digitalization and smart cities.China is still Saudi Arabia’s largest trading partner, constituting more than 18 percent of Saudi Arabia’s total exports.Furthermore, BMG participated in the capital market forum in Hong Kong organized by Tadawul last May. Since that forum, Chinese and Saudi stock exchanges have been in talks to allow exchange-traded funds to list on each other’s bourses as the countries look to deepen financial ties amid warming diplomatic relations. For China, an “ETF connect tie-up with Saudi Arabia will be a gateway to open its trillions of dollars” worth of financial markets to international investors. The cross-listing of ETFs will allow investors in China and Saudi Arabia to trade funds tracking specific stocks or bond indexes listed on each other’s stock exchanges.Given that the Hong Kong dollar is pegged to the US one and the interest rate differential between that of HKD and USD is treading lower for the former, Saudi companies will find raising debt financing in HKD cost-efficient as they tap into a larger source of liquidity. Furthermore, Saudi companies and government-related entities like the PIF by issuing sukuk in Hong Kong’s debt capital market can help realize the aspiration of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to add more depth and breadth to Hong Kong’s debt capital markets and strengthen Hong Kong’s position as the fund-raising hub for East Asia.In my opinion, the PIF and other major Saudi institutions can kick-start the development of a nascent sukuk issuance market in Hong Kong’s debt capital markets which are dominated by large capitalized corporate conglomerates.Basil M.K. Al-Ghalayini is the chairman and CEO of BMG Financial Group.Source Arab News

Wednesday, 03 July 2024The London-Based BMG Economic Forum is a Great Place to Find Exciting Saudi InvestmentsThe BMG Financial Group’s 17th Economic Forum took place at the London Stock Exchange, under the slogan “Why Saudi Arabia?” Why now?The forum covered the attractive investment prospects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which attract investors from around the globe.Why London?This significant event earned a spot to take place in London due to:A Place in Global Finance: It is a major hub for worldwide finance, home to the London Stock Exchange, one of the largest and most reputable stock exchanges in the world.A Global Platform for Exhibiting Investment Possibilities: London offers a perfect setting for showcasing Saudi Arabia’s attractive investment potential to global investors.Close Historical Ties: Due to the close historical ties between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, London is an appropriate location for a meeting intended to boost bilateral collaboration in several disciplines.The BMG Financial Group’s 17th Economic Forum took place at the London Stock Exchange, under the slogan “Why Saudi Arabia?” Why now?The forum covered the attractive investment prospects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which attract investors from around the globe.Finding Intriguing Investment Opportunities in Saudi Arabia Can Be Found at the BMG Economic Forum in London.Why London?This significant event earned a spot to take place in London due to:A Place in Global Finance: It is a major hub for worldwide finance, home to the London Stock Exchange, one of the largest and most reputable stock exchanges in the world.A Global Platform for Exhibiting Investment Possibilities: London offers a perfect setting for showcasing Saudi Arabia’s attractive investment potential to global investors.Close Historical Ties: Due to the close historical ties between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, London is an appropriate location for a meeting intended to boost bilateral collaboration in several disciplines.The forum covered the attractive investment prospects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which attract investors from around the globe.Speakers and AttendeesA select group of professionals and speakers, including Mr. Basil Al-Ghalayini, Chairman of BMG, and Mr. Tom Attenborough from the London Stock Exchange, as well as speakers from a variety of industries, including healthcare, artificial intelligence, and geopolitical developments, participated in the forum.In addition to the attendance of investors, the chiefs of investment funds, and CEOs from both kingdoms and other nations.Topics Forum Mostly AddressesThe forum addressed several significant subjects, such as:Sustainability: Saudi Arabia’s dedication to global sustainability objectives draws capital to green technology and renewable energy initiatives.Mega Projects: Outlining the most recent advancements in the major initiatives carried out by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including the NEOM, Red Sea, and Diriyah Gate projects.Healthcare and Artificial Intelligence: Highlighting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s cutting-edge advancements in the healthcare industry and the contribution of AI to raising the standard of medical treatment.The Private Sector: Stressing the private sector’s critical role in driving economic development in Saudi Arabia and drawing in foreign direct investment.Geopolitical Developments: Discuss the effects of global and regional geopolitical changes on the Saudi economy.Dual Listings: Examining Saudi corporations’ options for dual listing on international stock platforms like the London Stock Exchange.Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) of Hajj and Umrah Companies: an analysis of investment prospects and the function of IPOs in the growth of the Hajj and Umrah industry.BMG Economic Forum ObjectivesThe main goals of the forum were to emphasise economic changes and potential investment possibilities in the Kingdom, particularly in the areas of technology, health care, and the Hajj and Umrah. As well as to increase economic cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Britain.Chairman of BMG’s Board of Directors, Mr. Basil Al-Ghalayini, emphasised that the forum’s goal is for the organisation to serve as a strategic partner for the government, particularly the Ministry of Investment, in promoting alluring investment prospects in the Kingdom.Al-Ghalayini continued, stating that the event featured major industries and undertakings in Saudi Arabia, such as the Diriyah project, which has commenced operations and residential unit sales.He noted that the institutional transformation of Hajj and Umrah companies was one of the major themes covered by the conference. This would have a big influence on raising the added value of the national economy and boosting the quality of services offered.Additionally, he mentioned that around ten of the forum’s member companies seek to list on a stock exchange.Signed AgreementsThe BMG Financial Group has concluded several strategic partnerships, such as memorandums of understanding and agreements designating the group as an advisor and regulator of listing activities in the market, resulting in notable accomplishments.These partnerships demonstrate BMG’s unwavering dedication to fostering investments and advancing businesses’ institutional change.A key project in the sector of logistics services, the construction of an airport specifically for air cargo, was one of the most notable investment possibilities recently inked.The objective of this airport is to offer supplementary services to one of the busiest airports globally, Heathrow Airport.Conclusively, this forum signifies a significant turning point in the advancement of economic ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom, and it gives many opportunities for collaboration and reciprocal investment between the two nations.With the help of this forum, we hope to improve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s standing as a top location for foreign direct investments and draw in more of them, which will help the Saudi economy grow and diversify.Furthermore, the event offers an excellent chance to expand collaboration in some areas between the two nations, enhancing the flow of information and experiences and assisting in the realisation of sustainable development.Regarding the intended outcomes, we anticipate that this event will support economic expansion and increase job prospects for young Saudis, so promoting greater advancement and prosperity for both nations.

Wednesday, 30 August 2023BMG Financial Group in Riyadh held its 1st workshop this year, along with Saudi Tadawul Group's team. Topics included listing rules of primary market "Tadawul", parallel market "Nomu", and listing fixed income securities & Sukuks.The next workshop will be on September 26th in JeddahTo confirm your participation, please email: info4ipo@bmg.com.sa

Tuesday, 29 August 2023BMG Financial Group in Jeddah held its 1st workshop this year, along with Saudi Tadawul Group's team. Topics included listing rules of primary market "Tadawul", parallel market "Nomu", and listing fixed income securities & Sukuks.The next workshop will be on September 26th in JeddahTo confirm your participation, please email: info4ipo@bmg.com.sa

Wednesday, 05 July 2023\Market open 5th July 2023https://youtu.be/AwN_mH3mFt0Opening Remarks Tom Attenborough Head of International Business Development LSEhttps://youtu.be/hEQMauA_Cc4Panel 1: Geopolitical Developments Affecting Investment Decisionshttps://youtu.be/BpS9t_h_OnoKeynote: Expo 2030: Why Riyadh?https://youtu.be/-dRE9IUNHUPanel 2: Cultural & Heritage Investmentshttps://youtu.be/RwT07t5Tbe4Panel 3: Sustainable Initiatives for the Saudi Markethttps://youtu.be/vlUn5-L3QtQPanel 4: What Makes a Family IPO Successfulhttps://youtu.be/vbhDXuHqgBUPanel 5: Investments in Aerospace and Cyber Securityhttps://youtu.be/TcZWE_k_JyIPanel 6: Supporting KSA Companies with their Capital Raising Ambitions on the LSEhttps://youtu.be/m10rEL49XwwPanel 7: New Investment Trendshttps://youtu.be/USVVbBLHPYEMomentoes Award Ceremonyhttps://youtu.be/iHlxqpDwAYc

Tuesday, 26 July 2022Saudi Arabia shines as global investment darling at BMG Economic Forum Investors and experts from across Saudi Arabia, the UK and Europe gathered at the BMG Economic Forum’s annual meeting at the London Stock Exchange on Tuesday to highlight key investment and cooperation opportunities with the Kingdom. The conference, part of BMG’s Annual Summer Retreat, shone a light on multiple topics for investors including geopolitics, dual listings, key growth sectors, small and medium enterprises, and the future of fintech.“We chose the London Stock Exchange to host our forum because it is the oldest exchange in the world, which will help to broaden our message and reach global investors to promote the promising inward investments into the Kingdom,” Basil Al-Ghalayini, CEO of BMG Financial Group, said in his opening remarks. The event sought to complement the BMG group’s objective of “creating unique relationships with its clients through collaboration and partnerships (and) educate the business community it serves beyond revenues and bottom lines,” Al-Ghalayini added. The annual gathering brings together government officials, decision-makers, and global investors. It is a platform to discuss and explore the latest investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia and guide international companies wishing to expand their presence in the Kingdom. “The Saudi government is having a clear investment agenda when it comes to real estate. It is very important to engage with the British investors and to increase the awareness about the potential of Saudi overall and the opportunities we have within the Saudi economy,” Mohammad Shahin, group CFO at Al-Shair Group.Among this year’s prominent speakers were Dr. Nabeel Koshak, CEO and board member of Saudi Venture Capital Company; Abdulaziz Al-Ghifaili, UK international office director for the Ministry of Investment, and Tom Attenborough, the head of International Development at the London Stock Exchange Group. The forum, titled “Investing for sustainable growth: The Saudi opportunity now and beyond” comes at a crucial moment for Saudi Arabia as it promotes the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision — with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman just announcing his designs for The Line, one of several mega-projects now underway as part of the country’s economic diversification plan. “The crown prince has a vision, and that is Vision 2030, to open up to the world, to tourists. This means the Kingdom is building a lot of hotels and resorts and (I’ve recently been) speaking to hundreds of restaurants which have been opening every month in Saudi Arabia,” Vittorio Rocchi, CEO at Sitaf Foods. “So for us, it is a great opportunity to grow our family business,” he added, emphasizing how strategic it has been for them to list with Saudi Arabia’s Nomu market. One of the panels, moderated by Arab News’ Tarek Ali Ahmad, the head of the newspaper’s Research and Studies Unit and its media editor, saw Cevdet Caner, CEO of Aggregate Holdings, and Mahfuz Rahman, partner of BMG Europe, discussing recent geopolitical developments affecting asset allocation models in Europe and around the world. “Supply chain, inflation and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have impacted markets and created volatility,” Rahman said during the panel. “But opportunities are there, they are just more sector oriented.” Caner, however, saw advantages from market downfalls, stating: “I think maybe I’m more bullish than bearish, but I think a lot of investors would dream of making an even bigger killing and wait for the markets to go down further.” The forum continued with Zahara Malik, CEO and co-founder of asset management company Grosvenor Capital, and Attenborough of the LSE, discussing the opportunity for dual listings of companies operating globally. Attenborough said the number of institutional investors in LSE’s listed shares, who also invest in Saudi Arabia, was “growing year by year.” However, these investors are still only 200 compared to the 3,800 institutional investors in London overall. Dual listings represent a “huge opportunity for companies to expand their international investor base” he said. Source Arab News One of the panels, moderated by Arab News’ Tarek Ali Ahmad, the head of the newspaper’s Research and Studies Unit and its media editor, saw Cevdet Caner, CEO of Aggregate Holdings, and Mahfuz Rahman, partner of BMG Europe, discussing recent geopolitical developments affecting asset allocation models in Europe and around the world. “Supply chain, inflation and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have impacted markets and created volatility,” Rahman said during the panel. “But opportunities are there, they are just more sector oriented.” Caner, however, saw advantages from market downfalls, stating: “I think maybe I’m more bullish than bearish, but I think a lot of investors would dream of making an even bigger killing and wait for the markets to go down further.”The forum continued with Zahara Malik, CEO and co-founder of asset management company Grosvenor Capital, and Attenborough of the LSE, discussing the opportunity for dual listings of companies operating globally. Attenborough said the number of institutional investors in LSE’s listed shares, who also invest in Saudi Arabia, was “growing year by year.” However, these investors are still only 200 compared to the 3,800 institutional investors in London overall. Dual listings represent a “huge opportunity for companies to expand their international investor base” he said. Source Arab News

Wednesday, 15 July 2020Continued High Level of Interest in Investing in Saudi: The Importance of the Private Sector and Government Collaborating to De-Risk Long-Term Investment. During the 2020 BMG Economic Forum, which took place on 15 July 2020, 36 high-level Saudi and speakers discussed investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia as the country moves into the next stage of recovery from the Covid-19 crisis. Speakers included H.R.H. Ambassador Prince Abdullah bin Khaled bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi ambassador to Austria, Slovenia & Slovakia, Permanent representative to the UN in Vienna, Bandar AlKhorayef the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources in Saudi Arabia, and Stephen Groff, Governor, National Development Fund.The BMG Economic Forum, virtual for the first time, featured 36 government and business leaders as speakers during the six-hour-long event, which had 700 delegates signed up to attend. “It was extremely encouraging to see such a high level of interest in investing in Saudi Arabia – and to see that despite the challenging global economic situation, businesses continue to look for investment opportunities and are keen to understand opportunities in emerging markets. Saudi Arabia is clearly on the map of global business leaders. BMG Financial Group was pleased to offer investors around the world with such a wealth of insights into the Saudi market. Having government and investors side by side, virtually, discussing how Saudi Arabia can become even more attractive to foreign investors made this event unique.” H.R.H. Ambassador Prince Abdullah bin Khaled bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi ambassador to Austria, Slovenia & Slovakia, Permanent representative to the UN in Vienna and Stephen Groff, Governor, National Development Fund, provided an update about the Saudi G20 Presidency whichCommenced just as the first cases of Covid-19 were reported. His Royal Highness talked about the significant funds and support provided by the G20 under the Saudi Presidency. One of the recurring themes was the importance of government helping to de-risk investment in, e.g. infrastructure and other long-term projects. Governor Stephen Groff of the Saudi National Development Fund pointed out that one of the roles of development funds is to support and facilitate private sector investment. Mr. Groff mentioned that there is a need for different financial instruments to encourage private sector investment and take some of the risks away.The opportunities and the future of manufacturing in the Kingdom, discussed by the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bander Al-Khorayef, and the planning of having a global form for mining in the next two or three months.Dr. Frank Appel, Deutsch Post DHL spoke about how the Covid-19 “Coronavirus” crisis affected the demand, from consumers everywhere in the globe, and that the companies must change their approach.The tourism sector was mentioned numerous times as a high-potential sector, with the potential for becoming the biggest forex earner in the Kingdom. The potential of waste management and water treatment industry in Saudi Arabia were discussed by the CEO of HTCycle Uwe Kuhnle, and the high potential of HTCycle technology to be presented in the Kingdom.The growth of the Capital Market in Saudi Arabia and the launch of the Derivatives Market to trade Future contracts were discussed by Dan Scott, the CIO Wealth Management at Vontobel in SwitzerlandSustainable investing is gaining traction and across sessions, and other important speakers, expressed optimism that the current situation can be used to rebuild our economy in a different way – provided all stakeholders pull in the same direction. Capital providers and investors are increasingly pushing in this direction, with some speakers calling for more public sector involvement.You are most welcome to watch the recordings of all sessions of the 2020 BMG Economic Forum along with the BMG Foundation classical music Concert in Vienna.Please register at to watch the replaywww.bmgeconomicforum.com.Click here to view the media coverage of BMG 2020 Summer Retreat

Friday, 25 October 2019Yesterday, at BMG Financial Group offices in Riyadh during the 2nd workshop this year, along with Tadawul team’s participation, to introduce listing rules and regulations of the Parallel Market “Nomu”, as well as, latest rules for Direct Listing. Our next workshop will be at our Jeddah offices on Monday, Nov 18h 2019 at 5pm. If interested to participate, please send your confirmation to the following email: hassan.alshehri@bmg.com.sa

Yesterday, in Jeddah at BMG Group offices during the first workshop in 2019, with the Tadawul team participate, to introduce the new direct listing rules for the parallel financial market "Nomu". The next workshop will be organized at BMG Financial Group offices in Riyadh on Oct 24th at 5 pm. If interested to participate, please send your confirmation to

Wednesday, 16 October 2019Yesterday, in Jeddah at BMG Group offices during the first workshop in 2019, with the Tadawul team participate, to introduce the new direct listing rules for the parallel financial market "Nomu". The next workshop will be organized at BMG Financial Group offices in Riyadh on Oct 24th at 5 pm. If interested to participate, please send your confirmation to the following email: hassan.alshehri@bmg.com.sa

According to the World Federation of Exchanges, by the end of 2023 the Saudi main exchange, Tadawul All Share Index, was ranked 11th among the world’s largest exchanges. The positioning placed Tadawul just below the Canadian TMX Group in 10th place and the London Stock Exchange in ninth. As of the end of last month, TASI has moved up to the eighth position.At the close of 2023, TASI recorded a value of 11,967.39 points, marking a notable increase from the previous year’s 10,478.46 points, representing a gain of 1,488.93 points or 14.21 percent. The highest closing level for TASI in 2023 was 11,967.39 points, as of Dec. 31. The total market capitalization at the conclusion of 2023 reached SR11,259.32 billion ($3,002.49 billion), reflecting a 13.98 percent increase compared to the previous year’s end. The total value of shares traded in 2023 amounted to $355.50 billion, showing a decrease of 21.95 percent compared to the previous year’s figure of $455.48 billion.In my opinion, reaching the world’s fourth place is challenging but achievable by 2030. Considering that market capitalization can fluctuate due to various economic factors, investor sentiment, and company performance, TASI may secure fourth place if it surpasses the market value of the Japanese exchange with a total market value of $6.2 trillion. This is nearly double TASI’s current market cap and four times the number of listed companies.Given the Kingdom’s track record of achieving challenging targets with the motto ‘If there’s a will, there’s a way,’ such as hosting the World Cup and the World Expo, becoming the world’s fourth-largest stock exchange is not far-fetched.With six years remaining until 2030, to achieve the fourth place we must rapidly develop the sovereign wealth fund-owned giga-projects, including Red Sea Global, Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Qiddiya, and numerous sizable privately owned companies for listing. Given the Kingdom’s track record of achieving challenging targets with the motto “If there’s a will, there’s a way,” such as hosting the World Cup and the World Expo, becoming the world’s fourth-largest stock exchange is not far-fetched.It is worth noting that in about two weeks, top financial minds and decision-makers will gather in Riyadh for the third Saudi Capital Market Forum on Feb. 19, with the theme “Power Growth,” to discuss market evolution, investment strategies, and regulatory developments.The forum, which boasts BMG Financial Group as a gold sponsor, will feature keynote speakers, including the Finance Minister and the Financial Sector Development Program Chairman Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Capital Market Authority Chairman Mohammed El-Kuwaiz, Saudi Tadawul Group Chairwoman Sarah Al Suhaimi, and Saudi Tadawul Group CEO Khalid Al-Hussan.Basil M.K. Al-Ghalayini is the chairman and CEO of BMG Financial Group.Source Arab News

Nothing is more joyful than celebrating the victory of our youth in international competitions. A few weeks ago, Saudi science and engineering students made headlines worldwide, winning 27 awards at the International Science and Engineering Fair 2024 in Los Angeles, US, with 1,700 participants from 70 countries. The King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundations For Giftedness and Creativity, known as Mawhiba, said that the achievements reflect its cooperation and strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education, enabling students to excel and represent their country on international stages. Winning 27 awards at ISEF 2024 is a culmination of joint efforts. It reaffirms the commitment to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to build a vibrant society and a thriving economy through enhancing human capabilities, excellence and innovation. The students’ exceptional projects and hard work have brought them to this global stage. This year marks the Kingdom’s 18th consecutive participation in the Regeneron ISEF Fair, beginning in 2007 as part of an annual program organized by Mawhiba in partnership with the Ministry of Education. Reflecting on last year, Mohammed Al-Arfaj and Faisal Al-Muhaish achieved first place in two distinct fields in the ISEF 2023 competition. In the environmental engineering category, Al-Arfaj won for his distinguished project “Using a contact liquid to capture carbon dioxide by freezing from fuel and open-air sources with high efficiency and low cost.” In addition, Al-Mahish, a chemistry student, places first for his outstanding project, “An Electrocatalyst Based on a Metal-Organic Framework for the Production of Hydrogen from Seawater with High Efficiency and Low Cost.” Last year, the Saudi science and engineering team won 15 grand prizes and six special prizes while participating in the most prominent scientific fair for competition in scientific research at the pre-college level. The team comprises 35 male and female students from 11 educational administrations from different regions in Saudi Arabia. They competed with about 1,800 international students from 80 countries, and they returned crowned with titles and adorned with medals of excellence and merit among their peers. Mawhiba has been part of the Vision 2030 strategy which aims to attract, develop and empower talents and leaders. It seeks to create an attractive work culture and a supportive work environment, enhance levels of productivity and innovation, and support the private sector by developing human capabilities. I look forward to seeing my daughters, Salma and Alma, joining Mawhiba and celebrating their victories in future ISEF events. Congratulations kids, you make your parents and all of us proud.Basil M.K. Al-Ghalayini is the chairman and CEO of BMG Financial Group.Source Arab News