Boursa Kuwait: Best Capital Market ESG Strategy GCC 2022

Established in 2014, Boursa Kuwait is the operator of the Kuwait stock exchange, the national stock market of Kuwait. Since 2016, it has been responsible for driving engagement, growth and innovation in the Kuwaiti capital market, while supporting the Capital Markets Authority, issuers, investors and various other key stakeholders. Since its inception, Boursa Kuwait has played a pivotal role in the development of Kuwait’s capital market and the diversification of the national economy. The company’s market developments and enhancements have contributed to the reclassification of the Kuwaiti capital market to “Emerging Market” status in the world’s top three indices, strengthening Kuwait’s position as a leading financial center in the region.

A trailblazer in Kuwaiti privatization, Boursa Kuwait underwent a privatization process over two stages, the first in February 2019, when a 44% equity stake was awarded to an international exchange and a group of Kuwaiti investment companies in early 2019. In December 2019, the privatization process was finalized after the initial public offering of the Capital Markets Authority’s 50% stake in the company was offered to Kuwaiti citizens, with an oversubscription rate of 850 percent making Boursa Kuwait the only stock exchange in the Middle East owned by the private sector. Boursa Kuwait has been self-listed on the “Premier Market” since September 2020, and is one of the government entities in Kuwait to successfully undergo privatization.

The Kuwaiti bourse joined the UN’s Sustainable Stock Exchanges initiative in 2017 to share and promote best practice standards among market organisations and participants. In 2021, Boursa Kuwait released an electronic guide to help listed companies prepare ESG reports that provide transparent information to all concerned stakeholders, including recommended sustainability metrics and indicators for assessing current performance and setting future goals. It hosts and participates in forums to collaborate on ESG imperatives. This guidance aligns with industry standards like the UN’s SDGs, the Global Reporting Initiative, and the pillars of the New Kuwait 2035 vision. The bourse’s sustainable development strategy centres around the two pillars of society and environment, supporting the 2035 vision by raising the country’s distinguished international status and contributing towards its creative human capital, effective government administration and diversified economy.

The CFI.co judging panel presents Boursa Kuwait — a repeat programme winner — with the 2022 award for Best Capital Market ESG Strategy (GCC).