Kuwait City: Kuwait’s Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has granted Goldman Sachs International the country’s first institutional marketing license for a collective investment scheme (CIS) established outside Kuwait, marking a significant milestone in the development of the nation’s capital markets.
The license, awarded to Goldman Sachs International, which is licensed by the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), enables the institutional marketing of foreign collective investment schemes to inherently professional investors in Kuwait.
The CMA said the move aligns with its strategic objective of developing Kuwait’s capital market by creating a regulatory environment that encourages the introduction of innovative investment products for both domestic and international investors.
The authority added that the approval underscores its commitment to strengthening Kuwait’s position as an attractive destination for leading global financial institutions and enhancing the country’s investment ecosystem.
According to the CMA, granting institutional marketing licenses to international firms such as Goldman Sachs International is expected to support foreign investment inflows, improve the business environment, and create broader investment opportunities for local and international market participants.
Under the license, foreign collective investment schemes can be marketed exclusively to inherently professional clients, including government entities, licensed financial firms, investment funds, regulated financial institutions, and companies with paid-up capital of at least KWD 1 million.
The CMA noted that these professional investors possess the financial expertise and risk management capabilities necessary to evaluate sophisticated investment products, allowing for a more flexible regulatory framework that supports market development while maintaining investor protection.
The authority also highlighted that the initiative was made possible through close collaboration with the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) as part of broader efforts to facilitate foreign investment and enhance Kuwait’s investment environment.
The development supports the objectives of Kuwait Vision 2035, which aims to diversify the country’s economy, foster innovation, and strengthen Kuwait’s competitiveness as a regional and global financial and investment hub.
The announcement follows Goldman Sachs’ expansion in Kuwait, where the global investment bank opened a new office in October to strengthen its presence in the Middle East and expand services for regional clients.
