Boursa Kuwait Confirms Bonds & Sukuk Platform Is Operationally Ready; First Listings Awaited

Boursa Kuwait has confirmed that its dedicated bonds and sukuk trading platform is fully operationally and technically ready and is now able to receive listing applications, Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Saud Al-Osaimi announced. The milestone completes the rollout of the framework introduced by Capital Markets Authority (CMA) Resolution No. 38 of 2026, which for the first time permits Kuwaiti and foreign issuers to finance their operations through bonds or sukuk listed and traded on the local exchange.

Resolution No. 38 of 2026 amends the Executive Bylaws of Law No. 7 of 2010 (the Capital Markets Authority law) and governs the full lifecycle of fixed-income instruments — from issuance and listing through daily trading to early redemption or maturity. Boursa Kuwait gave effect to the regime through its own Resolution No. 1 of 2026, which amended the exchange rulebook to add provisions specific to bonds and sukuk and to create a separate trading board with sessions tailored to fixed-income securities.

Key listing conditions include a minimum issuance value of KD 100,000 (or its foreign-currency equivalent), a credit rating from a recognised agency, free tradability without restriction, the appointment of a body to represent and protect holders, and Sharia compliance for sukuk. The framework is intended to give issuers a funding alternative to bank borrowing and a more diversified investor base.

The readiness confirmation follows an awareness session held by Boursa Kuwait on 9 June 2026 in collaboration with the CFA Institute and CFA Society Kuwait. No corporate issuance had been listed on the new board as at the date of this note; instruments will be admitted as and when applicants satisfy the regulatory requirements.

Source: CMA Resolution No. 38 of 2026; Boursa Kuwait Resolution No. 1 of 2026. This note is general information, not legal advice. For advice on a specific issuance, contact WEFAQ Law Firm.