Overview
Agenda
Sponsors
Date: 19 February 2025
Location: Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, Kingdom Centre, Olaya St, Al Olaya, Riyadh 11321, Saudi Arabia
Hosted by
 |
 |
 |
Co-organiser |
Overview
The International Capital Market Association (ICMA), the International Swaps & Derivatives Association (ISDA) and the International Securities Lending Association (ISLA) together with the Saudi Tadawul Group will hold a one-day conference, 'Capital Markets & the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - Delivering Liquidity & Depth in Derivatives, Financing & Secondary Bond Markets’, in Riyadh on 19 February 2025.
The conference will begin with an opening keynote address, providing a strategic overview of Saudi Arabia’s evolving financial ecosystem. Following this, moderated discussions and panel sessions will delve into critical topics, including how derivatives, repo, and securities lending are building deep and liquid secondary markets; the Kingdom’s bond market including primary market issuance and key trends; as well as how market infrastructure developments - including legal and regulatory reforms and post-trade developments - are attracting global investors.
The programme also features sessions designed to showcase the practical and operational aspects of the derivatives, repo and securities lending markets.
With expert speakers and extensive networking opportunities, this event is a must-attend for professionals involved in, or looking to be a part of the future of capital markets in the region.
The conference is part of the Capital Market Forum (CMF) Select, programme, which will take place on the second day of the annual Saudi Capital Market Forum (registration for both events must be made separately).
Register now
Attendance
- Registration for this event will close at 9:00 AM AST on Tuesday, February 18th.
- Registration must be received 24 hours prior to the event. Attendance is by pre-registration only, NO walk-ins will be accepted.
- By registering you must agree to adhere to the guidelines for attendance outlined in the policies on the registration form, subject to change in accordance with local government guidance and mandates.
Sponsorship Opportunities
We want to take this opportunity to thank our confirmed sponsors. There are a limited number of sponsorship packages still remaining. Please contact:
ICMA Sponsorship: sponsorship@icmagroup.org
Sanaa Clausse-BenAbdelhadi, Senior Director: Sanaa.clausse@icmagroup.org
Luke Byrne, Associate Director, Sponsorship and Membership Sales: Luke.byrne@icmagroup.org
Accommodation
Delegates are responsible for making arrangements for their own travel and hotel accommodations.
Recommended hotels with CMF Special Discount Rates are available here.
If you have any questions, please contact ICMA events.
| 09:00 | Registration | |
| 10:00 | Welcome remarks
|
|
| 10:20 | Opening Keynote Address As 2025 looks to be the year that prospect becomes reality, our opening address will set the context for the day by sharing a unique view of the long-term vision for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s capital market against the backdrop of Vision 2030. |
|
| 10:35 | Building Depth & Diversification in KSA’s Capital Market Deep and liquid secondary markets are crucial to the development of a competitive capital market both domestically and internationally. This discussion will look to explore how the derivatives, repo and securities lending markets are connected, and the role these respective instruments can play in building liquidity, thus supporting the development of a robust capital market ecosystem. Amongst other things, the importance and role of primary dealers and market makers, the need for a diverse investor base, and the role of instruments such as Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). H.E. Yazeed Al-Nafjan, Deputy Governor for Financial Innovation, Saudi Central Bank – SAMA |
|
| 11:05 | KSA’s Capital Market Infrastructure in Focus The Kingdom’s capital market infrastructure has evolved significantly in recent years, through the development of market regulation, post trade reform, and the increase in local market service providers and participants. These changes have attracted an ever-increasing number of global investors and firms to operate in the local market. Senior representatives from key stakeholder entities will cover these recent changes in detail, whilst discussing emerging developments which will need to be considered by offshore market participants looking to enter the market in 2025 and beyond. Moderator: Andrew Dyson, Chief Executive Officer, ISLA
|
|
| 12:00 | Networking Lunch |
|
| 13:00 | Primary Debt Market: Insights into Trends, Dynamics, & Future Outlook With the Saudi capital market witnessing an increase in debt issuances in recent years, this session will deep dive into the shape and structure of the primary debt market as well as look into secondary market liquidity. Through expert speakers, the panel will discuss the local issuer and investor base, the variety of debt instruments including sustainable bonds, the link between Islamic and conventional bond markets while also exploring the role of repo and securities Lending in the secondary market, as well as the legal framework and regulations underpinning the debt market. Moderator: Bryan Pascoe, Chief Executive Officer, ICMA
Further speakers to be announced |
|
| 13:45 | Understanding Market Activity & Current Performance This session will explore key trends and performance across the derivatives, repo and securities lending markets, both internationally and regionally, and the outlook for 2025. Moderator: Scott O’Malia, Chief Executive Officer, ISDA Panellists:
|
|
| 14:45 | The Developing Legal & Regulatory Landscape Robust legal frameworks are integral to the smooth functioning of capital markets and the instruments which operate within them. Amongst the myriad of legal considerations, the ability to net positions is paramount. This panel discussion will discuss the scope of the recently revised netting regulation, and its impact across the individual legal frameworks that govern derivatives, repo and securities lending transactions. The panel will also explore the horizon for relevant entities, including corporate banks, asset managers, and other market participants. Moderator: Peter Werner, Senior Counsel, ISDA Panellist:
|
|
| 15:25 | Networking Break | |
| Thematic Sessions An educational focus on the individual products and how each market operates. Topics will be covered from both a trading and operational perspective, targeting local trading professionals as well as post trade and operations functions. |
||
| 15:55 | Showcase I: Derivatives This session will focus on the latest developments in derivatives markets, especially in relation to transactions with Saudi counterparties. The session will cover:
Panellists:
|
|
| 16:35 | Showcase II: Repo A panel of key market participants will discuss the state of the repo and collateral markets along with the latest developments in best market practices and the GMRA, the predominant master agreement for cross-border repo. The panel will also look into the implications of the new netting legislation in the Kingdom for the domestic repo market as well as recent trends both internationally and locally including: the evolving role of repo and its significance in the broader market context, advances in Islamic and green repo, as well as the role of technology and the global drive for automation. Moderator: Alex Westphal, Senior Director, Secretary of ICMA European Repo & Collateral Council & Global Repo & Collateral Council, ICMA Panellist:
|
|
| 17:15 | Showcase III: Securities Lending In this session, we will delve into the importance of securities lending to primary and secondary market liquidity within global capital markets. Through our expert speakers, we will discuss the interplay of securities lending, repo and derivatives products, current advocacy efforts in the region, as well as the benefits of securities lending to local asset holders. Moderator: Tina Baker, Head of Legal Services, ISLA Panellists:
|
|
| 17:55 | Closing Remarks: Key Takeaways & Looking Ahead A reflection on the day’s highlights and key discussion points, including perspectives on the ongoing development roadmap and longer-term priorities for the Associations in the region. |
|
| 18:00 | Event close |
Lead sponsors
 |
Al Tamimi & Company is a leading full-service commercial law firm in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Established in 1989, the firm now operates 17 offices in 10 countries, delivering innovative and cost-effective legal solutions tailored to today’s complex business challenges. With a team of more than 500 legal professionals, Al Tamimi & Company combines international expertise and qualifications with deep regional insight and local talent. The firm advises on a full range of legal disciplines, including arbitration and litigation, banking and finance, corporate and commercial law, intellectual property, employment, real estate, construction and infrastructure, tax, technology, media and telecommunications, and white collar crime. |
 |
We help make money work for the world — managing it, moving it and keeping it safe. As a leading global financial services company at the center of the world’s financial system, we touch nearly 20% of the world’s investable assets. For 240 years we have partnered alongside our clients to create solutions that benefit businesses, communities and people everywhere. |
 |
HSBC Saudi Arabia has a unique positioning in Saudi Arabia backed by local and international strategic partners, HSBC has supported investment in the growth and development of Saudi Arabia for over 70 years. A rich history and track record of firsts and leadership in Saudi Arabia, HSBC Saudi Arabia was the first fully licensed investment bank in Saudi Arabia, with a holistic offering of products and services to institutional clients including Securities Services, Institutional Brokerage, Issuer Services, Debt Capital Market, Investment Banking Advisory and Project and Export Finance. HSBC is committed to facilitating increasing engagement of its international clients with opportunities presented by Kingdom’s ambitious economic reform agenda. |
 |
Latham & Watkins delivers innovative solutions to complex legal and business challenges around the world. From a global platform, our lawyers advise clients on market-shaping transactions, high-stakes litigation and trials, and sophisticated regulatory matters. Latham is one of the world’s largest providers of pro bono services, steadfastly supports initiatives designed to advance diversity within the firm and the legal profession and is committed to exploring and promoting environmental sustainability. |
 |
SNB Capital, the investment banking and asset management arm of the Saudi National Bank, offers a range of innovative and Shariah-compliant financial products and services to its clients, contributing to the Kingdom's economic growth. Today, SNB Capital is the largest Asset Manager in the Kingdom with over SAR 248 billion (USD 66.13 billion) as of September 2024. SNB Capital provides top-line financial and consultancy solutions to institutional and retail investors, and its main business activities are; Asset Management, Wealth Management, Investment Banking, Securities, Principal Investments and International Alternatives. |
Exhibitor
 |
EquiLend is a global financial technology firm offering Trading, Post-Trade, Data & Analytics, RegTech and Platform Solutions for the securities finance industry. EquiLend has offices in North America, EMEA and Asia-Pacific and was named European and Americas Data Provider of the Year and Regulatory Solution of the Year 2024 by Securities Finance Times. |
Supporting sponsor
 |
Deutsche Bank was founded in 1870 to accompany German companies abroad. Today, it is the leading bank in Germany with a strong position in Europe, represented in 57 countries around the world and globally networked. |
Lead sponsors
|
We help make money work for the world — managing it, moving it and keeping it safe. As a leading global financial services company at the center of the world’s financial system, we touch nearly 20% of the world’s investable assets. For 240 years we have partnered alongside our clients to create solutions that benefit businesses, communities and people everywhere. |
|
Latham & Watkins delivers innovative solutions to complex legal and business challenges around the world. From a global platform, our lawyers advise clients on market-shaping transactions, high-stakes litigation and trials, and sophisticated regulatory matters. Latham is one of the world’s largest providers of pro bono services, steadfastly supports initiatives designed to advance diversity within the firm and the legal profession and is committed to exploring and promoting environmental sustainability. |
|
SNB Capital, the investment banking and asset management arm of the Saudi National Bank, offers a range of innovative and Shariah-compliant financial products and services to its clients, contributing to the Kingdom's economic growth. Today, SNB Capital is the largest Asset Manager in the Kingdom with over SAR 248 billion (USD 66.13 billion) as of September 2024. SNB Capital provides top-line financial and consultancy solutions to institutional and retail investors, and its main business activities are; Asset Management, Wealth Management, Investment Banking, Securities, Principal Investments and International Alternatives. |
Exhibitor
|
EquiLend is a global financial technology firm offering Trading, Post-Trade, Data & Analytics, RegTech and Platform Solutions for the securities finance industry. EquiLend has offices in North America, EMEA and Asia-Pacific and was named European and Americas Data Provider of the Year and Regulatory Solution of the Year 2024 by Securities Finance Times. |
Supporting sponsor
|
Deutsche Bank was founded in 1870 to accompany German companies abroad. Today, it is the leading bank in Germany with a strong position in Europe, represented in 57 countries around the world and globally networked. |
