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CMA Services in
Saudi Arabia

Navigate the complexities of Saudi Arabia's capital markets. Secure your license for Asset Management, Advisory, or Fintech innovation.

Consult on CMA Licensing

Saudi Arabia's financial market is the largest in the region. The Capital Market Authority (CMA) regulates all securities activities, from stock market listings to licensing investment funds and advisory firms. We provide specialized legal and operational support to help you obtain the necessary authorizations to operate in this high-growth sector.

Role of CMA

The CMA is responsible for regulating the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) and overseeing all entities dealing in securities. Its mission is to protect investors, ensure fairness and efficiency in the market, and promote transparency.

Fintech Lab: Similar to SAMA's sandbox, the CMA Fintech Lab allows entrepreneurs to test innovative capital market solutions (like Robo-advisory or Crowdfunding) with relaxed regulatory requirements.

Core Licensing Services

We facilitate the licensing process for all regulated activities.

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Asset Management Licenses to manage public and private investment funds or DPMs.
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Arranging & Advising Advising on corporate finance, M&A, and placing securities.
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Fintech Lab Permit Permits for Equity Crowdfunding, Robo-advisory, and Social Trading.
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Custody Services Safeguarding assets and securities on behalf of clients.

Path to Authorization

Becoming an "Authorized Person" (AP) typically involves:

Preparation Developing business plan, organization structure, and compliance manuals.

Recruitment Hiring key qualified personnel: CEO, Compliance Officer, Finance Manager.

Fit & Proper CMA interviews and exams (CME-1, CME-2) for nominated staff.

Inspection On-site visit to verify systems, office security, and capital adequacy.

Investment Products

Real Estate Investment Funds (REITs)
Private Equity & Venture Capital Funds
IPO Management & Advisory

Debt Instruments (Sukuk/Bonds)
Equity Crowdfunding Platforms
Prudential Reporting

Why Capital Matters

Capital adequacy is a primary pillar of CMA regulations. Required minimum capital varies by activity:

Managing

Requires higher paid-up capital (e.g., SAR 20M+) to ensure firm stability.

Arranging

Lower capital requirements (e.g., SAR 2M) as it involves less risk than holding assets.

Advising

Requires minimal capital (e.g., SAR 400k) but high qualification of staff.

Strategic Value

Market Trust CMA licensing is a gold standard of credibility for investors.
Direct Listings Ability to guide companies onto Nomu or the Main Market.
Institutional Capital Access to manage funds for government bodies and large family offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Registered persons must pass the CME-1 (General Securities Qualification) and potentially CME-2 (Compliance) or CME-3 (Derivatives) depending on their role.

It is a legislative environment that allows testing of Fintech products related to securities (e.g., Roboadvisors, Social Trading) without meeting full capital or license requirements initially.

Once a complete application is submitted, the CMA reviews it within a set statutory period (usually 30-90 days), but preparation often takes 3-6 months beforehand.

Yes, foreign financial institutions can own 100% of a capital market institution in Saudi Arabia, subject to MISA licensing and CMA approval.

Unlock Saudi Capital Markets

Partner with authorized experts to navigate your CMA licensing journey.

Discuss Licensing Strategy

CMA Services in Saudi Arabia