New trading commissions... effective October 4
Implementation of a new trading fee structure with strict controls on discounts.
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
Kuwait Bourse enters a new phase regarding the regulation of new fees and commissions starting October 4, as the fee and commission study project is considered a model of successful implementation following technical discussions, consultations with decision-makers, and final approval of the fees, according to the Capital Markets Authority’s balanced overarching vision aimed at execution.
This high flexibility in implementing one of the most critical files raises the question: why is it not applied to other approved instruments such as sukuk, bonds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and short selling (stock lending and borrowing)? The legal framework for these instruments was approved months ago, yet their implementation has not yet materialized in practice, despite their official approval and announcement as tools and products on the official website.
With the introduction of new regulated commissions and discounts in the brokerage sector, the sector and the market as a whole may require greater diversity in instruments more than ever before to boost liquidity, attract new clients and investors, and rely on long-term investment products and instruments with varying risk profiles.
In this regard, investment sources state that increased operating margins could offset the intense competition expected in the sector, particularly regarding commissions following their regulation.
Sources called for strict and precise oversight of this file to ensure compliance with the officially capped discount rate of 25 percent, without any additional increases through other channels.
Notably, the market will conclude the third quarter of 2026 tomorrow, marking the start of the countdown to the final quarter. Will the market witness changes in the instrument landscape by year-end?
In a related development, Kuwait Bourse announced that the cancellation of existing orders in the automated trading system will take place on October 4, 2026, coinciding with the implementation of the new trading, clearing, and settlement commission structure, as announced in the circular issued by Kuwait Bourse on September 23, 2026.
