Kuwait Financial Centre: Enhancing Financial and Investment Cooperation Between Gulf and Britain
Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between Gulf and British financial markets during a strategic dialogue in London.
Translated by Qiyas from القبس — Original source
The Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) emphasized the importance of strengthening interconnectivity between financial markets and expanding cross-border investment opportunities between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the United Kingdom. This statement was made during its participation in the UK-GCC Strategic Dialogue, held on October 20, 2026, at the historic Guildhall building in London, organized by The Business Year in collaboration with the Gulf Cooperation Council. The event brought together a select group of top decision-makers, investors, and business leaders to discuss ways to enhance strategic economic partnerships and explore sustainable growth opportunities.
Abdul Latif Al-Nassif, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Markaz, participated in a panel discussion titled “Finance, Financial Markets, and Investments,” alongside Haitham Al-Salimi, Chief Executive Officer of the Muscat Stock Exchange; Abdulmohsen Al-Mikhaizim, Chief Executive Officer of the Kuwait Investment Office in London; and Edward Prince, Managing Director of Large Corporates and International Affairs and Co-Chair of the Business Group at the UK Export Finance (UKEF). The session was moderated by Zahra Chowdhury, Chief Economist at Economist Middle East.
The panel addressed opportunities to develop the GCC financial market system, enhance financial integration, and facilitate cross-border capital flows.
Commenting on the dialogue, Al-Nassif stated: “The GCC countries and the United Kingdom share long-standing, robust investment relations that are rich with promising potential to expand cooperation in financial markets and alternative investments. As investors increasingly seek to diversify their investment opportunities, it becomes crucial to strengthen market interconnectivity, raise regulatory transparency standards, and solidify strong institutional partnerships. These efforts will help facilitate capital flows and support sustainable economic growth.”
He added: “The continuous development of GCC financial markets opens broad investment horizons for international investors. Strengthening ties with established global financial centers, particularly London, can expand access to investment opportunities, enhance market efficiency, and promote the exchange of expertise and knowledge. At the Markaz, we rely on well-researched investment strategies, in-depth market research, and a long-term vision to achieve sustainable value.”
The dialogue featured discussions on several key topics related to the future of economic cooperation between the GCC and the UK, including the enhancement of trade and investment, the digital economy, infrastructure development, industrial transformation, and advanced regulatory and commercial frameworks for cross-border investment and trade.
The Markaz’s participation in this dialogue underscores its commitment to leveraging its accumulated investment expertise and international network, particularly amid current economic shifts, to contribute to the development of financial markets and open new horizons for investment opportunities between Kuwait, GCC countries, and global markets.
