Capital Markets Authority Allows Trading of 1965 Census Individuals Who Have Had Their Citizenship Revoked on the Stock Exchange
The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed the continued right to trade, buy, and sell shares, sukuk, and securities on the securities exchange, or stock exchange, for both individuals and companies owned by persons whose citizenship was revoked under Article 5/Third, from the 1965 census category, and those who acquired citizenship through them by dependency, in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph 7 of Cabinet Resolution No. (1355) of 2025 and related cabinet decisions.
This was stated in a circular issued by the “Markets Authority” regarding the exercise of the right to trade, buy, and sell shares, sukuk, and securities by persons whose Kuwaiti citizenship was revoked from the 1965 census category, as part of efforts to regulate the status of this group and ensure the continuity of their entitled rights and benefits.
The authority also confirmed the continued implementation of the verification and authentication mechanism for personal data and information submitted by this group, through original identity documents or certificates issued by the Central Agency for Processing the Status of Illegal Residents, or the civil ID issued via the “Huwiyati” application, provided they are valid and electronically verified, in a manner consistent with regulatory decisions and instructions.
The Capital Markets Authority announced that licensed persons authorized to act as qualified and registered brokers on the securities exchange may offer discounts on brokerage commissions, capped at a maximum of 25% of the commission value, effective January 1, 2027.
The authority clarified in Circular No. (16) of 2026 that these discounts are part of regulating the mechanism for offering them, aiming to enhance fairness, transparency, and competitiveness in the securities sector.
It emphasized that offering discounts is at the discretion of the licensed person and does not constitute an obligation to grant them to clients, to be carried out in accordance with their approved policies and procedures.
It noted that this mechanism does not apply to discounts granted to market makers, who continue to enjoy the discounts stipulated under the rules of the Kuwait Stock Exchange.
It further explained that discount programs may be designed based on objective criteria, including trading tiers, activity volume, or other relevant standards, thereby providing flexibility for licensed persons while adhering to the provisions and controls set forth in the Executive Regulations.
