Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority has published responses to key inquiries about authorization applications to operate a commodity exchange. The current application period targets one license for an exchange providing a secondary market in commodity derivative contracts, with proposed products and underlying commodities subject to the authority's assessment and approval. Applicants must meet the Capital Market Law and Securities Exchanges and Depository Centers Regulations, including the requirement to operate as a joint-stock company. The application review fee is SAR 25,000, while the annual license maintenance fee is SAR 300,000. Incorporation need not be completed before applying, but a successful applicant will have 12 months from licensing to satisfy commencement requirements, including submitting final incorporation documents. The licensed exchange will set membership and market access requirements through rules approved by the authority. Existing Capital Market Institutions may apply if they meet the applicable legal, regulatory and operational requirements, while any new products introduced after licensing will require the relevant approvals.
2026-09-01Saudi Arabia Capital Markets Authority
Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority clarifies licensing requirements for a single commodity exchange
Saudi Arabia's Capital Market Authority has clarified requirements for the single commodity exchange license targeted in the current application period, which will cover a secondary market in commodity derivatives. Applicants face a SAR 25,000 review fee and a SAR 300,000 annual fee, and the licensee will have 12 months to meet commencement requirements. Products, membership rules and subsequent additions will remain subject to regulatory approval.