Capital Market Authority (CMA)
The Capital Market Authority (CMA) of Saudi Arabia is the official regulatory body overseeing the Kingdom’s capital markets, including securities, investment funds, and licensed financial services providers. While the CMA does not directly regulate retail forex trading or CFDs, it supervises authorized investment firms, regulates securities-based derivatives, and plays a key role in financial market development.
The Capital Market Authority (CMA) plays a crucial role in regulating Saudi Arabia’s financial markets. While speculative forex trading is restricted, investment-related derivatives may be offered by licensed firms under strict guidelines. To ensure compliance and protection, always trade with CMA-authorized investment institutions.
- No public leverage caps for derivatives, but CMA approval and internal risk controls are required
- Retail speculative margin forex is effectively banned without specific licensing
- Supervises investment firms and capital market participants
- Authorizes financial institutions to offer derivative products
- Monitors advertising, client onboarding, and KYC practices
- Coordinates with the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) for monetary and currency policies
- Issues warnings against unauthorized forex and CFD brokers
- Visit the CMA Saudi Arabia Website
- Navigate to “Authorized Persons” or “Investment Firms”
- Search by company name or license number
- Must hold a valid CMA license as an investment firm
- Maintain strong governance, compliance, and AML/CFT frameworks
- Submit quarterly and annual reporting to CMA
- Maintain minimum capital adequacy based on license type
- Must follow local advertising and product disclosure rules
Advantages
- Strong investor protection via capital market laws
- Transparent licensing structure and register
- Discourages offshore forex scams and fraud
- Tied closely with national economic goals (Vision 2030)
Limitations
- Retail speculative forex trading is not permitted
- No CMA-regulated brokers offer high-leverage FX/CFDs
- Lack of localized forex trading platforms
Country
Saudi Arabia
Established
2003
Contact
+966 11 205 3000
Complaint bodies
Capital Market Authority (CMA) Committee for the Resolution of Securities Disputes (CRSD) – for legal escalation
Hotline
800 245 1111
Complaint email
Last updated on: March 28, 2025
High Risk Warning : Please note that foreign exchange and other leveraged trading involves significant risk of loss. It is not suitable for all investors and you should make sure you understand the risks involved, seeking independent advice if necessary.