After receiving the approval of the Capital Markets Authority in Kuwait to list its shares on Bahrain Bourse (BHB), and to commemorate the cross-listing and trading commencement of KFH shares in Bahrain, Chairman of Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Hamad Abdulmohsen Al Marzouq rang the ceremonial opening bell of Bahrain Bourse announcing the cross-listing as part of the successful completion of KFH's acquisition of AUB-Bahrain’s 100% shares, following obtaining the result of the total approval rate from Kuwait Clearing Company (KCC), Bahrain Clearing and SICO on the proposal document.

The ringing of the bell ceremony was held in the presence of Bahrain , Minister of Industry and Commerce & Minister in Charge of Bahrain Bourse, Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani, and the CEO of SICO Najla Al Shirawi, along with CEOs of listed companies, business officials, and investors.

Al Marzouq said that he was pleased with the successful listing of KFH shares on BHB, stating that the cross-listing of KFH shares in Bahrain Bourse and Boursa Kuwait enhances liquidity in the market, contributes to the positive activity of both stock markets and allows access to more potential investors considering that the stock is being traded in more than one market worldwide, which means more capital opportunities for the organization. He noted that new liquidity will be directed to KFH after trading the issued shares of KFH due to the increase of KFH’s weight on MSCI index, which will require foreign investors to adjust their portfolios based on the new ratio.

 Al Marzouq added that the cross-listing of KFH shares helps improve the governance structure that guides the instructions and objectives of the organization and plays a role in increasing the opportunities to attract the best talents to leverage the stock market and customer service.

He noted that one of the many advantages of cross-listing the shares is enhancing the reputation and geographical reach of the organization, saying that the Bank could benefit from the advertising strategy of cross-listed companies to attract foreign investors.

Al Marzouq expressed his sincere gratitude to the trust given by the shareholders and investment communities represented by individuals, companies, and institutions. He thanked Boursa Kuwait, Bahrain Bourse, CMA, KCC, Bahrain Clear, SICO and all the Kuwaiti and Bahraini regulatory authorities who granted the approval for acquisition. He also praised the efforts of local and international consultants, in addition to the acquisition team who spared no effort to complete this major cross-border merger which increases the capital base of KFH to more than $10b and strengthens the standing of Kuwait and Bahrain as prestigious financial hubs in the GCC region.