Financial sector

Saudi Arabia has established a sound regulatory and financial infrastructure based on financial standards and payment systems equivalent to those in the main industrial countries. It has resulted in a strong banking sector that benefited from management expertise and the most sophisticated technologies. The sector offers diverse financial services to the growing commercial sector. The reliability of this financial infrastructure and the size of the Saudi market make the Kingdom an attractive investment destination.

The Kingdom’s financial system consists of the central bank (SAMA, the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency), the commercial banks, the specialised credit institutions and the stock market. Banking regulates under the Banking Control Law issued by Royal Decree in 1966. The Council of Ministers issues licenses for the establishment of banks, based on recommendations from the Minister of Finance and National Economy after review by the central bank.

The government stake in commercial banks is less than 10%. Sufficient liquidity enables financing at equitable rates. Foreigners can invest in the stock market through investment funds. The Saudi stock market is the largest in the region. The Saudi Riyal has a strong record of stability, and inflation rates in Saudi Arabia are very low. The Kingdom is signing bilateral agreements with an increasing number of countries to provide relief from double taxation.