The Saudi stock Exchange (Tadawul) plans to launch Nomu-Parallel Market on Feb. 26, 2017, following the Capital Market Authority's (CMA) announcement of issuing the Parallel Market Listing Rules published last Thursday. Launching Nomu-Parallel Market is a step toward fulfilling Tadawul's plans to further develop the capital market. It is also in alignment with the objectives of the 2030 Vision which stress the importance of developing a more advanced capital market open to the world, allowing greater funding opportunities and stimulating economic growth. This will in turn generate more diverse investment opportunities and instruments for all capital market participants. Nomu-Parallel Market will open new investment possibilities for a wide range of companies – including SMEs – which play a key role in leveraging the national economy and accelerating development. In light of this, potentially growing companies will benefit from listing in the capital market with less listing requirements compared to the Main Market in terms of market value, number of shareholders, and offered shares' percentages. Moreover, Nomu-Parallel Market will enhance business growth for listed companies through diversifying financial resources of expansion plans, applying governance and disclosure standards, and adopting best management practices. Ultimately, this will uplift the company's profile, increase brand equity and market value, and raise public interest in its offerings. According to the Parallel Market Listing Rules, trading in Nomu-Parallel Market is limited to "Qualified Investors". Furthermore, retail investors (who are not classified as Qualified Investors) can access Nomu-Parallel Market through investment funds with diversified investment strategies, which mitigate any risks of direct investment. — SG
