Sarah al-Suhaimi, chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul), has highlighted efforts to create a working environment that enhances the role of women.
Such efforts aim pushing women to managerial posts in the financial sector to ensure the Kingdom attains its Vision 2030’s objectives.
Suhaimi told Asharq Al-Awsat that Tadawul is the first Saudi company to sign the United Nation’s initiative dubbed “Women’s Empowerment Principles” in March 2019.
She pointed to the increased awareness about environmental and social governance practices and corporate governance.
“The positive developments brought about by changes in the Saudi financial market have contributed to the good performance during the pandemic and the financial market infrastructure in general,” Suhaimi explained, indicating that these factors helped attract foreign investors.
“More than 380 foreign financial institutions were registered through the Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (QFII) program during 2020, an increase of 23 percent since the beginning of the year and throughout the health crisis.”
The figure represents a clear indication of foreign investors’ confidence in the Saudi financial market, she stressed.
The market has addressed and responded quickly and effectively to the repercussions of the pandemic, she said.
Suhaimi further pointed to the work and cooperation with the Capital Market Authority to ensure that investors and listed securities are shielded from the impacts of the pandemic.
