Bonds and Sukuk

Bonds and sukuk are among the most prominent fixed-income instruments used in financial markets to raise capital. While they serve a similar purpose, they may differ in structure and legal nature.

Both bonds and sukuk offer regular periodic returns (fixed or dynamic), making them a suitable option for investors seeking stability and risk reduction as well as contributing to investment portfolio diversification. 

Once the regulatory requirements are met, these instruments can be listed and traded on Boursa Kuwait, allowing investors to buy and sell with ease and transparency during trading hours.

Similar to stocks, the price of a bond or sukuk is determined by supply and demand, reflecting market movements and expectations regarding returns and risk. This enables investors to make informed decisions based on real-time market data.

Bonds and sukuk are often used to finance infrastructure and development projects, support expansion and investment plans and introduce innovative financial products by banks and financial institutions, enhancing liquidity and market activity. 

What is the difference between bonds and sukuk?

• Bonds are financial instruments that represent a debt obligation on the issuer in favor of the bondholder, who is entitled to receive periodic interest payments over the life of the bond along with one or more principal repayments, leading to the extinguishment of the debt upon maturity.
• Sukuk are Sharia-compliant financial instruments of equal value that represent undivided ownership in tangible assets, services or specific projects or investment activities. They are structured to comply with Islamic law, which prohibits interest-based transactions.

Who can issue bonds and sukuk and for what purpose?

Kuwaiti and international companies can raise capital by issuing bonds or sukuk and listing on Boursa Kuwait, unlocking a more flexible and efficient financing channel. These instruments enable issuers to secure funding at competitive costs compared to traditional bank borrowing, while also reaching a broader and more diverse investor base.

A wide range of entities can benefit from these financing solutions, including:

• Public institutions: to fund infrastructure and development projects, including roads and public utilities 
• Large corporations: to support expansion, finance investments, or restructure existing debt 
• Banks and financial institutions: to offer tailored financing instruments that meet evolving investor needs

How are bonds and sukuk listed on Boursa Kuwait?

Bonds and sukuk are listed on Boursa Kuwait after meeting the regulatory requirements set out in the Boursa Kuwait Rulebook and Resolution number 1/2026. This framework governs domestic and foreign issuances and covers key aspects such as issuance size, settlement mechanisms and transparency standards.

To list a bond or sukuk on Boursa Kuwait, companies must meet certain conditions, which are designed to safeguard investor interests and ensure market efficiency and efficacy. These include: 

• The bonds or sukuk have been issued in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations and in accordance with the company's contract.
• The total value of the bonds or Sukuk to be listed is not less than KD 100,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies.
• The bonds or Sukuk are tradable, and there are no restrictions that would prevent them from being traded or transferred between issuers or obligors or in the country in which they were issued from non-citizens. If any such restrictions apply, a statement shall be provided. (This does not apply if trading is limited to institutional investors, or a specific category, or a specific person or persons.)
• The Sukuk have been issued and approved for trading in accordance with the provisions of Islamic Sharia and have been approved by an external Sharia auditing office.
• A committee for the holders of the bonds or Sukuk must be formed.
• A credit rating for the bonds or Sukuk from a credit rating agency licensed or accepted by the CMA must be obtained.
• If the bonds or Sukuk are convertible into shares, those shares must be listed on the exchange.

How are bonds and sukuk traded on Boursa Kuwait?

Bonds and sukuk are traded through licensed brokers during official market hours, providing investors with flexibility to enter and exit positions while benefiting from a transparent and liquid trading environment.

Boursa Kuwait has introduced a range of operational and technical enhancements specifically for these instruments, including a dedicated trading board for bonds and sukuk. Trading sessions are specifically designed to reflect the nature of these instruments.

Clear ongoing disclosure requirements were also designed specifically for this platform, ensuring issuers provide timely financial reporting and updates on material developments. Additional provisions govern negotiated trades and introduce tailored rules that account for the unique characteristics of bonds and sukuk.

What are the continuous obligations on bonds and Sukuk issuers? 

Issuers of listed bonds and Sukuk must continuously fulfill the disclosure requirements stipulated in the CMA’s Executive Bylaws or the Boursa Kuwait Rulebook, which include:

• Fulfilling the disclosure obligations stated in Module Ten (Disclosure and Transparency) and Module Twelve (Listing Rules) of the Executive Bylaws, in a manner consistent with the nature of bonds and Sukuk.
• Providing the Exchange with a copy of the minutes of the meeting of the bondholders or Sukuk holders within five days from the date of its convening.
• Disclosing in the form and through the system that the Exchange determines from time to time.
• Disclosing material information on bonds and Sukuk through the page dedicated to them on the Boursa Kuwait website. This information includes the maturity date of the bond or Sukuk, the dates of disbursement of their returns and other necessary information.
• Taking all possible measures to not disclose material information until it is disclosed to the Exchange.
• Compliance with the instructions of the Central Bank of Kuwait regarding the rules and regulations of governance for entities subject to the supervision of the Bank.

Why invest in sukuk and bonds?

Bonds and sukuk offer new investment opportunities that were not previously available at this level of regulation and transparency. As listed and tradable instruments on the exchange, bonds and sukuk provide a structured investment option that enhances market efficiency and keeps pace with its development.

These instruments offer investors several distinct benefits, including: 

• Regular Periodic Returns: Investors receive fixed income (in the case of bonds) or periodic profit distributions (in the case of sukuk).
• Lower Risk: Sukuk and bonds are generally less volatile than stocks, making them a relatively safe haven, especially during times of economic uncertainty.
• Portfolio Diversification: They help spread risk across the investment portfolio.
• Ease of Trading: Sukuk and bonds can be easily bought and sold through licensed brokers registered by Boursa Kuwait.