“The Market 2.0" conference, held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, today was inaugurated by His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy. Bahrain Bourse organised the conference, a licensed exchange under the Central Bank of Bahrain, in collaboration with the Arab Federation of Capital Markets (AFCM).
The conference, held under the theme “Disruptive Digital Transformation in Capital Markets", aimed to advance the industry knowledge around leveraging technology in global equity trading by bringing together more than 300 participants alongside 26 expert speakers representing stock exchange leaders, market infrastructure specialists, and capital markets technologists, in one comprehensive forum.
During the inauguration His Excellency delivered an address which emphasised that technology is not a destination in itself, but rather an enabling tool, noting that the true measure of progress lies in how innovation builds trust, expands access, and creates opportunities.
HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa affirmed that thanks to the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness, the Kingdom of Bahrain has adopted a modern approach, with most economic transactions now taking place digitally.
His Excellency noted that economic stakeholders have been equipped with the necessary tools, safeguards, and frameworks to support growth, highlighting that while technology may change how markets operate, it is the rule of law that enables the confident flow of capital.
HE Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa issued the following address during the inauguration:
“Your Excellencies, distinguished guests,
On behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, please allow me to extend our deep appreciation to the Bahrain Bourse and the Arab Federation of Capital Markets and for all of the sponsors today for convening this important gathering of exchanges, regulators, and market leaders.
Conferences like this are important. Because the conversation we are having today is about more than just markets — it is about the future of our region, the aspirations of our people, and the legacy we choose to build for generations to come.
I will share three ideas to speak to the moment before us.
First: we are witnessing a powerful transformation — a region once known for exporting capital is now becoming a magnet for it.
Across the GCC, our stock markets now exceed four trillion dollars in value, placing our region firmly among the world's largest capital markets.
In the first nine months of this year alone, IPO activity across the region raised more than 5.5 billion dollars, surpassing many major financial centers around the world.
In Bahrain, this shift is mirrored by an active and expanding IPO pipeline across multiple sectors. International institutional investors are engaging with strong confidence — a testament to our clarity of regulation, and our openness to the world.
And this is not an isolated story. It is a regional moment — rising liquidity, deeper trading volumes, and a more diverse investor base.
Our markets are no longer emerging.
They have emerged — and now they are rising together.
Second: our greatest strength lies in our unity.
Each of our markets has its unique character. But when viewed together, a powerful picture emerges: when Arab markets connect, the entire region becomes greater than the sum of its parts.
With a population of more than 450 million people — one of the youngest in the world — and a GCC economy projected to reach three trillion dollars of GDP, we stand on the threshold of extraordinary potential.
The question is no longer if the region can become a global financial force. It is how fast and how far we choose to go.
We are already seeing meaningful steps: deeper regulatory cooperation, more aligned disclosure standards, and initiatives that make cross-listings more seamless. These are the building blocks of a region acting not as separate markets, but as a connected financial destination.
And the Kingdom of Bahrain remains fully committed to this vision. Our financial sector is inclusive, it is outward-looking, and it is built to nurture sustainable, innovative growth.
Whether hosting listings here at home or enabling Bahraini institutions to advise on Sukuk and bond issuances across the region, we will continue strengthening the bridges that connect our economies.
Third: technology will shape not only our competitiveness, but our place in the future of the global economy.
The technologies being discussed today — from data-driven platforms to new trading models — are reshaping capital markets everywhere. But let us remember: technology is not the destination. It is the enabler.
The true measure of progress is how innovation builds trust, expands access, and empowers opportunity.
In Bahrain, we have embraced this mindset. The majority of transactions in our economy now take place digitally. We have equipped economic participants with the tools, protections, and frameworks that support growth.
And we continue to strengthen this foundation.
Earlier this month, and in line with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Kingdom of Bahrain launched the Bahrain International Commercial Court — a milestone that strengthens investor certainty and reinforces the rule of law.
Because while technology can transform how markets operate, it is the rule of law that allows capital to flow with confidence.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We stand at a defining moment — a moment shaped by strong markets, diversifying economies, and a spirit of regional cooperation unlike any we have seen before.
Our responsibility now is clear:
To build the connections that amplify our collective strength.
And to build a modern, competitive region worthy of the ambition of our people.
Thank you for your ideas, thank you for your engagement, and thank you for your belief in the promise of our shared future."
Yusef Al-Yusef, the Chairman of Bahrain Bourse, emphasised during his speech that Bahrain Bourse are currently developing its own strategic roadmap along with a wider capital market development plan to enhance the capital market's positioning and market classification. Al-Yusef added that this initiative, along with others, underscores the role of capital markets and FDI inflows as a key driver and catalyst of Bahrain's economic growth.
Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa, the CEO of Bahrain Bourse Highlighted that the Market 2.0 conference succeeded in serving as a dynamic hub where innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders came together to share expertise, showcase achievements, and engage in transformative discussions on leveraging technology to build a more advanced and efficient Capital Market ecosystem, which reflects Bahrain Bourse's commitment to driving innovation and shaping a future-ready financial ecosystem for the Kingdom.
Bilel Sahnoun, Chairman of AFCM and Chief Executive Officer of Tunis Stock Exchange, expressed his pride in holding The Market 2.0 conference during this time of rapid digital transformations in the operational structures of capital markets. He affirmed that digital transformation is no longer an option, but a necessity to ensure the resilience and sustainability of markets, noting that the conference serves as a platform for dialogue and the exchange of expertise on the future of trading infrastructure. Sahnoun explained that the AFCM is committed to supporting the development of an interconnected regional system capable of keeping pace with global innovations, in close cooperation with the Bahrain Bourse.
Rami El-Dokany, Secretary General of the AFCM, stated that the Market 2.0reflects a shared commitment to collaboration as a driver of competitive advantage. He explained that the event's vision is to support CEOs in their digital transformation journeys. El-Dokany emphasised that technology is no longer optional; it is the infrastructure that enables capital markets to stabilise, grow, and build trust. He noted that trust underpins capital markets: trust in regulations, the economy, and execution technology. Key priorities include automation, faster settlement cycles, financial literacy, and strengthening retail investor participation.
The Market 2.0 Conference is supported by leading financial institutions across the region. Platinum Sponsors include Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) and Kuwait Finance House (KFH). The Gold Sponsor is Infotech Group. Silver Sponsors include Edaa (Qatar), GFH Financial Group, ITRS, MEMX, Sahm Capital, and Al Salam Bank. Nasdaq and Thndr join as Exhibitor Sponsors and Alayam and Zawya as Media Partners.