Bahrain Clear has launched a programme to further enhance its central securities depository and clearing operations in line with international standards and global best practices. Bahrain Clear has appointed Seven Pillars Consultancy as the programme’s independent adviser, supporting the assessment and development of a roadmap for the next phase of its post-trade infrastructure.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of Gateway Gulf 2026, in the presence of Yusef AlYusef, Chairman of Bahrain Bourse; Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Chairman of Bahrain Clear; Khaldoun Al-Tabtabaie, Founding Partner of Seven Pillars Consultancy and former Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Clearing Company; and Abdullah AlSenan, Managing Partner of Seven Pillars Consultancy.
The programme supports the Capital Market Development Plan (2026–2028) – “Elevate” and the new services and instruments it envisages for the Kingdom’s capital market. It covers Bahrain Clear’s operations, rules and regulatory alignment, governance, and technology environment. It will set out prioritised recommendations and a roadmap for Bahrain Clear’s team to lead.
Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Chairman of Bahrain Clear, said: “The appointment of an independent adviser marks an important step in Bahrain Clear’s continued efforts to strengthen its post-trade infrastructure and align with international standards and best practices. The engagement will support a comprehensive assessment of our central depository and clearing house framework, helping us identify opportunities to enhance efficiency, resilience, and market confidence.”
Khaldoun Al-Tabtabaie, Founding Partner of Seven Pillars Consultancy and former Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Clearing Company, said: “The Kingdom of Bahrain has set clear ambitions for its capital market, and Bahrain Bourse is taking a forward-looking step that strengthens the market as a whole. A market’s depository and clearing house are where investor confidence is earned, and aligning them with international standards ahead of growth is the right approach. We are proud to work alongside Bahrain Clear’s team on this programme, and to contribute to strengthening international investors’ confidence in the Kingdom of Bahrain’s capital market.”
Seven Pillars’ team on the programme includes experienced international consultants who have held senior roles at central securities depositories and clearing houses, and advised on numerous post-trade engagements internationally. Their expertise spans operations, regulatory frameworks, governance and technology.