The Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) Annual Conference, held in Bahrain on Monday, has become a pivotal event for shaping the future of sustainable capital markets in the region. The conference, themed "From ESG to Sustainable Capital Markets," brought together industry experts and stakeholders to discuss the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices into the financial landscape.
Key highlights from the conference included the announcement by Abeer Al Saad of a new regulatory framework mandating the adoption of Bahrain Bourse's ESG guidelines. Starting from the financial year 2024, all listed companies and Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB)-licensed financial institutions will be required to comply with these guidelines. This significant step reflects the growing awareness and importance of ESG factors in investment decisions and corporate strategies.
The event featured 39 speakers and 20 exhibitors and was attended by 400 participants. Discussions centered around emerging trends in GCC Markets and the 'Tabadul Hub' initiative, which has been under consideration since June 2020. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the region's capital markets through improved investor relations (IR) practices and ESG integration.
Distinguished guests Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa and John Gollifer praised the conference for highlighting the vital role capital markets play in promoting ESG values and optimal IR practices. This year's conference also marked MEIRA's 15th anniversary, underscoring its commitment to developing capital market professionals in the region.
The collaboration between the Central Bank of Bahrain, Bahrain Bourse, and MEIRA at this event underscores a collective effort to advance sustainable investment practices. The conference's success is evident in its ability to gather key players to discuss regulatory changes and industry trends that are expected to shape the future of GCC markets.
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