Bahrain Bourse (BHB), the exchange regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain, took part in the HSBC GCC Exchanges London Conference 2026, joining regional exchanges, listed companies and international investors to discuss developments in Gulf capital markets.

The Bahraini delegation included Bahrain Bourse Chairman Yusuf Al Yusef, Chief Executive Officer Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, and representatives from Bahrain Bourse, HSBC Bahrain, Bapco Energies and Aluminium Bahrain (Alba).

According to organisers, the conference brought together more than 300 institutional investors, over 100 Middle Eastern corporates and all seven GCC stock exchanges, facilitating more than 3,000 meetings and marking its largest gathering since its launch five years ago.

As part of the event, Shaikh Khalifa participated in a panel discussion titled "Listings, Liquidity and Governance: Outlook for GCC Capital Markets", which examined prospects for regional capital markets, including efforts to increase listings, improve market liquidity and strengthen governance standards.

"Our participation in the HSBC GCC Exchanges London Conference reflects Bahrain Bourse's commitment to positioning Bahrain as a competitive, transparent and dynamic investment destination," stated Al Yusef. 

The engagement supports the exchange's Capital Market Development Plan 2026-2028, which aims to diversify market offerings, deepen liquidity and streamline market operations, he added.

Shaikh Khalifa said the conference provided an opportunity to engage with international investors and highlight developments in Bahrain's capital market.

"As global investors increasingly seek transparent and growth-oriented markets, the Kingdom of Bahrain offers a compelling investment proposition supported by a robust regulatory framework, a diversified economy, and a strong development pipeline. Through our participation, we aim to further enhance market visibility, strengthen investor confidence, and advance the continued growth of Bahrain’s capital market ecosystem," he stated.

Joseph Ghorayeb, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bahrain, said Bahrain's financial sector and regulatory framework provide a foundation for long-term capital market development despite ongoing geopolitical and market uncertainties.

Bahrain Bourse's "Elevate" strategy is intended to improve market liquidity, broaden investment opportunities and increase engagement with international investors through initiatives including expanding the initial public offering pipeline, introducing new investment products and enhancing digital market infrastructure, noted.

On the sidelines of the conference, Bahrain's delegation held meetings and roundtable discussions with global fund managers, asset managers and capital market executives to present investment opportunities in the kingdom and discuss developments in Bahrain's financial markets.

Bahrain Bourse said the participation formed part of its efforts to strengthen links between Bahrain's capital markets and the international investment community and to promote investment opportunities in the kingdom.-TradeArabia News Service