HKEx Names Jalal Almarhoon as Regional Managing Director to Lead Saudi Arabia Expansion

Rugman_Walking · 2026-02-22T13:14:57+00:00

Jalal Almarhoon, a former BNP Paribas executive, has been appointed Managing Director and Chief Representative of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange's new Middle East operations in Riyadh. His role focuses on attracting regional listings and enhancing ties with Gulf capital markets.

Rugman_Walking

2026-02-22 13:14:57

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The Hong Kong Stock Exchange has recruited Jalal Almarhoon, a seasoned finance executive from BNP Paribas, to lead its newly formed Middle East operations as Managing Director and Chief Representative. Taking up his position on February 10, 2026, Almarhoon is now operating from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange’s freshly launched regional hub in Riyadh, marking a significant strategic pivot into one of the world’s fastest-growing financial markets.

In his expanded role overseeing the Middle East region, Almarhoon will spearhead efforts to attract regional listing opportunities and strengthen the exchange’s connections with Gulf capital markets. His appointment underscores Hong Kong’s determination to deepen its financial influence across the Arabian Peninsula, where economic diversification and Vision 2030 initiatives are reshaping investment landscapes. Almarhoon reports directly to Xu Jingwei, the Senior Director of Global Listing Services at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, reflecting the strategic importance of this regional expansion.

The choice of Almarhoon, with his extensive background in international banking and capital markets at BNP Paribas, signals that the Hong Kong Stock Exchange is seeking to leverage deep financial expertise to navigate the Middle East’s unique regulatory environment and investor networks. The establishment of the Riyadh office positions HKEx to compete for premium listings from Gulf-based companies and sovereign wealth funds, strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a global financial gateway.

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