Riyad Capital Company Profile

Background

Riyad Capital, established in 2008, is the investment arm of Riyad Bank, one of Saudi Arabia's largest financial institutions. As a fully owned subsidiary, Riyad Capital leverages its parent company's extensive expertise to offer a comprehensive suite of investment solutions. The firm's mission is to provide tailored investment services that align with clients' financial goals, while its vision focuses on becoming a leading investment firm in the region. Operating within the financial services industry, Riyad Capital holds a significant position in Saudi Arabia's capital markets, offering services such as asset and wealth management, brokerage, corporate investment banking, and securities services.

Key Strategic Focus

Riyad Capital's strategic focus encompasses several core objectives:

Asset and Wealth Management: Providing a diversified range of products, including public and private funds, discretionary portfolio management, and specialized investment solutions tailored to individual and institutional clients.

Corporate Investment Banking: Offering financial advisory services, capital market solutions, and structured finance to support corporate clients in achieving their strategic objectives.

Brokerage Services: Facilitating trading operations with advanced technologies to enhance market liquidity and efficiency.

Securities Services: Acting as the largest custodian in Saudi Arabia, providing comprehensive securities services to clients.

The firm targets primary markets within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, with a particular emphasis on Saudi Arabia's rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Financials and Funding

As of Q2 2024, Riyad Capital managed over SAR 89 billion (approximately USD 24 billion) in assets under management and over SAR 790 billion (approximately USD 211 billion) in assets under custody. In January 2025, reports indicated that Riyad Capital was exploring an initial public offering (IPO) with a potential valuation of around USD 2.5 billion, aiming for a listing as early as mid-2025.

Pipeline Development

Riyad Capital has been actively involved in significant transactions and fund launches:

Equity Capital Markets (ECM): In 2024, the firm topped Bloomberg’s ECM League Table for Saudi Arabia, with a credited deal value of approximately USD 1.7 billion, representing a 9.4% market share. Notable transactions included Saudi Arabia’s first-ever share distribution in-kind and multiple IPOs.

Real Estate Funds: In November 2024, Riyad Capital, in partnership with Al Basateen, launched a real estate fund exceeding SAR 2 billion (USD 533 million) to develop the 'Kings’ Square' project in Riyadh. Additionally, in March 2024, the firm, in collaboration with Al-Ramz, launched the Durrat King Khalid Fund to develop a qualitative project within the office property sector in Riyadh.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Riyad Capital distinguishes itself through the integration of advanced technologies and innovative financial solutions:

Market Making: In July 2023, the firm was appointed as a market maker on the Saudi Exchange for companies like Alrajhi Bank and Americana Restaurants International PLC Company, enhancing market liquidity and efficiency.

Digital Investment Platforms: The company offers digital channels for investment transactions, providing clients with seamless access to a range of investment products and services.

Leadership Team

Riyad Capital's leadership comprises seasoned professionals with extensive experience in the financial sector:

Dr. Abdullah Alshwer: Serving as the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Alshwer has been instrumental in steering the company's strategic direction and overseeing its growth initiatives.

Abdullah Al-Medemigh: As the Managing Director and Head of Corporate Investment Banking, Al-Medemigh has played a pivotal role in executing major transactions and expanding the firm's investment banking services.

Leadership Changes

In December 2024, it was reported that a key executive, Al-Aqran, departed from Riyad Capital after nearly seven years of service.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The financial services industry in Saudi Arabia is experiencing rapid growth, driven by economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030. The market is characterized by increasing competition among investment firms, with a focus on asset management, brokerage services, and investment banking.

Competitor Analysis

Riyad Capital's primary competitors include:

Kamco Invest: An investment company based in Kuwait, offering asset management and investment banking services.

Arque Capital: A U.S.-based investment bank and securities brokerage firm.

Woodlands Securities: A brokerage firm operating in the U.S.

C.P. Baker: An investment advisory firm providing management consulting and corporate finance services.

These competitors vary in geographic focus and service offerings, with some operating primarily in the GCC region and others in international markets.