The Capital Market Authority (CMA) aims to enhance the Saudi Capital market's presence in scientific literature through its research agenda program. The program seeks to foster communication between researchers and practitioners in the capital markets sector, promote knowledge exchange, and improve the quality of research and studies. Additionally, it supports policy-making and decision-making based on scientific studies while raising the level of financial awareness among market participants.
The CMA periodically invites applications for the Research Agenda Program, reflecting its social responsibility toward the research community and participants in the financial market.
The Scientific Committee of the Research Agenda Program
The Scientific Committee of the Research Agenda Program was established in 2024 by a decision from the CMA's board. This committee is part of the CMA's efforts to support and develop research in the Saudi capital market and enhance research partnerships, thereby enriching scientific inquiry in this field.
The objectives of the Scientific Committee of the Research Agenda Program
The Scientific Committee of the Research Agenda Program aims to establish the general policy for the program. Its goals include increasing both the quantity and quality of research that supports the Saudi capital market. The committee also seeks to improve the data and information environment related to the capital market and to enhance research partnerships between institutions in the capital market sector and universities, as well as research centers.
Members of the Scientific Committee
The committee's second session includes a group of academic and professional members with extensive experience in research and publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The members are:
1. Dr. Murya Saad Habbash (Chairman)
2. Dr. Abdullah Abdulrahman Alshwer
3. Dr. Asem Khalid Alhomaidi
4. Dr. Heba Abed Gazzaz
5. Dr. Haitham Akram AL-Zoubi
6. Dr. Saad Saleh Alshammari
7. Dr. Abdulrahman Nabil Alsaleh
Launching the Fifth Batch of the Research Agenda Program
Proposed Research Areas for the Fifth Batch of the Research Agenda Program:
- Corporate Governance
- Behavioral Finance
- Investment Products & Funds
- Financial Regulations & Investor Protection
- FinTech & Digital Innovation
- Financial Sustainability (ESG)
- Foreign Investment
Researchers can also benefit from a number of suggested subtopics under each research areas as follows:
| Main Topics | Suggested Subtopics |
Corporate Governance | - The Impact of Effective Investor Relations Management on the Stock Performance of Saudi Listed Companies.
- The Impact of Executive Remuneration Disclosure on the Financial Performance and Market Value of Saudi Listed Companies.
- The Impact of Listing Family Businesses on the Saudi Capital Market on Growth, Sustainability, and Governance.
- Mechanisms for Determining Executive Remuneration in Saudi Listed Companies: A Comparative Study.
- The Role of Asset Managers in Enhancing Governance Practices via Voting in General Assemblies.
- Others.
|
Behavioral Finance | - A Study on the Behavioral Motivations of Saudi Individual Investors in Foreign Capital Markets.
- Others.
|
Investment Products & Funds | - Determinants of Long-Term Performance Across Investment Fund Classes.
- A Comprehensive Assessment of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) in the Saudi Capital Market: A Study of Growth Trends, Valuation, and Governance.
- An Analysis of the Drivers Behind Low Foreign Investment Inflows into Local Funds.
- A Historical Analysis of the Evolution of the Saudi Capital Market Structure: Firm Size, Profitability, and Sectoral Diversity.
- Others.
|
Financial Regulations & Investor Protection | - Regulatory and Economic Barriers Limiting Debt Market Growth Compared to Advanced Global Markets.
- Assessing the Efficiency of M&A Procedures and Regulations for Saudi Listed Companies.
- The Effectiveness of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanisms (Arbitration and Mediation) in the Financial Investment Environment.
- Others.
|
FinTech & Digital Innovation | - The Role of AI Applications in Enhancing Market Surveillance and Oversight in Saudi Capital Markets.
- Assessing the Regulatory and Supervisory Impact of Equity Crowdfunding Mechanisms and Client Fund Protection.
- The Impact of Robo-Advisory Regulatory Frameworks on Investment Decision Efficiency.
- Others.
|
Financial Sustainability (ESG) | - The Impact of Mandatory Sustainability Disclosure on Saudi Listed Companies: A Comparative Study of Regulatory Frameworks and Their Effects
- Others.
|
Foreign Investment | - Economic Dimensions and Feasibility of Cross-Listing Saudi Companies in International Markets.
- Others.
|
How to Apply and other information
1- Periods for submitting research proposals
| First Period | Ends by December 15, 2026 |
| Second Period | Ends by March 15, 2027 |
| Third Period | Ends by June 15, 2027* |
*Last date to apply for the fifth batch of the Research Agenda Program
2- Requirements for Research Proposals
Research proposals submitted by researchers, are evaluated based on specific internal models. These evaluations consider several key criteria, including the experience of the researcher or research team, the feasibility of implementing the research project, the originality of the research and its potential contribution to knowledge, as well as the clarity of the research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
3- How to Submit Research Proposals
Researchers can submit their proposals by filling out the research proposal submission form and share it via the research agenda email.
- Research Proposal Submission Form:[Link to the form]
- Email: Research.agenda@cma.gov.sa
