CMA Approves Merger of UBS Saudi Arabia into Credit Suisse Saudi Arabia

On 26 October 2026 the CMA Board approved the merger of UBS Saudi Arabia Company into Credit Suisse Saudi Arabia Company under the Capital Market Law, consolidating two licensed capital market institutions.

What was announced

The Capital Market Authority (CMA) announced on 26 October 2026 that its Board had approved the merger of UBS Saudi Arabia Company into Credit Suisse Saudi Arabia Company. The announcement identifies UBS Saudi Arabia as the merged company and Credit Suisse Saudi Arabia as the merging company. The decision was taken under the Capital Market Law, issued by Royal Decree No. M/30, and its implementing regulations.

Key details

• Decision maker: the CMA Board.
• Entities: two capital market institutions operating in the Kingdom under CMA supervision.
• What the announcement does not cover: it does not state an effective or completion date, the terms of the transaction, or any conditions. Those details, and the surviving entity's name and licensed activities after completion, should be confirmed from later disclosures by the companies or the CMA.

Why it matters for businesses

Mergers between licensed capital market institutions require CMA approval, and this decision shows the regulator's process for consolidating international groups' local entities. For corporate and institutional clients of either firm, a merger of this kind usually means changes to the contracting entity, client agreements, account arrangements and points of contact once it takes effect. Clients may also see updated documentation for know-your-customer, custody or advisory relationships.

The approval also comes during a busy period for the Saudi capital market, with the CMA granting several new licences to domestic and international firms in October and November 2026, approving new public funds, and consulting on stronger disclosure rules. Taken together, these announcements point to a market where international institutions continue to restructure and expand their Saudi presence.

What to watch next

• Announcements from the firms on the completion date and the name of the combined entity.
• Any client notifications about the transfer of accounts, mandates or agreements.
• Updates to the CMA's register of authorised persons.

What businesses may want to do

Companies that hold accounts, mandates or advisory agreements with either firm may wish to watch for formal notices, check which entity they will contract with after completion, and update vendor and counterparty records once the merger takes effect. This summary is based on the CMA announcement only and is not legal or investment advice.

Sources

• Capital Market Authority: The CMA Approves the Merger of UBS Saudi Arabia Company into Credit Suisse Saudi Arabia Company
• Capital Market Authority: Announcements list