Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Barclays PLC announced its strategic expansion into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after receiving a provisional Capital Market Authority (CMA) licence and securing premises in the King Abdullah Financial District.

 The bank plans to open its Riyadh office in 2026, reinforcing its commitment to the Kingdom and the wider Middle East region, as per an official press release.

The new office will enable Barclays to begin Investment Banking and Global Markets activities once the CMA licence becomes fully active. The move marks a key milestone in Barclays’ Middle East growth strategy and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global financial hub.

C.S. Venkatakrishnan, Group Chief Executive, said Saudi Arabia is “central to Barclays’ Middle East growth strategy,” adding that the bank is well-positioned to help clients access capital and grow in a “dynamic and rapidly transforming market.”

The expansion builds on Barclays’ long-standing relationships with Gulf-based financial institutions and sovereign wealth funds and will enhance the bank’s integrated coverage across the UAE, Qatar, and now Saudi Arabia, connecting regional clients to global investment opportunities.