In the recently concluded Global Business Outlook (GBO) Awards 2025, Riyad Capital was named as the “Best Equity Capital Market Advisor – Saudi Arabia,” reflecting the company’s sustained leadership in corporate investment banking and its role in delivering some of the Kingdom’s most complex and innovative capital markets transactions. The recognition highlights Riyad Capital’s contribution to the continued development and deepening of Saudi Arabia’s capital markets in line with the Vision 2030 diversification agenda.
Riyad Capital has already established itself as a leading, fully fledged investment manager and the largest custodian in the Kingdom. Through its four business lines—asset and wealth management, brokerage, corporate investment banking, and securities services—the company is currently offering end-to-end investment management solutions. As of September 2025, Riyad Capital managed over USD 27.3 billion in assets under management and more than USD 204 billion in assets under custody. The company was recognised as one of the Middle East’s top five asset managers for 2024 and 2025 by Forbes Middle East, in addition to receiving the Saudi Capital Market Award for “Custodian of the Year 2024.”
Over the past five years, Riyad Capital has built one of the most comprehensive corporate investment banking platforms in the Kingdom, advising corporates, shareholders, and sponsors across equity capital markets, debt capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and structured finance. The firm’s advisory model is underpinned by deep regulatory expertise, advanced structuring capabilities, and strong institutional investor access, enabling clients to execute transformative capital initiatives with confidence.
Under the leadership of CEO Abdullah Alshwer, PhD, CFA, Riyad Capital has continued to strengthen its position as a leading financial institution in the Kingdom. With over two decades of experience across investment management, capital markets, and regulatory advisory roles, Dr. Abdullah brings deep market insight and strategic leadership to the firm.
The firm’s Investment Banking business is led by Abdullah Al Medemigh, Managing Director and Head of Corporate Investment Banking, a seasoned investment professional drawing on over twenty years of experience in corporate finance, equity capital markets, and regulatory affairs.
“Riyad Capital’s equity capital markets franchise has consistently delivered landmark outcomes that have shaped the Saudi market. Its experience spans IPOs, rights issues, secondary offerings, capital reductions, and complex restructurings. Over the past three years alone, the firm has advised on seven equity capital market transactions, reinforcing its position as a leading advisor to issuers across sectors,” the company told GBO.
In 2024, Riyad Capital executed five major equity capital market transactions with a combined value of USD 1.74 billion, capturing the highest market share in Saudi Arabia at 9.90%. This performance placed the firm first on Bloomberg’s Saudi Arabia ECM league table, with approximately SAR 6.35 billion in credited deal value. Among the most prominent transactions was Savola Group’s three-in-one transaction, which combined Saudi Arabia’s first-ever share distribution in kind with a rights issue and capital reduction, setting a new benchmark for complex equity structuring.
Building on this track record, Riyad Capital acted as the financial advisor to Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Company on its SAR 5.3 billion capital increase through the issuance of a new Class B share structure. This transaction represents the first introduction of a new share class in the Saudi capital market and highlights the ability of Riyad Capital to deliver precedent-setting solutions within evolving regulatory frameworks.
“Alongside its equity capabilities, Riyad Capital has established a strong presence in debt capital markets. The firm has participated in 31 debt capital market transactions over the past three years and advises on Saudi Riyal-denominated sukuk and structured financing solutions for government entities, financial institutions, and many more. In 2025, Riyad Capital acted as sole arranger and sole bookrunner for Sumou Global Investment Company’s inaugural SAR 500 million sukuk issuance, the first of its kind for the Saudi real estate sector,” the company noted.
Riyad Capital’s corporate investment banking franchise is defined by a consistent record of innovation and market leadership, supported by a highly experienced professional team. As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 diversification agenda, capital markets will play an increasingly important role in funding growth, privatisation, and economic diversification. With a strong pipeline of transactions, proven execution capabilities, and a disciplined advisory approach, Riyad Capital is well-positioned to continue serving as a trusted partner for issuers and shareholders, contributing to the resilience and expansion of Saudi Arabia’s capital markets.