In the region, particularly the GCC countries, capital markets have grown to more than $1 trillion in from $100 billion in 5 years, with surge in IPO's and listings. While most of the capital markets in the region are new and are just in the process of developing strong capital market regulatory regimes, many in the region see developing sound corporate governance frameworks in listing requirements is key to the growth of the region's capital markets.

One of the Hawkamah Institute's aims is to improve the corporate governance practices of listed firms. In doing so, the institute will conduct a firm level corporate governance assessment, which will look at operations of boards throughout the MENA region, the organizational structures of management or the supervision of management, in particular the audit committee, the adequacy of accounting standards and practices, the quality of financial information and communication, the effectiveness of internal and external controls (by auditors and regulators), relations between companies and the various categories of shareholders, and the role and independence of various other market players, such as banks, financial, analysts, and rating agencies.

Read more about the Governance in Equity Markets assessment program.

Read more about the Board Development Program.

Read more about Hawkamah's Corporate Governance Assessment Program.