Market Flash: Saudi Arabia Opens Up: A Securities Lending Market on the Rise

Insight

July 1, 2026

Market Flash

Saudi Arabia Opens Up: A Securities Lending Market on the Rise

EquiLend data shows Saudi Arabian equities lending activity climbing by 64% over the past 18 months as the market deepens

Avg. Loan val (USD)

$1.34B

+106% vs H1 2025

Avg. Lendable (USD)

$15.8B

+103% vs H1 2025

Avg. Fee (bps)

337 bps

Securities on Loan

337

The breadth of Saudi equities in the lending universe has tripled year-on-year, from 111 to 344 securities on loan, and average lendable inventory is up 103% from H1 2025 to $15.8B. Average borrow value in 2026 is also already up over 106% on H1 2025. Sector diversity has also expanded beyond Energy: Materials, Financials and Health Care have all posted strong balance growth, and the IT sector has seen the sharpest relative move, up 223% since the start of 2025.

ACWA Power, the standout securities lending revenue generator of the past 18 months, leads the way in a market that has generated $23.6 million in securities lending revenue so far in 2026. Participant numbers are up, the number of lenders showing availability is up 166% with the number of active borrowers up 40%, reflecting a rapid broadening of Saudi Arabia’s lending ecosystem.

Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest growing lending markets in EMEA, and its trajectory reflects a broader opening to international and domestic participation. Subscribe to EquiLend’s Data & Insights to stay ahead of every development in this fast-growing market.

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