​The Research Agenda Program
​The Capital Market Authority (CMA) aims to enhance the Saudi Capital market's presence in scientific literature through its research agenda program. The program seeks to foster communication between researchers and practitioners in the capital markets sector, promote knowledge exchange, and improve the quality of research and studies. Additionally, it supports policy-making and decision-making based on scientific studies while raising the level of financial awareness among market participants.​

The CMA periodically invites applications for the Research Agenda Program, reflecting its social responsibility toward the research community and participants in the financial market. ​


The Scientific Committee of the Research Agenda Program

The Scientific Committee of the Research Agenda Program was established in 2024 by a decision from the CMA's board. This committee is part of the CMA's efforts to support and develop research in the Saudi capital market and enhance research partnerships, thereby enriching scientific inquiry in this field.

 

The objectives of the Scientific Committee of the Research Agenda Program

The Scientific Committee of the Research Agenda Program aims to establish the general policy for the program. Its goals include increasing both the quantity and quality of research that supports the Saudi capital market. The committee also seeks to improve the data and information environment related to the capital market and to enhance research partnerships between institutions in the capital market sector and universities, as well as research centers.

 

Members of the Scientific Committee

The committee's first session includes a group of academic and professional members with extensive experience in research and publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The members are:

1. Dr. Abdullah Alshwer (Chairman)

2. Dr. Asem Alhomaidi

3. Dr. Heba Gazzaz

4. Dr. Haitham AL-Zoubi


​​​Launching the four​th batch of the Research Agenda Program​​


Proposed Research Areas for the Fourth Batch of the Research Agenda Program

  • Capital Market and Market microstructure
  • Derivatives securities and Other Investment Products
  • Policy Impact Assessment
  • Capital Market Institutions
  • Institutional and Foreign Investment
  • Behavioral Finance
  • Others

Researchers can also benefit from a number of suggested subtopics under each research areas as follows:

Capital Market and Market microstructure, Suggested subtopics: The impact of financial innovations on the development and depth of capital markets, Market design and trading mechanisms, Information asymmetry, Other.

Derivatives securities and Other Investment Products, Suggested subtopics: Developing sustainable and socially responsible investment products, The impact of real estate products on the development of the capital market, Options in the Saudi stock market, Other.

Policy Impact Assessment, Suggested subtopics: Measuring the impact of convicting violators of the financial market system on the financial market, The impact of legislation securities crowdfunding, The impact of legislation short selling, Other.

Capital Market Institutions, Suggested subtopics: Mechanisms for attracting direct foreign investment and portfolio investment to emerging markets, High-Frequency Trading (HFT) providers, Algorithmic trading, Other.

Institutional and foreign investment, Suggested subtopics: The impact of institutional investors (such as pension and insurance) on the efficiency and development of capital markets, The role of sovereign wealth funds in activating local and regional capital markets, Differences in the behavior of institutional investors, funds and foreigners in the IPO market and in the secondary market, Other.

Behavioral Finance, Suggested subtopics: The impact of social values and norms on trading and investment in the Saudi capital market, The impact of investor sentiment on financial stability, Price formation and discovery, Other.

How to Apply


1- Periods for reviewing and assessing research proposals

First PeriodEnds By January 15, 2025
Second PeriodEnds By March 15, 2025
Third PeriodEnds By June 15, 2025*

*Last date to apply for the fourth batch of the Research Agenda Program

2- Requirements for Research Proposals

Research proposals submitted by researchers, are evaluated based on specific internal models. These evaluations consider several key criteria, including the experience of the researcher or research team, the feasibility of implementing the research project, the originality of the research and its potential contribution to knowledge, as well as the clarity of the research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

3- How to Submit Research Proposals

Researchers can submit their proposals by filling out the research proposal submission form and share it via the research agenda email. 


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