Kamco Invest and Burgan Bank successfully hosted the second edition of their Investment Conference under the theme “Exploring Trends: Ideas That Move Markets.” The event attracted a diverse audience, including thought leaders, industry experts, and institutional investors from Kuwait and the region. Discussions at the conference spanned critical topics such as global economic trends, geopolitics, and various asset classes. The overarching goal was to support Kuwait’s ambition to become a leading regional financial and trade hub.
Faisal Sarkhou: Strengthening the Financial Ecosystem
Faisal Sarkhou, CEO of Kamco Invest and Vice Chairman of Burgan Bank, opened the conference with a welcome speech emphasizing the importance of understanding the global and regional forces shaping economies. Sarkhou discussed the significance of analyzing factors such as geopolitical shifts, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. Additionally, he covered sector-specific opportunities. He also highlighted the strategic partnership between Kamco Invest and Burgan Bank. This partnership, following Burgan Bank’s majority acquisition of Kamco Invest, has resulted in a more integrated financial ecosystem.
Oxford Economics: GCC’s Economic Performance
Scott Livermore, Chief Middle East Economist at Oxford Economics, provided insights into the macroeconomic and geopolitical landscape. Livermore noted that while global growth is expected to remain steady, there are varying stories across regions. The GCC region, however, stands out with strong fiscal positions and ongoing progress in diversification. Livermore emphasized that the GCC’s economic performance is supported by efforts to reduce dependence on oil and promote diversification. However, he also cautioned that global trade policy uncertainty and geopolitical tensions pose risks to economic stability.
Panel Discussion on GCC Transformation
Dr. Merza Hasan, Senior Advisor at the Arab Fund for Economic & Social Development (AFESD), and Dr. Nasser Saidi, President of Nasser Saidi & Associates, engaged in a panel discussion about the transformation of GCC economies. They discussed the need for structural reforms to reduce reliance on oil revenues and foster long-term productivity-led growth. The panel also explored fiscal discipline, strategic government spending, and the importance of investing in human capital and regional cooperation. These factors are crucial to mitigate external shocks.
GCC Public Markets: Thematic Investing
A panel on GCC public markets highlighted key macroeconomic shifts and structural changes that are shaping the region’s investment landscape. The panel, which included experts from MSCI, SNB Capital, and Kamco Invest, discussed the growing importance of thematic investing, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, construction, and tourism. These sectors are expected to create new investment opportunities, supported by large-scale projects like Saudi Vision 2030 and initiatives in Kuwait. The panel also explored the potential for increased foreign investment as the GCC continues to diversify its economy.
Investment Opportunities in High-Interest Rate Environments
The third panel explored investment opportunities in a high-interest rate environment. The discussion focused on how rising interest rates are reshaping real estate strategies. There is a growing emphasis on selective market positioning and downside protection. In particular, asset-backed finance and private credit were highlighted as attractive opportunities. These areas benefit from inflation protection and lease rate increases.
Venture Capital Landscape: The Role of Exits
The fourth panel delved into the venture capital landscape in the GCC, focusing on the importance of successful exits in strengthening the region’s MENA VC ecosystem. Founders who successfully exit their startups gain valuable experience and credibility. This can fuel further innovation and entrepreneurship. The discussion also addressed challenges such as market fragmentation, late-stage funding gaps, and regulatory hurdles. The panel emphasized the need for a more structured exit process to accelerate innovation.
AI and Disruptive Innovation: A Conversation with Cathie Wood
The final session featured a live interview with Cathie Wood, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of ARK Invest, who discussed the transformative power of disruptive innovation, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). Wood explained how AI and other technologies such as robotics, blockchain, and energy storage are reshaping industries. She highlighted that by 2030, the portion of market value tied to disruptive innovation could grow from 16% to 60%. AI will play a central role in this growth. Kamco Invest, recognizing the transformative potential of these technologies, has been actively investing in AI and automation to capitalize on global growth opportunities.
Looking Ahead
The event concluded with Kamco Invest and Burgan Bank thanking all participants. They announced that the Investment Conference will continue to be an annual platform supporting Kuwait’s vision of becoming a globally recognized financial hub. The conference aims to provide valuable insights, foster collaboration, and share information on market trends and investment opportunities across diverse asset classes. The companies look forward to hosting the next edition in 2025.
