Bahrain Bourse has announced the issuance of new Investor Relations (IR) Guidelines aimed at enhancing transparency, improving communication between listed companies and investors, and supporting companies in adopting stronger investor relations practices.
The guidelines form part of Bahrain Bourse’s ongoing efforts to strengthen market standards and promote investor confidence.
The Investor Relations (IR) Guidelines offer a practical guide for companies listed on the Bahrain Bourse’s Mainboard Market. The Guidelines aim to promote effective engagement between shareholders and stakeholders, ensuring the timely dissemination of information in line with the highest standards of transparency and disclosure.
In addition, the Guidelines seek to foster a corporate culture built on continuous and meaningful communication between listed companies, investors, and other relevant stakeholders, supporting future potential capital raising opportunities, and advancing alignment with BHB’s ESG Strategy and Sustainability Goals.
Commenting on the launch, Shaikha Alzayani, Senior Director of Listing and Disclosure at Bahrain Bourse, stated that, “The launch of the Investor Relations Guidelines marks a significant milestone in Bahrain Bourse’s ongoing efforts to further develop the Kingdom of Bahrain’s capital market and reinforce the highest standards of transparency and disclosure in line with international best practices.”
“By introducing clear and structured Investor Relations Guidelines, we are equipping Listed Companies with the tools and guidance needed to foster more effective engagement with shareholders, investors, and the wider investment community. These Guidelines will contribute to enhancing investor confidence and supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of Bahrain’s capital market,” Alzayani added.
Bahrain Bourse sets new transparency standards with enhanced IR guidelines
The Guidelines establish a comprehensive Investor Relations guide comprising both mandatory requirements and non-mandatory recommendations applicable to companies listed on the Bahrain Bourse’s Mainboard Market. Listed Companies are required to comply with all mandatory requirements set out in the Guidelines by 31 March 2028.
Under the mandatory requirements, all Listed Companies on BHB’s Mainboard Market will be required to establish a dedicated Investor Relations section on their websites. This section will facilitate shareholders’ and investors’ access to the listed company’s news, financial reports, governance disclosures, and other material information related to the listed company.
In addition, Listed Companies with a market capitalization of $265 million (BHD 100 million) or above will be subject to further mandatory IR requirements. These include the appointment of a designated Investor Relations Officer, responsible for managing communications with shareholders and investors.
In addition, such companies will be required to hold an annual Earnings Call within 10 working days of publishing their financial results. This requirement aims to enhance transparency by providing investors and key shareholders with a dedicated platform to gain insights into the listed company’s financial performance and strategic plans.
Listed companies encouraged to expand investor outreach
Beyond the mandatory requirements, the Guidelines introduce a range of non-mandatory recommended best practices aimed at encouraging listed companies to strengthen their communication with shareholders, while broadening their appeal to new and diverse investor segments.
The Guidelines encourage listed companies to enhance their visibility within the investment community through participation in capital market initiatives and events. Recommended practices include supporting sustained analyst coverage of listed securities and actively participating in capital markets roadshows and events to strengthen investor communication and engagement.
