HKEX Middle East operations have entered a new phase with the appointment of Jalal Almarhoon as Managing Director and Chief Regional Representative for the region. Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) announced this strategic move on Thursday, February 12, 2026, signaling its commitment to expanding its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing financial markets.
Almarhoon officially joined the group on February 10, 2026, and will operate from HKEX’s new office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He reports directly to Johnson Chui, Head of Global Issuer Services at HKEX, positioning him at the heart of the exchange’s international expansion strategy.
Strategic Role in Regional Growth
In his new capacity, Almarhoon will spearhead HKEX Middle East initiatives across Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East region. His responsibilities encompass overseeing the group’s collective initiatives in both primary and secondary markets, while promoting HKEX as a preferred listing destination for regional issuers. Additionally, he will manage the group’s relationships with key investors and stakeholders throughout the region.
As HKEX’s most senior representative in the Middle East, Almarhoon will work closely with teams in Hong Kong and across HKEX’s global network to enhance capital market connectivity between Hong Kong and the Middle East region. This collaboration aims to facilitate cross-border investment flows and strengthen financial ties between Asia and the Gulf.
Leadership Perspective on Expansion
“We are delighted to welcome Jalal to HKEX as we expand our international presence. The Middle East is a growing driver of global capital flows, and strengthening our footprint there is a key priority for us. With more than 20 years of experience in financial markets in the Gulf region, Jalal will play an important role in growing our business. Leveraging our field presence in Riyadh, HKEX will continue to connect capital, issuers, and investors between Hong Kong, mainland China, and the Middle East region.”
Bonnie Y Chan, Chief Executive of HKEX
Extensive Financial Expertise
Almarhoon brings over two decades of financial markets experience to his new role. He joins HKEX from BNP Paribas, where he served as Managing Director and Head of Strategic Corporate Coverage in Saudi Arabia. Prior to that, he spent nearly a decade at Société Générale in Saudi Arabia as Head of Corporate Coverage, and previously held various senior positions at Standard Chartered Bank.
His career has taken him across major financial centers including Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Amsterdam. Almarhoon holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Hanze University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, providing him with both regional expertise and international perspective.
Future Outlook for Regional Markets
The establishment of HKEX’s Riyadh office and Almarhoon’s appointment reflect the growing importance of Middle Eastern capital markets in the global financial ecosystem. As Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf states continue their economic diversification efforts, the demand for sophisticated capital market solutions and international listing opportunities is expected to increase significantly. This strategic positioning enables HKEX to capture emerging opportunities while facilitating greater financial integration between Asian and Middle Eastern markets.
