This chapter includes the following articles.
Capital Markets
![Bahrain Capital Markets Bahrain Capital Markets](https://drupal.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/sites/default/files/styles/chapter_header__710x233_/public/chapter_headers/cap1_18.png?itok=-tg-oQgU&c=66c48f37e79b13b3fa22621b42736ccb)
As of December 2015, the Bahrain Bourse was home to 46 listed companies distributed across several segments including: commercial banks, investment, services, insurance, industrial, hotels and tourism, closed companies and non-Bahraini companies. While falling oil prices and unrest in the wider Middle East region have continued to pose growth challenges to the Bahrain Bourse, a process of market development continues in the form of technical upgrades, legislative improvements and a steady stream of new investment instruments, including options, exchange-traded funds and real estate investment trusts. Meanwhile, initiatives are under way to increase awareness of the bourse’s offerings and benefits among the local population, including a strengthened social media presence and savings and investment seminars across the country.
This chapter contains a viewpoint from Najla M Al Shirawi, CEO, Securities & Investment Company.