Business · Markets · 12 hrs ago
Saudi regulator sets 20-order daily limit for algorithmic trading
Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority set new limits on algorithmic trading in the country’s main stock market.
From November 1, 2026, financial market institutions must ensure each registered trader makes no more than 20 algorithmic orders per listed security each trading day.
The rules apply across securities grouped by liquidity, from high to very low.
Institutions must test their algorithms before using them, monitor orders and keep records.
They must also be able to stop automated trading when needed and provide information to the regulator and Saudi Tadawul on request.
The rules aim to make trading safer and more efficient while limiting risks to the market.
Institutions have until December 31, 2026, to adjust their systems to meet the new requirements.
Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority has set a limit of 20 algorithmic trading orders per day for each registered trader and each listed security.
The limit applies during the main market’s open-market session and is measured against executed orders for the security.
The rules take effect on November 1, 2026.
Financial market institutions have until December 31, 2026, to adjust to the requirements.
The Authority says the rules aim to improve trading safety and efficiency and reduce potential risks and negative effects on the market.
- Who
- Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority issued the rules, which apply to financial market institutions.
- What
- The rules cap algorithmic trading orders at 20 per trading day for each registered trader and each listed security.
- When
- They take effect on November 1, 2026. Institutions have until December 31, 2026, to adjust.
- Where
- Saudi Arabia’s main market.
- Why
- To improve trading safety and efficiency and reduce risks and potential negative effects on the financial market.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Authority published draft regulatory provisions for a 30-calendar-day public consultation.
The algorithmic trading requirements are scheduled to take effect.
The deadline for financial market institutions to adjust to the rules.
- Daily limit
- 20 algorithmic trading orders per registered trader and listed security
- Effective date
- November 1, 2026
- Adjustment deadline
- December 31, 2026
- Trading period
- Main market open-market session, the second session
- Consultation
- Draft provisions published September 24, 2026, for 30 calendar days
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What people are saying
with the aim of enhancing the safety and efficiency of trading, and reducing risks and potential negative impacts on the financial market