Global was established in 1998 to meet the high expectations of local and international clients, enhance the investment service industry in Kuwait and implement the ambitious goals of an experienced management team and a sophisticated list of shareholders.

During the initial years of its operations, Global focused primarily on investment products in Kuwait and on offering Kuwaiti, GCC and international products in the Kuwait market. After establishing its position in Kuwait, Global commenced a strategy of geographical expansion by establishing branches and subsidiaries in other GCC countries, the broader MENA region and other emerging markets such as India and Pakistan.

In 2003, Global was listed on Kuwait Stock Exchange followed by listings on Bahrain Stock Exchange and Dubai Financial Market. In May 2008, Global became the first Kuwaiti company to be listed on the London Stock Exchange.

The company’s business model was dependant on five pillars; Asset Management, Investment Banking and Brokerage which are the core business of the company in addition to the Principle Investments and Real Estate. In 2008, Global had one of the largest principle investments and proprietary trading operations in the region by asset size.

Global, like many international businesses, was affected by the worldwide financial crisis and the company defaulted on a syndicated debt in December 2008. For almost a year, Global worked very hard with its creditors to restructure its debt, and continued to service all coupon and interest payments on a timely basis. The company’s full cooperation and transparency with its lenders was well recognized by the banks, placed Global apart from other borrowers in default and set precedents for other restructurings in the region. On 10 December 2009, Global signed the debt rescheduling agreement with its 53 lending banks, thus ending the events of default that arose in December 2008. You can read more about it in the link below.

Global today revised its business model to focus on three core business pillars; Asset Management, Investment Banking and Brokerage.