A mechanism that allows investors, both individuals and institutions, to have direct ownership in government bonds and sukuk issued by Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has been launched by the Bahrain Bourse (BHB).

The exchange said the mechanism, a first among stock exchanges and financial markets in the Middle East, has been set up in co-operation with the CBB, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Bahrain Bourse chief executive Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said the launch comes in line with the joint efforts of CBB and BHB to develop the capital markets sector and increase its contribution to Bahrain's economic development.

Upon the announcement of the subscription date, Bahraini and non-Bahraini investors will be able to purchase government bonds and sukuk through licensed brokers at Bahrain Bourse, he said.

"Investors will be able to submit their applications following the invitation date that will be announced through the bourse website."

He said BHB will announce more details on its website about the government bond and sukuk issued by the CBB and the methods of subscription in these issues. - TradeArabia News Service