Circular on General Rules for Organizing and Sponsoring Events

General Rules for Organizing and Sponsoring Events First Edition (Jumada al-Thani 1447 AH – November 2025 AD).

Table of Contents
Chapter | Page No.
Chapter One: Definitions and General Provisions | 3
Chapter Two: Documentation and Internal Policies | 4
Chapter Three: Professional Competencies and Conduct | 4
Chapter Four: Risk Management and Event-Related Activities | 5
Chapter Five: Final Provisions | 6

Chapter One
Definitions and General Provisions
Article 1:
The terms and expressions used herein, wherever they appear in these Rules, shall be construed according to their context unless otherwise specified.

Definitions:

• Central Bank: The Saudi Central Bank.
• Financial Institution: An entity subject to the supervision and oversight of the Central Bank.
• General Rules for Organizing and Sponsoring Events: The rules issued by the Saudi Central Bank regarding the organization and sponsorship of events by financial institutions subject to its supervision and oversight.
• Events: Conferences, forums, seminars, gatherings, and matters governed by them.
• Organizing an Event: The financial institution directly undertaking or entrusting another entity to undertake all procedures related to the implementation of an event on its behalf.
• Sponsoring an Event: The financial institution providing material or moral support, or promoting the values of another entity for an event.
• Participation in an Event: Organizing or sponsoring events within or outside the Kingdom.
• Professional Conduct: Discharging duties with honesty, integrity, and objectivity in accordance with best practices. Continuously working to achieve the financial institution’s objectives independently, within delegated authorities, and in compliance with laws, regulations, and instructions. Avoiding harm to the public interest while pursuing private interests.

Chapter Two
Documentation and Internal Policies
Article 2:
The objective of these Rules is to ensure that financial institutions meet the highest requirements when participating in events, thereby enhancing documentation and professional conduct, and mitigating reputational risks.

Article 3:
These Rules apply to a financial institution when participating in any event within or outside the Kingdom. They do not apply to cases where a financial institution opens branches for specific and limited purposes, including the issuance or offering of products and services; such cases are subject to relevant Central Bank instructions.

Article 4:
A financial institution participating in events within or outside the Kingdom shall prepare a policy system approved by its Board of Directors (or an authorized committee), in accordance with relevant laws, regulations, and instructions. The policy shall include at least the following:
a. Responsibilities and roles of administrative units. b. Criteria for selecting events.
c. Criteria for selecting participating entities, sponsors, and speakers.
d. Risk assessment and management mechanisms. e. Organization of approval and authorization mechanisms.

Article 5:
A financial institution shall document its participation in events in a dedicated file, and the Board of Directors (or an authorized committee) shall review annual participation reports.

Chapter Three
Professional Competencies and Conduct
Article 6:
A financial institution shall exercise due diligence in selecting its representatives participating in events, ensuring their suitability and experience. This includes verifying their competencies as follows:

1. Principles, ethics, and professional conduct.
2. Maintaining information confidentiality.
3. Not disclosing or referring to any information whose disclosure may benefit the Kingdom, its government, the public interest, or the financial institution.
4. Not participating in politically sensitive topics or any sensitive subject that may affect public opinion, damage the reputation of any financial institution, or involve another entity or trademark.
5. Exercising caution regarding any position that may entail material or moral obligations for the financial institution, and reporting to the relevant management to determine the position, unless the participant has explicit authority regarding competencies.

Chapter Four
Risk Management and Event-Related Activities
Article 7:
A financial institution shall exercise due diligence in selecting event content and topics, assessing their suitability based on the nature of participation. It shall verify compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and instructions, and alignment with the financial institution’s activities, strategic objectives, and corporate mission.

Article 8:
A financial institution shall exercise due diligence in selecting participating entities, sponsors, and speakers based on the nature of participation in the event. This includes verifying their directions and ensuring no objections or precedents contradict applicable laws and instructions in the Kingdom. Participating entities and speakers must possess adequate specialization and knowledge in the event’s field.

Article 9:
A financial institution shall adopt topics and select speakers for events according to an approved authority matrix that considers the nature of the topic and speaker level; senior management shall adopt influential topics and resolutions.

Article 10:
A financial institution shall conduct a prior risk assessment for potential risks associated with organizing or sponsoring an event, taking necessary measures to avoid them. Assessment results and implemented actions shall be documented within the event file.

Article 11:
A financial institution, based on the nature of participation, shall not allow during the event any insult to state symbols or policies, or any political, security, tribal, or religious matters that stir public sentiment and diversity in society, or lead to a breach of public order.

Article 12:
A financial institution shall not present any data, information, or statistics during the event unless they are published or documented in accordance with relevant instructions.

Chapter Five
Final Provisions
Article 13:
The provisions of these Rules do not derogate from the provisions contained in relevant instructions issued by the Central Bank and other concerned entities.

Article 14:
These Rules shall take effect from the date of their publication on the Central Bank’s electronic website.