Al-Jazira Capital says 2012 was a successful year for the well-established Shariah-compliant investment company in the Kingdom.

The group reaffirmed its leading position in the local brokerage business by being ranked first among equity brokerage companies in Saudi markets, increasing its market share to 19 percent (2011: 15 percent).

As part of its income diversification strategy, Al-Jazira Capital has also increased its footprint in both its asset management and investment banking businesses.

The company's efforts are and continue to be focused on the successful delivery of its local, regional, and international brokerage capabilities while at the same time investing strategically in the growth of its other businesses.

Al-Jazira Capital's local brokerage business executed trades for clients with a total value over SR 740 billion during 2012, a growth of 124 percent over 2011.

Client assets under management also showed promising growth during 2012 reflecting a solid performance by Al-Jazira Capital's asset managers in its management of its local and international Funds and the successful introduction of a discretionary portfolio management offering for its clients during the year.

Ziad Aba AlKhail, managing director and CEO at Al-Jazira Capital, highlighted the achievements of the company, stating that ''the company focuses its energy on serving its valued clients and delivering the best quality service possible to such clients.''

Aba AlKhail said "the company's objective was not just to meet client expectations but to delight them beyond their expectations.''

Al-Jazira Capital business performance was recognized by "World Finance" in 2012 when the company was awarded the ''Best InvestmentCompany in the Kingdom" for 2012.

This award recognizes AJC's leading position in the Saudi brokerage business and the quality of independent research for its clients.

Aba AlKhail believes that the sound macro-economic fundamentals of the Saudi economy will continue to act as a positive catalyst in the further development of capital market activities in the Kingdom during 2013.