Saudi banks’ investments in treasury bonds surge 6% to SR676 billion in August

RIYADH — Investments of Saudi banks in treasury bonds jumped to SR676 billion by the end of August 2026, marking a 6 percent increase from the previous month. On an annual basis, banks’ investments in treasury bonds increased by 6 percent, equivalent to approximately SR38.7 billion, according to data from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). Investments of local banks in government treasury bonds accounted for approximately 71 percent of their total claims on the government and quasi-government sectors during the period. Total bank claims on the public sector reached approximately SR953.1 billion in August, compared to SR871.3 billion at the end of the same month in 2025. Treasury bonds in Saudi Arabia are long-term government debt instruments issued by the Saudi government through the Ministry of Finance/Public Debt Management Office. According to the Saudi Central Bank, treasury bonds include internationally issued government bonds and sukuk purchased by banks from the secondary market. Central bank bills were excluded in accordance with international methodologies.