Valuable Capital Group’s Steven Chou spoke at Nasdaq’s 2026 Global Retail Executive Forum. The panel examined how extended trading hours and new asset classes are reshaping retail investing. Chou, VCGL’s chief strategy officer, also chairs Sahm Capital Financial Company in Saudi Arabia and Sahm Financial Limited in the DIFC.
Extended trading and Gulf‑U.S. market alignment
Chou noted that the natural time‑zone overlap between the Gulf region and U.S. market hours drives strong interest in U.S. equities. He said investors increasingly look for flexibility beyond traditional sessions, especially when rapid market‑moving events occur. The panel agreed that this demand is reshaping how brokerages design their services.
"The more important challenge is ensuring that customer support, risk management and investor education evolve alongside greater accessibility," he said.— Steven Chou, Chief Strategy Officer, Valuable Capital Group
VCGL’s measured approach to market access
VCGL is using overnight trading and off‑market orders to gauge investor appetite while keeping execution disciplined. Chou stressed that expanding trading across multiple sessions requires stronger client‑service capabilities and tighter risk‑management frameworks to handle shifting liquidity conditions.
He added that transparency must keep pace with accessibility, so investors can weigh both opportunities and risks. The firm’s strategy aims to balance growth with the safeguards needed for a reliable retail‑brokerage environment.
Building digital‑first infrastructure across the GCC
Looking ahead, Chou outlined a long‑term plan to build scalable, digital‑first systems in Saudi Arabia and roll them out throughout the wider GCC. He highlighted the potential of digital assets and tokenisation to open new pathways for global investment products.
"We believe that long‑term growth in this industry is only possible when it is built on a foundation of integrity and compliance," he said. "That is not a constraint on innovation — it is what makes innovation credible."— Steven Chou, Chief Strategy Officer, Valuable Capital Group
VCGL operates licensed entities in Hong Kong SAR, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and the UAE, serving millions of users worldwide. The group works closely with regulators in each jurisdiction, viewing proactive engagement as essential to building sustainable, trustworthy financial services.
Frequently asked questions
What is Valuable Capital Group's approach to extended trading?
Valuable Capital Group uses overnight trading and off-market orders to test demand while maintaining disciplined execution. They emphasize strengthening client support and risk management for extended sessions.
How does the Gulf-U.S. time zone benefit investing?
The Gulf-U.S. time overlap allows investors to trade during U.S. market hours, driving strong demand for American equities and flexible trading options.
What are VCGL's digital-first plans in the GCC?
VCGL plans to build scalable digital systems in Saudi Arabia and expand across the GCC, leveraging digital assets and tokenization for global investment access.
Why is extended trading important for retail investors?
Extended trading offers flexibility beyond traditional hours, enabling investors to react quickly to market-moving events outside regular sessions.
How is VCGL expanding in the Gulf region?
VCGL operates licensed entities in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other regions, prioritizing regulatory collaboration to ensure trustworthy financial services in the Gulf.
