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Foreigner Friendly Activities : 100% Ownership Allowed For Foreigner

Foreigner Friendly Activities : 100% Ownership Allowed For Foreigner | 17 December 2025

Foreigner Friendly Activities : 100% Ownership Allowed For Foreigner

Foreigner Friendly Activities : 100% Ownership Allowed For Foreigner :

Table Of Content
  • 1
    Key Highlights
  • 2
    Introduction
  • 3
    Essential Activities Permitted for Foreigners in Bahrain
  • 4
    List of CR activities Allowed up to 100% for foreigners
  • 5
    Table of 100% foreign ownership List of Business Activities
  • 6
    Business Activity Name for foreigners
  • 7
    Conclusion
  • 8
    Frequently Asked Questions

Key Highlights

  • The government now lets many business activities be fully owned by foreigners.
  • Foreigners can completely own businesses in manufacturing, and services.
  • They can also invest in real estate, including full ownership in some areas.
  • This plan aims to attract foreign direct investment, boost the economy, and strengthen the Bahrain as a global business hub.

Introduction

Kingdom of Bahrain is working to diversify its economy and attract more foreign investment. To support this goal, there have been significant updates to the Commercial Companies Law (CCL). A key change is that foreign ownership is now permitted up to 100% in certain sectors. This opens up better opportunities for foreign investors. They can now own and run their businesses completely. This makes the market more appealing and competitive. As a result, many industries are experiencing a boost in foreign investment.

Essential Activities Permitted for Foreigners in Bahrain

Kingdom of Bahrain has simple economic rules. These rules bring in investors and business people from around the globe. The country allows 100% foreign ownership in several business activities read more allows 49% foreign ownership. This opens up several opportunities for companies to expand and succeed worldwide.

This openness involves several areas. These areas are trading, manufacturing, services, real estate, and technology. The Bahrain government checks and updates its rules on foreign ownership often. This practice helps them keep up with market trends. It also attracts various kinds of investments.

1. Starting a Business in the Trading Sector

The trading market in the Bahrain has a lot of chances for foreign investors. The Bahrain government has made it easier to start a business with the help of Professional Bodies like Key Link Corp . This helps foreigners set up trading companies quickly and easily.

The Bahrain is in a great spot between the East and West. It is a center for trade and offers easy access to many markets. Foreign investors can take advantage of the country's strong logistics, top-notch infrastructure, and a helpful setting for growing businesses and new ideas.

2. Investment Opportunities in Real Estate

The Bahrain has a real estate market that is growing. It offers good investment opportunities for people from other countries. A strong economy supports this growth. Rental returns are high. There is also a good chance for property values to increase. All these factors make the Bahrain a great choice for real estate investments.

Foreigners can buy apartment in special places called freehold areas . Here, they have full ownership rights. These areas usually have beautiful Building and wonderful views. They provide a great lifestyle and good chances to make money.

The Bahrain government is always introducing new rules and programs. These changes are meant to help foreigners invest in real estate with less hassle. They also create a clear and safe space for investing.

List of CR activities Allowed up to 100% for foreigners

The Bahrain Cabinet Resolution No. 16 of 2020 is known as the "Positive List." This list shows the kinds of economic sectors and activities where foreign investors can fully own their businesses, with 100% ownership. It covers many different sectors. This development makes the Bahrain a more attractive place for global investment. Here are some sectors and small areas where full foreign ownership is allowed:

Table of 100% foreign ownership List of Business Activities

Category Business Activity Activity Status
Agriculture Crop Production and Plant Propagation Not Restricted
Agriculture Animal production - production of eggs Not Restricted
Agriculture Aquaculture Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacture of other transport equipment Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacture of furniture - Workshop Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacture of furniture - Factory Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacture of jewellery, bijouterie and related articles - Workshop Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacture of jewellery, bijouterie and related articles - Factory Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacture of musical instruments - Workshop Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacture of musical instruments - Factory Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacture of sports goods Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacture of games and toys - Workshop Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacture of games and toys - Factory Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacture of "scale" models and similar recreational models - Workshop Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacture of "scale" models and similar recreational models - Factory Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacture of medical and dental instruments and supplies - Workshop Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacture of medical and dental instruments and supplies - Factory Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacture of stationary, art and handcraft tools - Workshop Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacture of stationary, art and handcraft tools - Factory Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacture of protective safety equipment Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacture of miscellaneous articles - Workshop Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacture of miscellaneous articles - Factory Not Restricted
Repair Repair of fabricated metal products Not Restricted
Repair Repair of Machinery and equipment Not Restricted
Repair Repair of electronic, electrical, and optical equipment Not Restricted
Repair Repair and routine maintenance of ships Not Restricted
Repair Repair and routine maintenance of ships - Diving Services related to Marine Activities Not Restricted
Repair Repair and maintenance of aircraft and aircraft engines - Aircraft Line Maintenance Services Not Restricted
Repair Repair and maintenance of aircraft and aircraft engines - Aircraft Heavy Maintenance Services Not Restricted
Repair Repair and maintenance of aircraft and aircraft engines - Aircraft Washing Services Not Restricted
Repair Repair and maintenance of other Industrial equipment Not Restricted
Installation Installation of industrial machinery and equipment Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacturing and packaging of all kinds of Cigarette tobacco Not Restricted
Manufacturing Manufacturing and packaging of all kinds of honeyed tobacco Not Restricted
Recycling Materials recovery - Workshop Not Restricted
Recycling Materials recovery - Factory Not Restricted
Recycling Materials recovery - Refrigerant Reclamation Not Restricted
Recycling Treatment of Oil Waste Not Restricted
Recycling Remediation activities and other waste management services - Oil spills cleaning Service Not Restricted
Pharma Sale/Trade of pharmaceutical and medical goods - Pharmacy (Importing) Not Restricted
Pharma Sale/Trade of pharmaceutical and medical goods - Pharmacy (non- importing) Not Restricted
Pharma Sale/Trade of pharmaceutical and medical goods - Hospital Pharmacy Not Restricted
Pharma Sale/Trade of pharmaceutical and medical goods - Sale of Simple Medicine Not Restricted
Pharma Sale/Trade of pharmaceutical and medical goods - Scientific Office or Pharmaceutical Services Center Not Restricted
Retail Sale/Trade of souvenirs, craft work, religious articles, stamps and coins; Sale/Trade of artwork in galleries Not Restricted
Retail In flight sales services Not Restricted
Transport Sea and coastal passenger water transport Not Restricted
Transport Sea and coastal freight water transport - Ship Management and operation Services Not Restricted
Transport Sea and coastal freight water transport - Ports, Maritime and/or Logistics Service in Ports and Jetties Not Restricted
Transport Passenger Air Transport - Non-schedule passengers operators services Not Restricted
Transport Passenger Air Transport - Private Executive Operators Services Not Restricted
Transport Passenger Air Transport - Low Cost Carrier services Not Restricted
Transport Passenger Air Transport - Air Taxi Services Not Restricted
Transport Freight air transport - Schedule cargo airline services Not Restricted
Transport Freight air transport - Non schedule cargo operators services Not Restricted
Warehousing Warehousing and storage Not Restricted
Warehousing Warehousing and storage - Storage of Food Items Not Restricted
Warehousing Warehousing and storage - Storage of Pharmaceutical products Not Restricted
Warehousing Warehousing and storage - Storage of Medical Devices Not Restricted
Transport Provision of smart applications for public transport activities Not Restricted
Transport Service activities incidental to water transportation - Towage Not Restricted
Transport Service activities incidental to water transportation - Pilotage Not Restricted
Transport Operating parks for Boats and Yachts Not Restricted
Transport Service activities incidental to air transportation - Air and Ground Telecommunications for aircrafts Not Restricted
Transport Cargo handling Not Restricted
Transport Cargo handling - Stevedoring Not Restricted
Logistics Goods re-export and other logistics value add services Not Restricted
Logistics Transport and storage of currency and precious items Not Restricted
Courier Courier Services - Local Courier and Express Operators up to 30 Kg Not Restricted
Courier Courier Services - International Courier and Express Companies up to 30 Kg Not Restricted
Accommodation Short term accommodation activities Not Restricted
Accommodation Short term accommodation activities - Floating Tourist Hotel Not Restricted
Accommodation Other accommodation Not Restricted
Tourism Arranging and Assembling Tours Not Restricted
Food Restaurants for Tourist Services Not Restricted
Food Floating Tourist Restaurant Not Restricted
Food Aircraft Catering Services Not Restricted
Food Ship Chandelling Agent Not Restricted
IT Software publishing Not Restricted
Media Motion picture, video and television programme activities Not Restricted
Media Motion picture projection activities Not Restricted
Media Sound recording and music publishing activities Not Restricted
Media Radio broadcasting Not Restricted
Media Television programming and broadcasting activities Not Restricted
Telecom Telecommunication Activities - Individual License for internet exchange Not Restricted
Telecom Telecommunication Activities - Class License for internet services Not Restricted
Telecom Telecommunication Activities - Individual license for international telecommunications facilities Not Restricted
Telecom Telecommunication Activities - Individual license for international telecommunications services Not Restricted
Telecom Telecommunication Activities - Individual license for mobile telecommunications Not Restricted
Telecom Telecommunication Activities - Class License for value added services Not Restricted
Telecom Telecommunication Activities - Individual license for national fixed services Not Restricted
Telecom Telecommunication Activities - Individual license for public access mobile radio services Restricted
Telecom Telecommunication Activities - Individual License for VSAT for Private Purposes Only Restricted
Telecom Telecommunication Activities - Individual license for public access mobile radio services Not Restricted
Telecom Telecommunication Activities - Individual License for Earth Station Services Not Restricted
Telecom Telecommunication Activities - Individual license for national wireless services Not Restricted
Telecom Telecommunication Activities - Fixed Telecommunications Infrastructure Network License Not Restricted
IT Computer programming activities Not Restricted
IT Computer Consultancy and computer facilities management activities Not Restricted
IT Other information technology and computer services activities Not Restricted
IT Data processing, hosting and related activities Not Restricted
IT Operations of eMarketplaces / websites / web portals Not Restricted
IT Other information service activities Not Restricted
Banking Banks - Conventional Retail Banks - Locally Incorporated Not Restricted
Banking Banks - Conventional Retail Banks - Foreign Branch Not Restricted
Banking Banks - Conventional Wholesale Banks - Locally Incorporated Not Restricted
Banking Banks - Conventional Wholesale Banks - Foreign Branch Not Restricted
Banking Banks - Retail Banks (Islamic Principles) - Locally Incorporated Not Restricted
Banking Banks - Retail Banks (Islamic Principles) - Foreign Not Restricted
Banking Banks - Wholesale Banks (Islamic Principles) - Locally Incorporated Not Restricted
Banking Banks - Wholesale Banks (Islamic Principles) - Foreign Not Restricted
Banking Money Exchange Companies Not Restricted
Banking Selling and buying shares and securities for company’s account only Not Restricted
Banking Activities of holding companies Not Restricted
Investment Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Not Restricted
Investment Trust Service Provider Subsidiaries Not Restricted
Investment Fund Company Not Restricted
Investment Insurance Pools & Syndicates Not Restricted
Investment General Partner of Investment Limited Partnerships Not Restricted
Investment Securitization Not Restricted
Investment Collective Investment Undertaking Not Restricted
Investment Private Investment Undertaking Not Restricted
Finance Financing Companies Not Restricted
Finance Microfinance Institutions Not Restricted
Insurance Insurance and Re-insurance Companies - Locally Not Restricted
Insurance Insurance and Re-insurance Companies - Branch Not Restricted
Insurance Captive Insurance Companies Not Restricted
Finance Licensed Exchanges Not Restricted
Finance Licensed Clearing, Settlement and Central Depository Systems Not Restricted
Finance Licensed Securities Discount Broker Not Restricted
Finance Licensed Securities Broker Not Restricted
Finance Licensed Securities Broker-Dealer Not Restricted
Finance Licensed Securities Clearing Member Not Restricted
Finance Commodity Contracts Brokerage Not Restricted
Finance International Brokerage of Oil and Gas Not Restricted
Finance Investment Business Firm, Category 3 Not Restricted
Finance Representative Office of Foreign companies providing regulated activities Not Restricted
Finance Ancillary Service Providers-Third Party Administrators (TPA) Not Restricted
Finance Fund Administrator Not Restricted
Finance Registrar License Not Restricted
Finance Ancillary Service Providers - Card Processing Not Restricted
Finance Ancillary Service Providers - Credit Reference Bureau Not Restricted
Finance Ancillary Service Providers - Payment Service Provider Not Restricted
Finance Ancillary Service Providers - Shari’a Advisory/Review Services Not Restricted
Finance Ancillary Service Providers - Others Not Restricted
Finance Trust Service Providers Restricted
Finance Crowdfunding Platform Operator Not Restricted
Finance Account Information Service Provider (AISP) Not Restricted
Finance Payment Initiation Service Provider (PISP) Not Restricted
Finance Trust Service Provider – Category A Not Restricted
Finance Trust Service Provider – Category B Not Restricted
Finance Crypto-asset services / Category 1 Not Restricted
Finance Crypto-asset services / Category 2 Not Restricted
Finance Crypto-asset services / Category 3 Not Restricted
Finance Crypto-asset services / Category 4 Not Restricted
Insurance Risk and damage evaluation (Loss Adjusters) Not Restricted
Insurance Insurance Brokers Not Restricted
Insurance Insurance Consultants Not Restricted
Insurance Insurance Managers Not Restricted
Insurance Actuaries Not Restricted
Investment Investment Business Firm, Category 1 Not Restricted
Investment Investment Business Firm, Category 2 Not Restricted
Investment Investment Business Firm, Category 4 Not Restricted
Real Estate Real estate activities with own or leased property Not Restricted
Real Estate Real estate activities on a fee or contract basis - Management of Real estate Not Restricted
Legal Foreign Legal Consultancy Offices Not Restricted
Accounting Audit Firms Not Restricted
Accounting Accounting Consultants (Excludes Tax Exercises, Bookkeeping & Audit) Restricted
Accounting Tax Advisory Services Not Restricted
Management Activities of head offices or Management Offices Not Restricted
Management Hospitality Management Not Restricted
Management Drilling for oil and gas outside Bahrain Not Restricted
Management Offshore Contracting/EPC Not Restricted
Consultancy Management consultancy activities Not Restricted
Consultancy Public Relations Not Restricted
Engineering Engineering Offices (Categories A, B, C) Not Restricted
Engineering Engineering Departments (Categories D, E) Not Restricted
Engineering Opinion Office (Category K) Not Restricted
Engineering Engineering Laboratories and testing activities (Category F) Not Restricted
Engineering Renewable Energy Engineering Not Restricted
Engineering Energy efficiency services Not Restricted
Testing ISO Standards Consulting Not Restricted
Testing ISO Standards Certification Not Restricted
Testing Performance testing of complete machinery: motors, computers, electronic equipment etc. Not Restricted
Testing Performance testing of automobiles Not Restricted
Testing Other Testing and analysis activities Not Restricted
Testing Pearl Testing Laboratory Restricted
Testing Gemstone Testing Laboratory Restricted
Testing Diamond Grading Laboratory Restricted
Research Research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering Not Restricted
Research Research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities Not Restricted
Marketing Publicity and Advertising Not Restricted
Marketing Other Marketing/ Promotion Activities Not Restricted
Design Fashion Design Not Restricted
Design Jewellery Design Not Restricted
Design Interior Decoration Not Restricted
Design Graphic Design Not Restricted
Design Other Specialized Design Activities Not Restricted
Events Organization of conventions, events, and trade shows Not Restricted
Packaging Packaging activities Not Restricted
Leisure Operational of recreational water transportation facilities Not Restricted
Leasing Renting and operational leasing of water-transport equipment Not Restricted
Leasing Leasing of intellectual property and similar products, except copyrighted works Not Restricted
HR Activities of Attraction and Nomination For Senior Executive Positions Not Restricted
Travel Travel office activities - Direct Sales for the airline operating in Bahrain Not Restricted
Travel Travel office activities - Sales of private air transport services Not Restricted
Travel Operation of Land Tours - Internal Transport of Tourists Not Restricted
Travel Operation of Sea/Diving Tours - Operation of Sea/Diving Tours without Pearl Diving Not Restricted
Travel Operation of Sea/Diving Tours - Operation of Sea/Diving Tours with Pearl Diving Not Restricted
Travel Reservation/Ticket Sales Activities for entertainment or recreational purposes Not Restricted
Travel Visitor Assistance Services Not Restricted
Travel Offices for the coordination of medical treatments Not Restricted
Travel Computer Reservation System for air transportation Not Restricted
Facilities Combined facilities support activities (excluding guard and security activities) Not Restricted
Admin Office administrative and support activities Not Restricted
Admin Business Incubators and Accelerators Not Restricted
Admin Activities of call centres Not Restricted
Events Offices for Organizing tourism festivals Not Restricted
Admin Activities of collection agencies and credit bureaus Not Restricted
Admin Tax Reclaim Services Not Restricted
Packaging Packaging of Food Not Restricted
Packaging Packaging of Chemicals Not Restricted
Packaging Packaging of Cosmetics or herbs Not Restricted
Packaging Packaging of vegetable/ animal/ fish oil Not Restricted
Admin Other business support service activities Not Restricted
Admin Enforcement Agent Not Restricted
Education Pre-primary Not Restricted
Education Private Education - National Private School Not Restricted
Education Private Education - National Educational Institute Not Restricted
Education Technical and Vocational Training - Management and Business Training Centers and Institutes Not Restricted
Education Technical and Vocational Training - Vocational and Technical Centers and Institutes Not Restricted
Education Higher education Not Restricted
Education Sports Instruction (various sports) Not Restricted
Education Horse Riding Instruction Not Restricted
Education Scuba Diving Instructions Not Restricted
Education Martial Arts Instruction Not Restricted
Education Fitness/ Yoga Instruction Not Restricted
Education Other Sports and recreation education Not Restricted
Education Performing arts/ drama school Not Restricted
Education Driving Instructions Restricted
Education Design of Training Programs Not Restricted
Education Other education Not Restricted
Education Training in Civil Aviation Not Restricted
Education Educational support activities Not Restricted
Education Educational Services Offices for Students Studying Abroad Not Restricted
Healthcare General Hospital - General Hospital Not Restricted
Healthcare General Hospital - Teaching Hospital Not Restricted
Healthcare Specialized Hospital - Specialized Medical Hospital Not Restricted
Healthcare Specialized Hospital - Specialized Surgical Hospital Not Restricted
Healthcare Specialized Hospital - Specialized Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Not Restricted
Healthcare Specialized Hospital - Specialized Pediatric Hospital Not Restricted
Healthcare Specialized Hospital - Specialized Rehabilitation Hospital Not Restricted
Healthcare Specialized Hospital - One Day Surgery Hospital Not Restricted
Healthcare Specialized medical clinic Not Restricted
Healthcare Non-specialized medical clinics Not Restricted
Healthcare Dental Practice Not Restricted
Healthcare Other Medical center - General Medical Center Not Restricted
Healthcare Other Medical center - Residential nursing care facilities Not Restricted
Healthcare Other Medical center - Multi-Specialty Medical Center Not Restricted
Healthcare Other Medical center - Specialized Medical Center Not Restricted
Healthcare Other Medical center - Mobile Medical Center Not Restricted
Healthcare Other Medical center - General Dental Center Not Restricted
Healthcare Other Medical center - Specialized Dental Center Not Restricted
Healthcare Other Medical center - Multi-Specialty Dental Center Not Restricted
Healthcare Other Medical center - Mobile Dental Center Not Restricted
Healthcare Radiology Center - Comprehensive Radiology Center Not Restricted
Healthcare Radiology Center - Preliminary Radiology Unit Not Restricted
Healthcare Radiology Center - Specialized Radiology Unit Not Restricted
Healthcare Medical Laboratory - General Medical Laboratory Not Restricted
Healthcare Medical Laboratory - Preliminary Medical Laboratory Not Restricted
Healthcare Medical Laboratory - Specialized Medical Laboratory Not Restricted
Healthcare Medical Laboratory - Blood Collection Unit Not Restricted
Healthcare Medical Laboratory - Dental Laboratory Not Restricted
Healthcare Medical Laboratory - Sleep Lab Not Restricted
Healthcare Physiotherapy Centre Not Restricted
Healthcare Ambulance Services - Local Ambulance Services Restricted
Healthcare Ambulance Services - Air Ambulance Services Not Restricted
Alternative Alternative Medicine Center Not Restricted
Alternative Alternative Medicine Unit Not Restricted
Healthcare Other human health activities Not Restricted
Social Care Residential nursing care facilities Restricted
Social Care Post addiction Rehabilitation centers - Without Accommodation Not Restricted
Social Care Post addiction Rehabilitation centers - With Accommodation Not Restricted
Social Care Residential care activities for the elderly and disabled Not Restricted
Social Care Other residential care activities Not Restricted
Social Care Centers For People With Disabilities Not Restricted
Social Care Daycare For Elderly Not Restricted
Social Care Child day-care Activities Not Restricted
Social Care Other social work activities without accommodation Not Restricted
Consultancy Valuation/ evaluation Activities Not Restricted
Consultancy Security Consulting Not Restricted
Consultancy Agriculture related consultancy Not Restricted
Consultancy Environment related consultancy Not Restricted
Consultancy Tourism related consultancy Not Restricted
Consultancy Water resources related consultancy Not Restricted
Consultancy Family Counseling Not Restricted
Consultancy Other professional, scientific and technical activities Not Restricted
Creative Production of live theatrical presentations and other stage productions Not Restricted
Creative Operation of concert and theatre halls and other art facilities Not Restricted
Creative Activities of sculptors, painters, cartoonists, etc. Not Restricted
Creative Independent Journalists Restricted
Creative Other creative, arts, and entertainment activities Not Restricted
Sports Operation of sp

Business Activity Name for foreigners

The Bahrain Cabinet has made it easier for foreigners. Now, they can learn about and take part in different economic activities in the country. A new "Positive List" is available. This list shows the specific business activities where full foreign ownership is permitted. This list covers several areas. It encourages foreign investors to use their skills to support the Bahrain's economy. The "Positive List" provides clear information. This helps foreign investors understand more, make good decisions, and feel sure about doing business in the Bahrain. The list is checked and updated frequently to match the Bahrain's changing economic goals. This practice helps bring in investments in important growth areas. It also keeps the country competitive in global business trends.

Conclusion

If you are a foreigner wanting to do things in Bahrain, there are many opportunities for you. You can start a business in trading or look into investing in real estate. Bahrain has several activities that foreigners can get involved in. Knowing the rules and requirements will help you take full advantage of these opportunities. If you have questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us. We are here to help you enjoy your time in Bahrain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners own 100% of a company in Bahrain?

Yes, new federal law changes allow foreigners to fully own commercial companies in some sectors. They do not need a Bahrain national sponsor anymore.

What are the requirements for starting a business as a foreigner in Bahrain?

Foreigners need to follow the rules to open a business in the Bahrain. First, they must contact with us so we can have a virtual meeting and provide a free consultation.

What are some popular activities that foreigners can engage in without restrictions?

Foreigners can join in many popular activities. Some of these activities are in industries. They can work in cold storage and trade special goods like pharmaceutical products. E-commerce and different service businesses are also part of this.

Are there any cultural norms or guidelines to keep in mind when participating in activities in a foreign country?

Respecting local customs is very important. In the Bahrain, people are generally open-minded. However, it is a good idea to dress modestly. Paying attention to Islamic traditions is also key. You can enjoy great hospitality, but remember to practice discretion.

How can I ensure that the activities I choose to participate in are respectful of the local customs and traditions?

  • Doing research on local customs is important.
  • Asking local experts for help can be very useful.
  • It is good to know about and respect different cultures.
  • This will help you take part in activities with respect.

Are there any recommended resources for finding information on permissible activities for foreigners in different countries?

Official government websites for each country often have the latest information on what foreigners can do. You can also get helpful details from international business consultancies and legal firms that deal with foreign investment.