The Omani banking sector comprises a total of 16 conventional banks, of which seven are locally incorporated and nine are foreign banks. Apart from conventional lenders, there are also two fully fledged Islamic banks. Bank Muscat is the largest bank with a market share of around 45% by assets. It is the biggest listed company on the Muscat...
The sultanate is home to a well-developed stock exchange, the Muscat Securities Market (MSM), which was founded in 1988. The equity market has seen a decline in initial public offering (IPO) activity in recent years; however, it witnessed a resurgence in 2017 thanks to government-driven offerings, more of which are set to take place in 2018....
The insurance market in Oman has continued recording healthy growth despite the financial challenges and the impact of falling oil prices in the past two years. The market consists of 22 insurance companies, including a re-insurer company and takaful (Islamic insurance) companies which started operations in 2014. The overall industry...
For the first time since 1997, the government of Oman issued $2.5bn foreign bonds in June 2016 with maturities of five years and 10 years. Later, in September 2016, the government expanded the size of the issue to $4bn. During 2016 Oman joined several other governments and companies in tapping the global bond market to fund budget shortfalls...
What policies has the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) pursued to relax reserve requirements and stimulate greater liquidity in the banking system?
Stay updated on how some of the world’s most promising markets are being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, and what actions governments and private businesses are taking to mitigate challenges and ensure their long-term growth story continues.
Register now and also receive a complimentary 2-month licence to the OBG Research Terminal.
Register Here×