Overview
Oman’s financial services sector contributes approximately 6 percent of GDP. Bank Muscat is the largest commercial bank in the Sultanate with assets exceeding OMR 14 billion. Islamic banking has grown to roughly 15 percent of total banking assets since its introduction in 2012. The Capital Market Authority oversees the Muscat Stock Exchange, which lists over 110 companies. Vision 2040 aims to deepen financial markets and expand fintech adoption.
The value chain for Oman’s financial services sector encompasses upstream inputs, midstream processing and logistics, and downstream distribution and export channels. Mapping this chain reveals critical nodes where value addition can be maximised and leakage to imports can be reduced.
Key Indicators
| Indicator | Current | 2040 Target |
|---|---|---|
| GDP Contribution | ~6% | 10%+ by 2040 |
| Banking Assets | OMR 32B | OMR 55B+ by 2040 |
| Islamic Banking Share | ~15% | 25% by 2040 |
| Omanisation Rate | ~92% | 92%+ maintained |
| Insurance Penetration | ~1.5% GDP | 3%+ by 2040 |
Analysis
The financial services value chain in Oman is characterised by significant upstream concentration, with Bank Muscat, BankDhofar, National Bank of Oman, Alizz Islamic Bank, CMA, CBO dominating primary production. Midstream processing and logistics represent the largest opportunity for value capture, as much of the raw output is currently exported with minimal transformation. Investment of OMR 32 billion total banking assets signals strong commitment to building out downstream capacity. The sector employs ~18,000 direct workers, though value-chain deepening could multiply employment effects significantly.
Challenges
Limited capital market depth, low equity market liquidity, conservative lending culture, nascent fintech ecosystem, regulatory fragmentation between CBO and CMA, and high NPL ratios in SME lending (~8 percent).
Opportunities
Islamic finance expansion, fintech sandbox and digital banking licences, insurance penetration growth (currently ~1.5 percent of GDP), green bonds and sukuk, pension fund reform, and regional wealth management hub potential.
Vision 2040 Targets
Increase financial services GDP share to over 10 percent; double insurance penetration; grow Islamic banking to 25 percent of assets; launch a digital riyal CBDC pilot; maintain 92 percent+ Omanisation.