Overview
The establishment of the Central Bank of Oman, succeeding the Oman Currency Board, consolidated monetary authority and banking supervision under a single institution responsible for maintaining currency stability, managing foreign reserves, regulating the banking sector, and advising the government on financial policy. The Central Bank has been instrumental in building a sound, well-capitalised banking system that supports economic growth while maintaining prudential safeguards against systemic risk.
Key Points
The Central Bank assumed responsibility for issuing currency, managing the exchange-rate peg to the US dollar, and acting as banker and fiscal agent of the government. Banking regulation and supervision functions were strengthened with adoption of international standards including Basel capital-adequacy requirements. The Central Bank developed money-market instruments and a government securities framework to support monetary policy operations and provide benchmark yield curves. Consumer protection regulations and financial literacy programmes were introduced to safeguard depositors and borrowers.
Current Status
The Central Bank oversees a banking sector comprising conventional and Islamic banks with aggregate assets representing a significant multiple of GDP. The banking system is well capitalised, profitable, and liquid, with non-performing loan ratios at manageable levels. The Central Bank has modernised its payments infrastructure, enabling real-time gross settlement and mobile payment systems. Regulatory technology initiatives improve supervisory efficiency and reduce compliance burdens for financial institutions.
Vision 2040 Context
Within Vision 2040, the Central Bank continues to anchor financial stability while supporting innovation in financial services. The institution is expected to facilitate fintech development, explore central bank digital currency options, and expand financial inclusion to underserved populations. A stable, efficient financial system is the bedrock upon which all other economic objectives are built.