The Oman Financial Services Authority approved the Executive Regulation of the Securities Law, establishing detailed rules for capital market institutions, securities firms, collective investment schemes, issuers and credit rating agencies. The regulation introduces investment banking as a regulated activity and requires commercial banks to conduct regulated securities activities through legally independent entities, except for custody and trust services and underwriting. The framework strengthens risk-based supervision through capital adequacy reporting, risk management, business continuity and other prudential requirements. It also revises crowdfunding rules, establishes a registration and regulatory framework for local and international credit rating agencies, updates the sector’s fee structure and allows the authority to license financial technology services and innovative financial instruments through a regulatory sandbox. The regulation takes effect on July 27, 2026. Capital market institutions and securities entities must regularize their status within six months, while licensed banks have up to three years to transfer relevant securities activities to independent entities. Existing instructions, forms and circulars remain applicable until replacements are issued, provided they are consistent with the law and regulation.
Oman Financial Services Authority2026-07-26
Oman Financial Services Authority approves securities regulation, introduces investment banking and bank separation requirements
The Oman Financial Services Authority approved detailed securities rules introducing regulated investment banking, stronger risk-based supervision and frameworks for credit rating agencies and financial technology. Commercial banks must move most regulated securities activities to independent entities within three years, while other affected firms have six months to regularize their status. The regulation takes effect on July 27, 2026.