MUSCAT : Addressing the 5th edition of TAS Conclave, Haitham Al Salmi, CEO of the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX), delivered a comprehensive keynote speech titled ‘Shaping the Future of Investment in Oman’, outlining the exchange’s transformation, market performance, technological advancements, and its role in supporting the nation’s economic diversification.

Opening his remarks, Al Salmi said, “It is a privilege to join you today at this important forum as we come together to discuss a topic central to Oman’s next phase of economic transformation: Shaping the Future of Investment in Oman.” He highlighted the nation’s economic progress in recent years, noting that “Oman has taken bold steps to build a modern, diversified, and globally competitive economy,” guided by Vision 2040.

Al Salmi underscored the strategic role of the Muscat Stock Exchange in enabling this transformation. “To convert ambition into opportunity, the country needs strong, agile, and innovative market infrastructure. This is where the Muscat Stock Exchange stands as a strategic pillar in shaping Oman’s investment future,” he said.

The MSX, he said, is in the midst of one of its most significant evolutions. “We are transitioning from a traditional exchange to a modern market infrastructure group, fully aligned with global standards and investor expectations,” Al Salmi noted.

He detailed the exchange’s transformation priorities, including expanding market depth and liquidity, strengthening regulations, modernising post-trade systems, launching new markets such as AIM for SMEs, diversifying products, and embedding AI-driven services. These initiatives, he said, are “shaping a more competitive, accessible, and robust capital market for Oman.”

Citing strong market momentum, Al Salmi said MSX’s progress is reflected directly in its performance. “Muscat Stock Exchange is the best-performing market in the GCC year-to-date, recording a remarkable 22% rise in the MSX 30 Index,” he stated. Trading volumes, he added, have “more than doubled compared to last year, signalling renewed investor confidence.”

He pointed to Oman’s improved standing in FTSE Russell’s classification. “Oman has moved from zero companies meeting the emerging market criteria to three companies fully satisfying FTSE’s requirements,” he said, calling this shift “a clear validation of the success of MSX’s strategic initiatives.”

Emphasising technology as a central pillar of MSX’s future, Al Salmi remarked, “Digital transformation and AI are no longer future aspirations—they are foundational components of our strategy.”

He highlighted investments in AI-enabled surveillance, digital onboarding, advanced analytics, automated post-trade operations, and a new Data & Innovation Hub. These steps, he said, will ensure MSX operates “smarter, faster, and with greater reliability—positioning Oman competitively in the digital financial era.”
Al Salmi reaffirmed MSX’s commitment to financing Oman’s emerging sectors—including green energy, mining, logistics, tourism, and technology. “Our role is clear: to ensure Oman’s capital market is ready to finance the next chapter of national development,” he said.

He noted ongoing efforts to accelerate IPOs, support SMEs, enable sustainable finance, enhance disclosure standards, and elevate Oman’s visibility among global investors.

Calling investment development a shared responsibility, Al Salmi highlighted MSX’s close collaboration with key national institutions. “Shaping the future of investment in Oman is a collective mission,” he said, acknowledging entities such as the Ministry of Finance, Financial Services Authority, Oman Investment Authority, and others.

Al Salmi stressed that global markets are entering a new era defined by AI, digital platforms, sustainability finance, and cross-border integration. “MSX is not simply adapting to this future—we are preparing for it, investing in it, and actively shaping it,” he said.

He concluded with a forward-looking message: “The future of investment in Oman is promising—and it is ours to shape. At Muscat Stock Exchange, we are committed to building a more open, dynamic, and technology-driven capital market that supports the country’s long-term ambitions.”

Ending his keynote, he added, “Together, we will build a stronger, smarter, and more globally connected investment future for our nation.”

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