MUSCAT : Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) hosted ConFEAS 2026, organized by the Federation of Euro-Asian Capital Markets (FEAS), under the patronage of H.E. Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ). The conference was held on 13 October 2026 at W Muscat, bringing together senior capital market officials, decision makers, experts, and industry professionals from around the world.

ConFEAS 2026 attracted more than 200 participants, 4 discussion sessions featured distinguished international speakers who addressed key topics shaping capital markets, including regional capital market cooperation, access to emerging markets, technological developments and FinTech trends, and best practices in investor relations and equity research.

MSX’s hosting of this international event formed part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the Sultanate of Oman’s presence in global capital markets and expand cooperation with international exchanges and financial institutions. These efforts supported the continued development of Oman’s capital market and its attractiveness to domestic and international investors, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

Four Panel Discussions Explored Capital Market Developments and Investment Opportunities

The conference programme on 13 October featured four main panel discussions covering key topics related to capital market development, investment opportunities, technological transformation, and investor relations, with the participation of officials and experts from regional and international financial institutions and stock exchanges.

Muscat Stock Exchange Highlighted Market Development Opportunities and Regional Cooperation

The first panel discussion, titled “Oman Capital Market and Regional Cooperation,” explored Oman’s economic development in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and the role of capital markets in supporting economic diversification and attracting investment.

The discussion also examined efforts to develop Oman’s capital market, progress towards meeting the requirements for Emerging Market classification, opportunities for initial public offerings (IPOs), and the importance of strengthening cooperation and integration among regional and international capital markets.

Exploring Access to Emerging Markets and Enhancing Investment Flows

The second panel discussion, titled “Accessing Emerging Markets: Investors’ Challenges, Opportunities and Interests,” examined investment opportunities in emerging and frontier markets and the challenges investors faced when accessing these markets, with a focus on facilitating cross-border investment and trading and strengthening connectivity between exchanges and financial institutions.

The panel also highlighted the importance of developing market infrastructure and harmonising regulatory frameworks to facilitate capital flows, the role of global indices in attracting institutional investment, and the requirements of international investors when assessing investment opportunities in emerging markets.

Technological Developments and Their Role in Enhancing Capital Market Efficiency

The third panel discussion, titled “Technological Developments and Trends in Capital Markets,” explored the latest innovations and technological solutions contributing to the development of financial market infrastructure, as well as the role of digital transformation in enhancing operational efficiency, transparency, and market resilience.

The discussion also addressed emerging trends in trading technology, market surveillance, and post-trade operations, highlighting the importance of advanced technologies in improving the investor experience and enabling financial markets to adapt to global developments.

Investor Relations and Financial Research to Enhance Transparency and Market Attractiveness

The fourth panel discussion, titled “Engaging with Investors: IR and Research,” focused on the importance of investor relations and financial research in strengthening confidence and transparency across capital markets, as well as the role of disclosure and access to financial information and analysis in supporting investment decisions.

The panel also discussed best practices in investor engagement, enhancing the attractiveness of listed companies, and broadening the investor base, contributing to greater market efficiency, growth, and sustainability.

MSX CEO: Hosting the Conference Strengthened Muscat Stock Exchange’s International Presence

In this context, Haitham Salim Al Salmi, CEO of Muscat Stock Exchange, stated:

“Muscat Stock Exchange’s hosting of ConFEAS 2026 reflected our commitment to strengthening the Sultanate of Oman’s position as an attractive investment destination and expanding cooperation with regional and international capital markets and financial institutions. The conference provided an important platform for exchanging expertise, learning from international best practices, and discussing opportunities and initiatives that contribute to the development, efficiency, and competitiveness of financial markets.”

He added: “At Muscat Stock Exchange, we continued our efforts to develop the market and enhance its attractiveness to investors by supporting innovation, expanding investment opportunities, and strengthening connectivity with regional and international markets. The conference provided valuable opportunities for dialogue and the exchange of perspectives on capital market development. We look forward to building on its outcomes to strengthen cooperation and partnerships and support the continued development of Oman’s capital market in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.”

FEAS Chairman: The Conference Strengthened Cooperation and Integration Across Markets

Radu Hanga, Chairman of the Federation of Euro-Asian Capital Markets (FEAS), stated:

“The conference served as an important international platform that brought together capital market officials, experts, and financial institutions to discuss key developments shaping the sector, exchange knowledge and experiences, and explore opportunities for cooperation among member exchanges and international partners.”

He added: “We were pleased to organize the conference in the Sultanate of Oman in cooperation with Muscat Stock Exchange. Hosting the event reflected the importance of strengthening connectivity and integration across regional and international markets. The conference discussions provided valuable opportunities to exchange perspectives on supporting innovation, advancing market infrastructure, facilitating access to investment opportunities, and strengthening connectivity among emerging and frontier markets.”

FEAS Secretary General: ConFEAS 2026 Strengthened Regional Cooperation and Cross-Border Connectivity

Konstantin Saroyan, Secretary General of the Federation of Euro-Asian Capital Markets (FEAS), stated:

“ConFEAS 2026 has once again demonstrated the extraordinary power of regional collaboration. As capital markets navigate technological transformations and evolving global dynamics, bringing together key stakeholders in Muscat allows us to align our strategic vision, foster market transparency, and build deeper cross-border bridges across the Euro-Asian region. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Muscat Stock Exchange for their exceptional hospitality and partnership.”

Strategic and Leadership Partners Supported ConFEAS 2026

ConFEAS 2026 received support from several leading financial and investment institutions across two partnership categories: Strategic Partners and Leadership Partners. Their participation reflected the financial sector’s commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to capital market development, strengthen cooperation, and promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

The Strategic Partners included Bank Muscat, Sohar International, Ubhar Capital and Arqaam Capital. The Leadership Partners included Muscat Clearing & Depository Company (MCD), Oman Investment Bank, Vision Capital SAOC, United Securities LLC, and Jabal Asset Management.

These partnerships contributed to the conference’s objectives by encouraging greater participation from financial and investment institutions in discussions on the future of capital markets, exploring opportunities for cooperation and investment, and sharing insights on best practices and developments across the financial sector.

Muscat Stock Exchange Strengthened Oman’s Presence in Global Capital Markets

MSX’s hosting of ConFEAS 2026 reinforced its role in strengthening engagement among capital markets, financial institutions, and investment firms, creating new opportunities for cooperation and knowledge exchange, while highlighting developments in Oman’s capital market and the investment opportunities available in the Sultanate.

The conference also contributed to strengthening dialogue among regulators, stock exchanges, investors, and financial institutions, and provided a platform for discussing initiatives that support market development and facilitate cross-border investment flows, further strengthening Oman’s presence on the international financial and economic events landscape.