MUSCAT – The programme is based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2003 between the two regulators and seeks to deepen the strategic partnership through knowledge exchange, regulatory collaboration, and capacity-building initiatives. It emphasises key areas such as market integrity, investor protection, and sustainable growth across both conventional and Islamic capital markets.

The programme was signed in Muscat by His Excellency Abdullah bin Salim Al Salmi, Executive President of the FSA, and His Excellency Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi, Executive Chairman of the Securities Commission Malaysia.

His Excellency Al Salmi described the programme as a strategic step toward building stronger ties between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and ASEAN capital markets. “This partnership represents a bridge linking capital markets in the GCC and ASEAN regions. It builds solid foundations for cooperation in areas such as sustainable financing, financial market innovation, and capacity building. It will also help establish robust, globally connected markets that inspire investor confidence,” he stated.

On his part, His Excellency Faiz Azmi said the initiative marks an important milestone in Malaysia’s engagement with its GCC counterparts. “This programme reflects our commitment to mutual learning, the promotion of investment opportunities, and the development of both Islamic and conventional financial markets, contributing to long-term sustainable growth,” he noted.

The two-year cooperation programme will include capacity building through staff secondments, joint training, and development programmes; knowledge exchange in regulatory frameworks, capital market research, and development strategies; promotion of investment opportunities in both Oman and Malaysia; exploring a mutual recognition agreement to enable dual listing of products and companies; collaborative development of collective investment funds; and regular dialogue and engagement between both regulators.

The signing took place during an official visit by the Malaysian delegation, headed by His Excellency Faiz Azmi, who met with several Omani officials to explore cross-border economic cooperation and investment opportunities, particularly in the Islamic capital markets, wealth management, and family offices sectors.

The initiative also comes as Oman’s capital market continues to expand. As of 2024, the Muscat Stock Exchange’s market capitalization reached 66.97 percent of GDP, with a 131.25 percent increase in issuances year-on-year. Funds raised equalled 2.7 percent of non-oil GDP, while trading activity saw daily volumes rise by 11 percent, and 26 percent of listed companies’ shares were actively traded.