MUSCAT: The regulations, which implement the provisions of the Securities Law issued under Royal Decree No. 46/2022, are designed to improve legislative and technical preparedness in Oman’s capital market while supporting investment, transparency and market efficiency.
The new framework consists of seven chapters covering key areas of the securities sector, including definitions and general provisions, capital market institutions, licensed operating entities, credit rating companies, collective investment funds, issuing entities and disclosure requirements, market integrity provisions, and procedures for appeals through the Grievance Committee.
The FSA said the regulations focus on providing more competitive financing options in the national economy, increasing flexibility to attract local and foreign investment, and strengthening investor confidence through principles of fairness, integrity and transparency.
The decision issued by the Chairman of the FSA Board of Directors stipulates that the regulations will come into force from the day following their publication in the Official Gazette, issued on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
The FSA’s Chief Executive Officer has been tasked with issuing the necessary instructions, forms and circulars required to implement the regulations. Existing instructions and procedures will remain applicable until new ones are issued, provided they do not conflict with the Securities Law and its executive regulations.
Capital market institutions and entities operating in securities activities have been granted a six-month period to align their operations with the new requirements. Licensed banking institutions conducting securities-related activities will have up to three years to restructure these activities through independent entities, except for custody, trust and underwriting services, which may continue alongside their banking operations.
Ahmed bin Ali Al Maamari Vice Executive President of the Financial Services Authority, said the regulations followed a comprehensive review of Oman’s capital market legislation to prepare the sector to become a key source of financing in support of national priorities under Oman Vision 2040.
He said the new regulations represent a structural transformation of the market’s regulatory framework by establishing detailed requirements for capital market institutions and securities firms, including minimum capital requirements and operational obligations.
Al Maamari highlighted that the regulations have incorporated investment banking activities within the framework governing securities entities, supporting their role in facilitating primary market issuances, providing liquidity and connecting companies with suitable sources of financing.
He added that the regulations also reviewed the framework governing crowdfunding activities to support their future growth and enhance their contribution to providing innovative financing solutions for small, medium and micro enterprises.
The new rules also strengthen risk-based supervision by introducing requirements related to capital adequacy, market, credit and operational risk management, business continuity planning and other safeguards to improve market stability.
The FSA said the regulations also restructure fees related to capital market services and activities to balance regulatory requirements with reducing operational burdens and improving market competitiveness.
The framework further establishes procedures for licensing and registering local and international credit rating agencies in Oman, with the aim of developing the credit rating sector, enhancing expertise and improving risk assessment capabilities for investors and decision-makers.
The regulations also allow the FSA to license services and activities linked to modern financial technologies and innovative financial instruments through the regulatory sandbox environment, enabling innovation while maintaining market stability and protecting investors.