Muscat: The IFN Oman Forum 2025, organized by the Islamic Finance News in partnership with the Financial Services Authority, convened key stakeholders to discuss the burgeoning role of Islamic finance in Oman’s economic landscape and its potential for cross-border collaborations. The event underscored Oman’s increasing prominence as a hub for sustainable investments and Islamic financial activities.
According to Oman News Agency, the forum attracted regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders from Oman, Malaysia, and other international markets. Discussions emphasized the growth of Islamic banking, capital markets, and investment management in Oman, along with the expanding influence of Waqf in facilitating the country’s economic transformation. Experts at the forum underscored the necessity of strong regulatory frameworks and strategic initiatives to maintain growth, highlighting Waqf’s potential to diversify financing, unlock new investment opportunities, and fortify Oman’s Islamic finance ecosystem.
Ahmed Ali Al Mamari, Executive Vice President of the FSA, addressed the audience, underscoring the robust Oman-Malaysia relations across various sectors, including trade, economy, and culture. He pointed to Oman Vision 2040 and the Invest Oman platform as significant opportunities for Malaysian investors, citing Oman’s solid financial standing. Al Mamari also noted that the forum has set the stage for a cross-border investment corridor, to be further developed through bilateral engagements with institutions such as sovereign wealth funds, the Central Bank of Oman, the Muscat Stock Exchange, and the FSA.
Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi, Chairman of the Securities Commission Malaysia, provided a regional perspective by highlighting ASEAN’s economic strength, which positions it as one of the fastest-growing economic blocs globally. He stressed the importance of enhanced cooperation with Oman to further both countries’ goals for inclusive and sustainable growth.
The IFN Oman Forum 2025 effectively reinforced Oman’s role as an emerging center for Islamic finance and laid out actionable strategies for regulatory advancements, capital movements, and investment collaborations that promise long-term growth and prosperity.