New Promising Companies Market to boost Oman’s investment appeal: FSA
Published: 05:02 PM,Feb 05,2025 | EDITED : 09:02 PM,Feb 05,2025
The new market is expected to serve as a significant tool for attracting investments and diversifying the economy.
MUSCAT: The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has announced a landmark initiative to boost Oman’s investment environment and support the private sector with the establishment of the Promising Companies Market. This move, stemming from Royal Decree 18/2025, creates a secondary market within the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other promising businesses.
According to the Authority, the market is designed to provide SMEs with an alternative financing mechanism, enabling access to capital for growth and expansion. Companies with a minimum market value of RO 500,000 are eligible to list, ensuring inclusivity for a wide range of businesses.
The FSA emphasised that companies listed in the Promising Companies Market will adhere to governance standards to safeguard sustainability and growth. These standards reflect the FSA’s commitment to aligning Oman’s financial markets with international best practices while supporting the strategic objectives of Vision 2040.
In addition to regulating the market, the FSA will ensure that listed companies meet transparency and disclosure requirements. This oversight is critical to maintaining investor confidence and fostering a robust investment environment.
The new market is expected to serve as a significant tool for attracting investments and diversifying the economy. By providing an accessible and structured platform for SMEs, the FSA aims to stimulate the growth of privately-owned, family-owned, and medium-sized enterprises, contributing to Oman’s economic development.
The FSA also noted the broader implications of this initiative, which aligns with the Sultanate’s efforts to enhance its global competitiveness. By supporting the financial market’s diversification, the FSA is positioning Oman as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurial growth.
The FSA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with relevant authorities to ensure the success of the Promising Companies Market. Through this initiative, the FSA continues to demonstrate its leadership in developing Oman’s financial sector and enabling businesses to thrive in a sustainable and forward-looking economic environment.
According to the Authority, the market is designed to provide SMEs with an alternative financing mechanism, enabling access to capital for growth and expansion. Companies with a minimum market value of RO 500,000 are eligible to list, ensuring inclusivity for a wide range of businesses.
The FSA emphasised that companies listed in the Promising Companies Market will adhere to governance standards to safeguard sustainability and growth. These standards reflect the FSA’s commitment to aligning Oman’s financial markets with international best practices while supporting the strategic objectives of Vision 2040.
In addition to regulating the market, the FSA will ensure that listed companies meet transparency and disclosure requirements. This oversight is critical to maintaining investor confidence and fostering a robust investment environment.
The new market is expected to serve as a significant tool for attracting investments and diversifying the economy. By providing an accessible and structured platform for SMEs, the FSA aims to stimulate the growth of privately-owned, family-owned, and medium-sized enterprises, contributing to Oman’s economic development.
The FSA also noted the broader implications of this initiative, which aligns with the Sultanate’s efforts to enhance its global competitiveness. By supporting the financial market’s diversification, the FSA is positioning Oman as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurial growth.
The FSA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with relevant authorities to ensure the success of the Promising Companies Market. Through this initiative, the FSA continues to demonstrate its leadership in developing Oman’s financial sector and enabling businesses to thrive in a sustainable and forward-looking economic environment.