MUSCAT, FEB 24
Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) has launched the 15th Financial Forum, a three-day event running from February 23 to 25, aimed at enhancing financial literacy and investment awareness among individuals.
The forum brings together financial experts, institutions, and aspiring professionals to explore savings strategies, investment opportunities, and the growing role of fintech in shaping modern economies.
It is designed as an interactive educational journey, guiding attendees through different stations focused on key financial concepts. Participants begin with financial awareness, learning about the importance of money management and the risks of financial illiteracy. The journey continues with an exploration of savings strategies, where visitors receive insights on managing income and financial obligations, including popular saving frameworks such as the 50/30/20 rule and the 60/10/30 rule. The next station introduces financial institutions, featuring major entities such as the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX), the Central Bank of Oman, and the Oman Investment Authority, as well as brokerage firms and their roles in facilitating investments. The final phase of the journey delves into investment opportunities, covering various asset classes, including stocks, bonds, commodities like gold and silver, and mutual funds, with a focus on fintech applications in investments.
A key highlight of the event is the Fintech Competition, which challenges participants to propose innovative and research-driven solutions to real-world economic issues in Oman. The competition focuses on areas such as investment firms, corporate finance, banking, and the digital economy, encouraging students and professionals to develop fintech-based solutions. The competition began with an announcement on January 25, 2025, followed by multiple evaluation rounds. The final assessments take place on February 23 and 24, with winners to be announced at the forum’s closing ceremony. A panel of economic experts, academics, and financial specialists will oversee the evaluation process.
In addition to traditional financial topics, the forum also highlights emerging trends such as green finance, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) investing, and Islamic finance, reflecting the increasing focus on sustainability in financial markets. These themes align with global efforts to create more responsible and ethical investment opportunities.
Through expert insights, hands-on learning experiences, and fintech-driven solutions, the 15th Financial Forum serves as a vital initiative for empowering individuals with essential financial knowledge.
According to Abdullah al Rashdi, Head of EcoFin Group, the 15th Financial Forum consists of four main sections. The first section focuses on the academic content presented by students, guiding participants on a journey from saving to investing. The second section is a competition where students compete to develop innovative fintech solutions that do not yet exist in Oman. The third section features entertainment booths, adding an engaging and interactive aspect to the forum. The fourth section is dedicated to restaurants, providing attendees with a space to relax and network.
Noor al Baimani, a finance major at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), described her participation in the 15th Financial Forum, organised by the EcoFin group, as a valuable opportunity to expand her expertise and apply her financial knowledge in a practical setting. As a presenter at the Muscat Stock Exchange corner, she engaged with team members, exchanged insights and contributed to raising financial awareness among university students. Her role involved introducing students and new investors to the fundamentals of the stock exchange, explaining key regulations that enhance transparency and credibility, and highlighting financial technologies that position the exchange as a competitive global player.
Reflecting on the experience, Noor emphasised how it reinforced her passion for finance and investment, sharpened her academic and practical skills, and opened new career prospects. She also underscored the importance of understanding and analysing investments to make informed financial decisions, a key aspect she aimed to convey to aspiring investors.
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