MUSCAT: The Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) kicked off its first governorate-level session on the Promising Companies Market and Incentive Programme on May 5. The event, held in collaboration with the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), marks the start of a nationwide series aimed at strengthening the investment landscape and broadening access to financing across Oman.
This initiative aligns with a wider national strategy to diversify income sources, deepen the financial sector, and cultivate a new generation of savvy investors—part of the broader goals of Oman Vision 2040.
The Incentive Programme, developed by the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit under the Capital Market Development initiative, offers tailored support to help closed and family-owned businesses list on the MSX. The programme follows three tracks:
1. Supporting the transformation of companies valued over RO 10 million into public joint-stock companies.
2. Launching the Promising Companies Market for SMEs with a market value above RO 500,000.
3. Encouraging limited liability companies with over 20 Omani employees and similar valuations to become closed joint-stock companies.
Majda bint Saeed al Hinai, Project Manager, noted that the programme fosters financial sustainability through improved access to funding, stronger corporate governance, and enhanced transparency. She added that the Promising Companies Market balances regulatory standards with the private sector’s needs.
Noor al Hamidiyah of the Financial Services Authority outlined the listing process, which includes company valuation, appointment of an issuing manager, prospectus preparation, and registration with the Muscat Clearing and Depository Company.
Bader bin Hamood al Hinai, Chief Operating Officer at MSX, explained listing requirements such as legal entity structure, two years of financial history, a one-year lock-in period for founders’ shares, and audited financial statements—though exemptions may apply.
Eligible investors include existing shareholders, licensed financial institutions, insurance companies, the Social Protection Fund, investment funds, and high-net-worth individuals. Investor services such as the ‘Saham Oman’ mobile app, portfolio monitoring, and pledge options were also highlighted.
Ibrahim bin Ahmed al Balushi from the Muscat Clearing and Depository Company announced a three-year waiver on transfer agent fees for companies joining under the programme. He also introduced a comprehensive suite of services designed for issuers and investors in the Promising Companies Market.
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