MUSCAT: The total credit extended by conventional commercial banks in the Sultanate of Oman grew by 7.3 per cent by the end of August 2025, reflecting the continued expansion of lending activity in support of private sector growth.
Credit extended to the private sector rose by 4.5 per cent to reach RO 21.4 billion, according to the latest statistics from the Central Bank of Oman (CBO).
The data showed that total investments of conventional banks in securities declined by 3.2 per cent to around RO 6.1 billion. However, investments in government development bonds increased by 12 per cent year-on-year, reaching RO 2.2 billion. Investments in foreign securities dropped by 7 per cent to RO 2.3 billion.
On the liabilities side, total deposits at conventional commercial banks increased by 5.5 per cent to RO 26.1 billion by the end of August 2025. Government deposits rose sharply by 9.6 per cent to approximately RO 5.9 billion, while deposits from public sector institutions fell by 7.8 per cent to around RO 1.7 billion.
Private sector deposits grew by 6.1 per cent to RO 17.5 billion, representing 67 per cent of total deposits held by conventional banks. The figures underscore steady confidence in Oman’s banking system and the resilience of credit growth amid evolving economic conditions. — ONA
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