MUSCAT, OCT 19
The Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) has announced the transfer of six listed collective investment funds from its Parallel Market to a dedicated Collective Investment Funds Market, marking a further step towards strengthening the organisation, visibility and accessibility of investment products in Oman’s capital market.
The transfer, effective October 18, 2026, follows Administrative Decision No. 129/2026, issued on October 15 and signed by Bader Hamood al Hinai, Chief Operating Officer of MSX.
The decision covers AMAN Real Estate Fund, Oman Real Estate Fund, The Pearl Real Estate Fund, Jabal Real Estate Fund, Epicure Vision GCC Fund and Oman Gateway Fund, all of which were previously listed on the Parallel Market.
The move establishes a distinct trading classification for collective investment funds, separating them from conventional corporate securities and providing investors with a more clearly identifiable segment for accessing pooled investment vehicles.
While the decision does not itself introduce new investment products, the dedicated market classification is expected to improve the visibility of existing funds, facilitate comparisons between investment opportunities and support the broader development of Oman's asset management industry.
The initiative also comes against the backdrop of significant regulatory reforms introduced by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) through the Executive Regulation of the Securities Law, issued under Decision No. E/11/2026 in July.
The Regulation provides a comprehensive legislative framework for the establishment, management, governance and supervision of collective investment schemes. Chapter V specifically addresses these investment vehicles, including their governance arrangements and service providers.
These provisions form part of wider efforts to diversify financing and investment opportunities, strengthen investor protection and enhance the competitiveness of Oman's capital market.
Ahmed bin Ali al Mamari, Vice Executive President of the FSA, has described the new regulatory framework as a structural transformation intended to position the capital market as a major source of financing in support of Oman Vision 2040.
The reforms also introduce investment banking as a regulated activity, allowing licensed institutions to undertake investment management, product structuring, portfolio management and advisory services, among other activities.
By providing collective investment funds with a dedicated market segment, MSX is taking a complementary step towards developing a more diversified securities market. The initiative could also encourage the establishment and eventual listing of additional investment funds, subject to regulatory approvals and investor demand.
The move also coincides with Oman's recent inclusion on the FTSE Russell Watch List for potential reclassification from Frontier to Secondary Emerging Market status, underscoring the wider importance of market development and regulatory reform.
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