"Financial Markets Communication Forum" discusses the future of regional markets and ways to enhance integration in Muscat

The 2026 Middle East Capital Markets Connectivity Forum commenced yesterday, Monday, in Muscat, to discuss the key trends shaping the future of capital markets, ranging from innovation in financial products and services to digital assets and artificial intelligence, as well as enhancing integration among regional markets.

Badr Al Hinaidi, Chief Operating Officer of the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSE), the forum’s organizer, emphasized the forum’s importance amid the transformations underway in financial markets, which present both opportunities and challenges that necessitate the exchange of views and experiences and the adoption of international best practices. He stated that hosting the forum by the MSE underscores its commitment to strengthening Oman’s position as a hub for dialogue and knowledge exchange among regional and international financial institutions, and to opening broader avenues for cooperation and partnerships in the capital markets sector. He expressed hope that the discussions and knowledge sharing during the forum would contribute to supporting efforts to develop the Omani capital market, enhancing its efficiency and competitiveness in line with the strategic directions of the MSE and the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

For his part, Mohammed Al Abri, Chief Executive Officer of Muscat Clearing and Depository Company, said in a similar address that the forum’s themes are gaining increasing importance amid developments in capital markets, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, asset tokenization, and the development of clearing, settlement, and post-trade services. Al Abri stressed the importance of exchanging expertise and enhancing cooperation among markets, as they represent a “fundamental pillar” for building more interconnected, resilient, and investment-attractive markets, thereby supporting the aspirations of the Omani capital market and aligning with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 in promoting economic diversification and competitiveness.

Representatives from regional and international capital markets and financial institutions are participating in the forum to discuss the most prominent developments and trends in the financial sector, exchange expertise, and enhance opportunities for cooperation and partnerships among institutions operating in capital markets.

The forum’s first day featured a number of specialized panel sessions covering Oman Vision 2040, regulatory developments, and the modernization of financial markets, alongside presentations on local and regional economic outlooks, innovation in Gulf capital market products, and the key opportunities and challenges facing financial institutions in the region.

Discussions also addressed the role of modern technologies in developing the financial sector, including asset tokenization, digital assets, and custody services, as well as the latest trends in artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics, and their role in enhancing securities services and improving operational efficiency.

The forum’s sessions are scheduled to continue tomorrow, Tuesday, focusing on strengthening integration among regional financial markets and facilitating cross-border investment, as well as improving the efficiency of post-trade operations. The agenda will also include discussions on trends related to shortening the securities transaction settlement cycle to one business day (T+1), and exploring the future of capital markets and post-trade services in the Middle East region.

The forum is organized to enhance communication among financial institutions, facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and open new horizons for cooperation and partnerships, thereby keeping pace with developments in capital markets at both the regional and international levels.