The Oman Securities Association has announced the launch of the Leadership and Excellence Forum and Awards for the Omani Capital Market Sector 2026. The initiative aims to incentivize market institutions to enhance performance, develop financial services, and boost competitiveness within Oman’s capital markets.
The forum and accompanying awards were inaugurated under the patronage of Haitham bin Salim al Salmi, Chief Executive Officer of the Muscat Stock Exchange. This effort aligns with broader goals to attract investment and improve the efficiency and dynamism of Oman’s financial sector.
The awards are designed to recognize institutional achievements and contributions to the market, investors, and the national economy beyond traditional financial metrics. The launch event included detailed presentations on the forum’s purpose, award categories, evaluation criteria, and judging methodology, as well as information on partnership and sponsorship opportunities.
Mustafa Ahmed Salman, Chairman of the Oman Securities Association, emphasized that the initiative seeks to foster collaboration among market institutions and stimulate professional competition grounded in quality performance and measurable results. According to Salman, highlighting successful institutional practices could serve as valuable benchmarks for others seeking to enhance their operations. He added that the forum would serve as a platform for market leaders and experts to exchange ideas, discuss development prospects, and deepen cooperation.
Salman stressed the importance of integrity in the awards process, noting that clear criteria, independent evaluation, and a transparent selection process are essential. A key principle is the separation of sponsorship roles from judging decisions to preserve the awards’ credibility.
Ayman bin Ahmed al Shanfari, Director General of the Oman Securities Association, outlined five main award categories: brokerage and trading performance; investment, asset management and funds; listed companies and market achievements; innovation, resilience and specialized services; and leadership and corporate recognition. Evaluation will consider factors such as financial performance, service quality, governance, disclosure, investor relations, digital transformation, sustainability, and operational excellence. Additional criteria include financial and technical analysis, innovative marketing efforts, challenge management, and crowdfunding institution performance.
Eligible participants include public joint-stock and listed companies; securities, brokerage, investment, and asset management firms; investment funds; as well as conventional and Islamic banks. The awards also welcome applications from crowdfunding platforms, financial technology entities, financial analysis firms, and individual leaders and professionals active in the sector.
Al Salmi highlighted recent accomplishments achieved through collaboration between the Muscat Stock Exchange and market participants. Trading value has risen significantly, exceeding RO 9 billion since the start of the year compared to about RO 5 billion in the previous year. He credited these gains to ongoing cooperation and initiatives aimed at upgrading the exchange. The next stage will focus on expanding the investor base, diversifying the range of traded securities and products, and improving liquidity further.
Registration and award nominations are open from October 4 to October 29, inviting institutions and individuals to participate in recognizing excellence across Oman’s capital markets.