Through a select group of senior market participants, we review recent developments in Omani Islamic banking, finance, Takaful and investment and ask if expectations have been matched, exceeded or otherwise. We examine industry consolidation and assess the efficacy of various operational models for Islamic banks – standalone and windows – whilst at the same time examining pressing issues such as liquidity management as part of the Sultanate’s Islamic Banking Regulatory Framework. We also discuss what a deposit insurance scheme would look like in Oman and assess what can be learnt from other Islamic finance centers that have successfully implemented such schemes.

We assess the latest developments in digital banking and FinTech and analyse likely industry shifts, regulation and developments in product and delivery channels across a range of product areas. What does the advancement of technology and in particular, Blockchain, mean for Islamic financial institutions in Oman and the Gulf region?

With Oman witnessing notable recent Sukuk issuance, we look ahead and ask how financial institutions and corporates can further access Islamic capital markets for liquidity and funding purposes. In the absence of more established liquidity management tools, what role can capital markets play and what do innovative products such as short term Sukuk offer? How significant is the listing of capital market instruments on MSM and how will this deepen secondary markets and increase the tradability of Sukuk? Finally, we ask what’s next for Oman’s real estate market and where do Islamic banks and capital markets play a role?

What rationale do potential and past issuers use for evaluating the offerings of Islamic capital markets? What lessons can be learnt from recent issues in Oman? We examine factors for success including structures, pricing, ratings, distribution, market conditions and credit enhancement.

What’s next for collective investment and Islamic asset management in Oman and how can the industry ensure continued growth? We examine the demands of corporate and institutional investors and assess the role of existing and innovative structures such as ETFs, Waqf, Sukuk and infrastructure funds. What innovation can still take place and what, if anything can be done to increase the appeal and take-up of REITs?