In line with its communication plan following the issuance of the Executive Regulation of the Securities Law under Decision No. 11/2026, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) held a symposium on the regulation, attended by representatives of firms operating in the securities sector, capital market institutions and securities issuers. The symposium aimed to highlight the key provisions and regulatory requirements introduced under the regulation and explain their implications for the operations of relevant institutions and entities. It also sought to promote a common understanding of the requirements and procedures, support the effective implementation of the regulation and strengthen the protection of investors and market participants.

Ahmed bin Ali Al Mamari, Executive Vice President at the FSA, opened the symposium with a speech in which he affirmed that the Executive Regulation of the Securities Law marks a new phase in the development of Oman's capital market by strengthening the regulatory environment and expanding financing and investment options, thereby supporting market growth, improving efficiency and enhancing its ability to attract investment.

He explained that the regulation is based on five main pillars, the first of which focuses on expanding financing channels and regulating non-banking financial activities according to the nature and risks of each activity. This includes developing regulatory frameworks for existing activities and introducing regulations for new activities, including investment banking and asset management, to enhance the market's ability to provide diverse financing and investment solutions.

He noted that the regulation also includes provisions aimed at strengthening the protection of market participants and improving disclosure and governance procedures, with particular emphasis on ensuring the immediate and fair disclosure of material information.

Al Mamari added that the regulation places considerable emphasis on diversifying investment products and opportunities by establishing regulatory frameworks for various types of investment funds, including exchange-traded funds, venture capital funds, private equity funds, and green and sustainable funds.

The regulation also seeks to strengthen market integrity and soundness by prohibiting insider trading and practices that artificially influence prices, ensuring fair and transparent transactions and enhancing confidence among local and international investors.

The symposium featured four working papers covering the regulatory provisions governing capital market institutions and entities operating in the securities sector, the regulation of collective investment funds, provisions aimed at strengthening the principle of continuous supervision, and regulatory requirements relating to disclosure. The papers reviewed the key regulatory requirements and obligations, with a focus on enhancing institutions' understanding of the regulation and its implementation mechanisms.

The first paper examined the provisions governing capital market institutions and entities operating in the securities sector, including licensing requirements, minimum capital and equity requirements according to the nature of each activity, as well as governance, compliance and controls governing the conduct of licensed activities. It also addressed the obligations of licensed entities to protect clients' funds and assets and segregate them from their own funds and assets. In addition, the paper covered procedures governing acquisitions of control, mergers, suspension of activities and cancellation of licences, with the aim of promoting sound practices and safeguarding clients' rights.

The second paper focused on developing the regulatory framework for collective investment funds, highlighting the key changes introduced under the Executive Regulation of the Securities Law compared with the previous regulation. These included consolidating the provisions governing investment funds and incorporating the regulation of real estate investment funds, defining fund categories and requirements for their establishment and the offering of their units, and regulating Sharia supervision of Sharia-compliant funds. The paper also examined provisions governing private subscriptions, pre-emptive rights, mergers, dissolution and liquidation, with the aim of strengthening the protection of unitholders and supporting the diversification of investment opportunities.

The third paper addressed provisions aimed at strengthening the principle of continuous supervision by reviewing requirements relating to periodic financial reports, capital adequacy reports and compliance examinations, as well as reports on compliance with rules governing the segregation of clients' funds and assets. It also highlighted amendments to certain reporting deadlines and the introduction of new supervisory requirements designed to enhance the FSA's ability to monitor the financial and operational positions of regulated entities and verify their compliance with regulatory requirements.

The fourth paper examined the provisions governing disclosure and the key amendments aimed at improving the quality of financial information and determining the timing of its disclosure to market participants. It reviewed requirements for the immediate disclosure of material information, periodic financial disclosures and preliminary financial results, including explanations of material changes in financial performance.

The paper also highlighted new provisions concerning the correction of published financial statements, the updating of essential information, and the handling of information and rumours circulating through the media and social media platforms. It further addressed enhanced supervision of transactions conducted by insiders and the role of the stock exchange and brokers in preventing the misuse of inside information, thereby supporting market transparency and fair trading practices.

The symposium also featured extensive discussions and technical and legal enquiries from representatives of participating entities. These discussions provided an opportunity for participants to obtain clarification and share their views, which will contribute to the development of detailed rules to be issued subsequently by the FSA, as stipulated in the regulation.

The symposium forms part of the FSA's efforts to strengthen direct communication with relevant stakeholders, promote a common understanding of regulatory requirements and procedures, support the effective implementation of the regulation, and enhance coordination between regulatory provisions and their practical application.