Oman: Fitting the pieces into place

Oman has recently opened the first interbank repo market in the Gulf and East African region. One of the quietest success stories in the world, this small Gulf country is helping to ensure future growth by the establishment of a modern financial and banking system.

The introduction of the repo market is in addition to the modernizing of the bond and bill markets that took place last year. This market, in combination with the introduction of transparency in the bond and bill markets, takes Oman a long way towards reaching OECD standards.

The repo market provides banks with a new element to manage liquidity. Banks may now arrange their liquidity more effectively by borrowing or lending funds which are secured by the underlying collateral provided by Sultanate of Oman bonds and T-bills.

The market also allows the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) to move towards a more arm's length relationship...