Oman offers a well-developed financial market and
ease of access to loans facilitates. The ease of access
to loans is amongst the highest in the world, Oman
currently ranks 9th globally. Banks in Oman have
highly regulated frameworks that place its system as
one of the best in the GCC.
Oman’s bank credits to the private sector grew at a
CAGR of 10.2% between 2009-13 and reached
US$37bn in 2014. The increased levels of credit
towards the private sector provides an attractive
climate for foreign players looking to invest in Oman.
In an effort to support the growth of start-ups and
small businesses, The Central Bank of Oman (CBO)
has specified that 5% of commercial bank loans be
provided to SMEs. Oman Venture Capital Company
(Ethmar) has recently been established with an
initial fund of US$27million - the Fund is designed
to support high-risk projects.