Monday 02 / November / 2026
Muscat: The Network Forum Middle East 2026 kicked off today in Muscat, hosted by Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX) in collaboration with Muscat Clearing & Depository (MCD).
The event brings together representatives from regional and international capital markets and financial institutions.
The forum aims to discuss key developments and emerging trends in the financial sector, exchange expertise, and strengthen opportunities for cooperation and partnerships among capital market institutions.
The first day featured a series of specialised discussions covering “Vision 2040, Regulatory Development & Future Market Modernisation,” “Local and Regional Economic Outlook,” and “Product Innovation in GCC Capital Markets,” alongside discussions on the key opportunities and challenges facing financial institutions across the region.
The sessions also explored the role of emerging technologies in advancing the financial sector, including “Tokenisation: Hype, Opportunity or Market Transformation?” and “Digital Assets, Crypto Custody and the Future of Asset Servicing.” Further discussions addressed “Latest AI Research Survey Findings” and “AI, Automation and Data Analytics in Securities Services,” highlighting the role of these technologies in enhancing securities services and operational efficiency.
The forum provided a platform for exchanging perspectives and expertise on the future of capital markets, showcasing regional and international experiences in developing financial services and improving operational efficiency.
It also offered an opportunity to explore ways to strengthen cooperation among financial institutions and respond to the rapid transformations taking place across the sector.
Commenting on the forum, Badr Hamoud Al Hinai, Chief Operating Officer of Muscat Stock Exchange, said: “Muscat Stock Exchange’s hosting of The Network Forum Middle East 2026 reflects our commitment to strengthening the Sultanate of Oman’s position as a hub for dialogue and knowledge exchange among regional and international financial institutions, while opening new avenues for cooperation and partnerships in the capital markets sector.
“Such gatherings are particularly important amid the ongoing transformations in financial markets, which present both opportunities and challenges that call for the exchange of perspectives, experiences, and international best practices.”
He added that “The forum’s discussions reflect the key trends shaping the future of capital markets, from innovation in financial products and services to digital assets, artificial intelligence, and greater integration among regional markets.
“We look forward to the discussions and exchange of expertise contributing to the development of Oman’s capital market, enhancing its efficiency and competitiveness in line with Muscat Stock Exchange’s strategic priorities and the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.”
For his part, Mohammed Said Al Abri, Chief Executive Officer of Muscat Clearing & Depository, said: “Hosting The Network Forum Middle East 2026 represents an important opportunity to strengthen the Sultanate of Oman’s presence in regional and international dialogue on the future of capital markets and to facilitate the exchange of expertise among institutions operating in the sector. It also reflects our commitment to supporting the development of Oman’s capital market infrastructure, enhancing its efficiency and competitiveness, and keeping pace with the rapid transformations taking place in financial markets.”
He added: “The forum’s key themes are becoming increasingly significant in light of ongoing developments in capital markets, particularly in the areas of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, asset tokenisation, and the advancement of clearing, settlement, and post-trade services. We believe that knowledge sharing and stronger cooperation among markets are fundamental to building more interconnected, resilient, and attractive investment markets. These efforts support the aspirations of Oman’s capital market and align with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 in promoting economic diversification and competitiveness.”
The forum will continue tomorrow with sessions focusing on “Driving Regional Market Integration and Cross-Border Investment” and “Accelerating Post-Trade Efficiency: The Road to T+1 and Beyond,” exploring efforts to enhance post-trade efficiency and shorten the securities settlement cycle to one business day (T+1).
The second day will also feature a discussion on “The Future of Middle East Capital Markets and Post-Trade,” examining the outlook for capital markets and post-trade services across the region.
The forum is being held as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement among financial institutions, facilitate knowledge and expertise exchange, and create new opportunities for cooperation and partnerships, contributing to the continued development of capital markets at both regional and international levels.
