IFSB Summit on the future of Islamic finance begins in Muscat

Business Tuesday 03/February/2026 15:07 PM
By: ONA
IFSB Summit on the future of Islamic finance begins in Muscat

Muscat: The Central Bank of Oman (CBO), in collaboration with the Islamic Financial Services Board, organised the 17th IFSB Summit in Muscat, held under the theme “Islamic Finance for the Future: Breaking New Ground for Global Impact.”

The Summit brings together senior policymakers, central bank governors, industry leaders, and representatives from intergovernmental institutions and academia from more than 40 countries, reinforcing its position as a leading global platform for advancing dialogue and cooperation in Islamic finance.

In his welcoming address, Ahmed Jaafar Al Musalmi, Governor of the Central Bank of Oman, highlighted the growing relevance of Islamic finance’s ethical foundations, transparency, and strong linkages to the real economy, particularly in the face of global economic uncertainty, rapid technological transformation, and climate-related risks.

He also underscored the Sultanate of Oman’s steady progress in building a resilient Islamic finance sector since its introduction in 2012, supported by a robust regulatory and supervisory framework.Aligned with Oman Vision 2040, the Summit discussions focus on the role of Islamic finance in driving economic diversification, enhancing financial inclusion, promoting sustainability, and strengthening resilience and social development, including women and youth empowerment.

The three-day programme features high-level plenary sessions, governors’ and CEOs’ forums, and technical discussions covering fintech innovation, capital markets, liquidity management, sustainability, crisis preparedness, youth engagement, social impact, and Sharia governance. Particular emphasis is placed on strengthening integration across Islamic banking, capital markets, and takaful.

The Summit further reinforces international cooperation among IFSB member jurisdictions and showcases the Sultanate of Oman as an attractive investment destination, highlighting opportunities across priority sectors including logistics, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, tourism, and the digital economy.

The event reaffirms the Sultanate of Oman’s commitment to an internationally aligned Islamic finance framework and its continued contribution to the future growth, resilience, and global impact of the Islamic financial services industry.