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Oman Digital Banking 2025: Licensing, Shareholding & Market Entry Guide

Oman's new Banking Law, enacted in early 2025 under Sultani Decree No. 2/2025, officially recognizes and regulates digital banks. The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) is responsible for regulating these digital banks, as per Article 9 of the new law. This indicates a significant shift in the regulatory landscape, adapting to the rise of digital banking within the country's financial sector. The new law introduces substantial changes to the framework governing banking and financial institutions. This regulatory update provides a structured environment for digital banks to operate. Muscat: Oman’s Central Bank (CBO) has released Decision 25 of 2025, the kingdom’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for “digital banks.” Under the new Banking Law, digital banks—licensed institutions that operate solely via online and mobile channels—must comply with bespoke rules on capital, ownership, governance, Omanisation and consumer safeguards being effective on 1 June 2025. Below is a concise roadmap to the regime’s core requirements. 1.     License Categories & Capital Requirements   Category Scope Minimum Paid-Up Capital Category 1 Full banking operations without restrictions OMR 30 million (Omani joint-stock); branch: per CBO Category 2 Banking with limits on deposits (max 1% per customer) and loans OMR 10 million (Omani joint-stock); branch: per CBO (Restrictions (i) & (ii) exempt for 2 years)       Both categories must meet phased Omanisation targets (50% staff Year 1 up to 90% Year 5).   2.     Shareholding Caps & Cross-Bank Limits Shareholder Type Maximum Voting-Shareholding   Individual + Related Parties 15% Incorporated Body + Related 25% Holding/Joint-Stock Company 35% ≥ 10% in Bank A ⇒ Max 15% in Bank B Specialty cross-bank limit to prevent concentration   3.     Licensing Prerequisites Applicants must demonstrate ·        Industry & Tech Expertise: Proven fintech/banking track record and IT capabilities ·        Fit & Proper Owners/Board/Management: CBO vetting on integrity and competence ·        Corporate Documentation: Draft Articles, UBO details, sanctions-screening certificates ·        Solid Business Plan: Including financial-inclusion strategy, IT architecture, capital-adequacy assessment, profitability path, and customer-support framework ·        Foreign-Branch Approvals: Home-country regulator sign-off and no-objection for CBO’s joint supervision 4. Application Process & Timeline ·        Pre-Submission Consultation: Engage CBO early to validate your business concept and capital plan ·        Formal Filing: Submit full application with required documents ·        CBO Decision: Within 90 days of “complete” application—silence equals approval ·        In-Principle Approval Validity: 12 months to satisfy incorporation and licence-issuance steps (extensions possible) 5. Mandatory Exit Plan All applicants must include a 5-year exit strategy covering: ·        Management triggers for wind-down ·        Customer-fund safeguarding and service-continuity steps ·        Liquidity sources for an orderly exit (excluding CBO emergency support) ·        Identified impediments and mitigation measures 6. Who Should Act Now? ·        Global and GCC Digital Banks: Seeking GCC market entry without physical-branch costs ·        Fintech Investors: Targeting Oman’s underbanked segments via mobile-first services ·        Existing Omani Banks: Exploring digital-only subsidiaries or spin-outs Conclusion   Oman’s new digital-banking framework is more than a regulatory milestone—it’s a catalyst for economic transformation. By lowering barriers to entry, promoting fintech innovation and expanding digital financial services, the regime will drive greater competition, deepen financial inclusion and unlock capital flows into underserved segments of the economy. As digital banks harness cutting-edge technology to serve businesses and consumers more efficiently, they will spur job creation, bolster MSME growth and strengthen Oman’s position as a regional fintech hub.   In embracing a digitally driven banking sector, Oman is laying the foundation for a more resilient, diversified and future-ready economy—one in which innovation thrives, financial services are universally accessible, and sustainable growth becomes the norm.   ALKETBI TOUCH Oman’s digital-banking regime offers a fast track to fully licensed, tech-driven banking operations—if you meet its stringent capital, ownership and governance tests. Our Banking & Finance team may assist you with: (a) Pre-application strategy and CBO consultations, (b) Drafting and vetting business plans, governance manuals and exit plans, (c) Preparing fit-and-proper submissions and Omanisation roadmaps, (d) Liaising with CBO on application reviews, queries and licence issuance. Contact us today to map your digital-bank entry into Oman’s burgeoning online-banking market.

OTC CRYPTO TRADING 2025: PRIVACY, LIQUIDITY & INSTITUTIONAL GROWTH IN THE UAE

Over-the-counter (OTC) crypto trading, as described in the provided context, involves the direct exchange of digital assets between two parties, bypassing public exchanges. This method is particularly relevant for large trades, addressing challenges inherent in executing significant transactions within the crypto market. Select UAE licensed Virtual Assets Broker dealers offer digital asset infrastructure solutions and integrated payment systems, potentially streamlining these OTC transactions and improving efficiency. The provided information emphasizes the direct nature of OTC trading and the potential for solutions to improve transaction processes. Dubai: OTC crypto trading—direct deals between buyers and sellers outside public exchanges—has evolved from informal miner-to-miner swaps into a sophisticated, fully regulated market pillar. In 2025, OTC desks in hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi underpin institutional inflows, bespoke execution strategies and robust compliance, making them essential infrastructure for large-scale digital-asset transactions. 1. Key Trends Fueling OTC Growth Institutional Allocations Surge •           Bitcoin ETFs, sovereign-fund mandates and hedge-fund entries have driven record OTC volumes in Q1 2025. UAE as a Regulatory Hub •           VARA (Dubai) and ADGM-FSRA (Abu Dhabi) have published clear licensing frameworks for OTC desks, attracting global operators. Stablecoins & CBDCs •           USDC, USDT and emerging Central Bank Digital Currencies dominate settlements—enabling 24/7 cross-border transfers with minimal volatility. 2. OTC vs. Traditional Exchanges Exchange Challenges: Public order books can trigger slippage, front-running and undesirable price moves. OTC Advantages: ·       Discreet Block Liquidity: Execute large trades privately without revealing intent. ·       Tailored Settlements: Choose fiat, stablecoins or future CBDCs for settlement. ·       Speed & Efficiency: Streamlined processes reduce settlement risk and latency. 3. Evolving OTC Models Model Description Bilateral Trading Ultra-high-value, relationship-driven deals with bespoke escrow and legal agreements. Broker-Facilitated Core OTC structure: licensed desks match counterparties, vet clients and execute trades. Automated Platforms Hybrid solutions offering algorithmic matching and human oversight for complex, large-size orders.   4. Why Clients Opt for OTC Desks •           Market Impact Reduction: Preserve execution prices on multi-million-dollar orders. •           Privacy & Discretion: No public order-book footprints or trade alerts. •           Custom Reporting & Insights: Access market-intel, pricing analytics and trade-timing advisories. •           Regulatory Confidence: Fully licensed desks uphold UAE AML/KYC and FATF standards. 5. Choosing the Right UAE OTC Partner Assess desks on four pillars: •           Regulatory Status: Confirm authorization under VARA, ADGM-FSRA or DFSA. •           Local & Cross-Border Liquidity: Ability to settle in AED, USD, stablecoins or CBDCs. •           Security Architecture: Multi-signature wallets, cold-storage protocols and insured custody. •           Track Record: High-value transaction history, institutional client references and transparent fee schedules. 6. Primary Use Cases in 2025 •           Family Offices & HNWIs: Discreet portfolio rebalancing and wealth-preservation moves. •           Corporate Treasuries: Offset FX risk and manage stablecoin reserve liquidity. •           Fintech & Remittance Firms: Secure on-chain settlement rails at competitive rates. •           Miners & Validators: Convert mined tokens into fiat or stablecoins with minimal market impact. Conclusion Institutional-Grade OTC as Your Competitive Edge OTC crypto trading has matured into a cornerstone of the digital-asset ecosystem—especially in the UAE’s regulated hubs. Whether you’re launching a licensed OTC desk, sourcing deep liquidity for treasury management or executing block trades for institutional portfolios, a compliant, high-touch approach is non-negotiable. ALKETBI TOUCH Our Virtual Assets team provides end-to-end licensing, compliance and structuring support for OTC operators in the UAE. From regulatory applications through to AML/KYC program design and operational readiness, we ensure your desk meets VARA, ADGM-FSRA and DFSA standards—so you can focus on trading and growth. Contact us today to explore your OTC licensing strategy and unlock institutional liquidity opportunities in the UAE.

Qatar Travel & Air Freight Law 2025: Full Foreign Ownership, Licensing & Compliance

The new regulation, Law No. 3, concerning the regulation of Travel and Air Freight Offices in Qatar, was introduced in 2025. Specifically, the provided sources indicate the regulation was published around May 20-22, 2025, repealing Law No. 26 of 2006. This law introduces a significant regulatory framework impacting the operation of travel and air freight offices within Qatar. Doha: Effective immediately, Law No. 3 of 2025 introduces a comprehensive regulatory regime for travel and air freight offices in Qatar, repealing previous laws and aligning national standards with international aviation practices. Key takeaways include new licensing frameworks, operational standards, and the landmark elimination of the 51% local-ownership requirement—enabling full foreign ownership in both sectors. 2. Definitions ·        Travel Offices: Entities handling ticketing, travel arrangements, baggage transportation, and related services. ·        Air Freight Offices: Entities managing air cargo, baggage shipment, and (with special approval) hazardous materials. ·        Hazardous Materials: Substances that pose risk to health, property or the environment; classification follows ICAO guidelines. 3. Licensing Requirements To legally operate, Travel or Air Freight Offices must: ·        Be registered Qatari companies under the Commercial Companies Law. ·        Operate from approved premises—or via Qatari-hosted websites upon proper clearance. ·        Employ qualified personnel. ·        Secure fire insurance and issue a bank guarantee as determined by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA). 4. Application & Objection Process ·        The QCAA must issue a decision within 30 days of a complete application. ·        Silence equals rejection—applicants may object to the Director within 30 days. ·        Licenses are valid for one year and renewable upon timely application and fee payment. 5. Operating Conditions & Obligations Travel Offices Must: ·        Follow international ticketing rules and avoid fraudulent practices. Air Freight Offices Must: ·        Comply with global airway bill and pricing standards. ·        Obtain specific approval and train staff when handling hazardous materials. Branch Establishment: Prior QCAA approval and fee payment are mandatory for opening branches. 6. Penalties & Enforcement The QCAA may issue notices, suspend licenses (up to 3 months), or close non-compliant offices (15 days, extendable). Grounds for license revocation include: ·        Fraudulent applications ·        Operating beyond scope ·        Failing to renew or commence within six months ·        Unauthorized assignment of license Fines: ·        Up to QAR 200,000 for hazardous-material violations ·        Up to QAR 50,000 for other infractions ·        Responsible managers may face personal penalties for oversight failures 7. Foreign Ownership Reform One of the most impactful updates under Law No. 3 of 2025 is the removal of the 51% Qatari/GCC ownership requirement. This opens both sectors to 100% foreign ownership, offering significant opportunities for international logistics providers, travel operators, and franchise investors seeking entry into Qatar’s aviation-support ecosystem.   ALKETBI TOUCH Our Regulatory & Commercial team assists clients with: ·        Company formation and licensing under the new law ·        Bank guarantee structuring, staff accreditation and insurance compliance ·        Website-based operations clearance ·        Handling license objections, renewals and amendments ·        Advising on full foreign ownership restructuring options For tailored advice or to launch your Qatar travel or freight operations in full compliance with Law No. 3 of 2025, feel free to reach out!

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