MSX Completes Regulatory, Operational Frameworks for Connectivity with Regional, International Markets

Muscat, 19 Jan 2026 (ONA) --- Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX), in collaboration with the Tabadul Hub, announced the signing of a series of agreements with regional and international financial markets, namely the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) and the Astana International Exchange (AIX).

The agreements complete the contractual, regulatory, and operational frameworks required to connect Muscat Stock Exchange with these markets through the Tabadul Hub. In parallel, an agreement was concluded between Muscat Clearing and Depository (MCD) and the Tabadul Hub to facilitate the clearing and settlement of transactions executed by licensed Omani brokerage firms.

On this occasion, Haitham Salim Al Salmi, CEO of MSX, stated that this step represents a continuation of the MSX’s approach to strengthening its regulatory and operational infrastructure. He noted that it reflects MSX’s commitment to enhancing the integration of the Omani market with regional and international trading ecosystems, contributing to improved market efficiency, expanded investment options, and sustainable growth over the medium and long term.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior executives and representatives of relevant markets and institutions, including the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) as the operator of the Tabadul Hub, alongside representatives from the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange (KASE) and Astana International Exchange (AIX) and their respective central securities depositories , in addition to the Muscat Clearing and Depository (MCD) and a number of brokerage firms.

In this context, Abdullah Salim Al Nuaimi, CEO of the Tabadul Hub, explained that Tabadul continues to undertake its role as a regional enabler of market connectivity through an integrated operating model that balances expanded market access with the highest standards of governance and compliance, enabling brokerage firms and investors to benefit from a secure and interconnected trading environment.

Tabadul Hub ecosystem currently includes several exchanges, namely Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, Muscat Stock Exchange, Kazakhstan Stock Exchange, Astana International Exchange, the Armenia Stock Exchange, and the Bahrain Bourse.The signing of these agreements by MSX and MCD comes as part of completing their integration with the KASE and AIX through bilateral contractual arrangements that regulate the operational relationship and clearly define roles, responsibilities, and working mechanisms.

In this regard, Adil Mukhamejanov, the Chairperson of KASE stated that completing the contractual arrangements with Muscat Stock Exchange reflects an advanced level of operational readiness between both sides and represents an important step toward strengthening connectivity between the capital markets of Central Asia and the Middle East, contributing to broader investment access and increased investor interaction.

The agreements signed between MSX and both KASE and AIX cover the regulation of remote trading mechanisms through the Tabadul Hub. These arrangements enable licensed brokerage firms at MSX to access the connected markets in accordance with clear registration and accreditation procedures, while applying the host market’s rules related to trading, disclosure, and supervision, and preserving the regulatory independence of each market.

In this context, Zharas Musabekov, the CFO of AIX affirmed that this step represents a pivotal milestone in the operational integration of connected markets, contributing to a more open and efficient trading environment and enhancing the attractiveness of participating markets to regional and international investors.

Additionally, the agreements signed between MCD and the Tabadul Hub to governing the rules and procedures for the clearing and settlement of securities under the Remote Trading Members framework across participating markets through Tabadul. The agreement regulates the clearing and settlement processes for transactions executed by Omani members in participating markets via the Tabadul Hub, as well as transactions executed by non-Omani members from all Tabadul-connected markets trading on MSX. It further defines the role of MCD in this process.

In this context, Mohamed Said Al Abri, CEO of MCD, stated: “This agreement represents a strategic step toward expanding access to regional markets and opening new channels for foreign investment. It also enhances investor confidence through compliance with internationally recognized capital market standards. The agreement establishes a clear framework for collateral management, trade settlement, and trading limits, while completing the regulatory foundations governing clearing and depository operations and defining the core infrastructure frameworks of the capital market. This ensures the protection of the rights of all relevant parties. Moreover, the agreement contributes to opening access to new markets, while safeguarding operational integrity and mitigating risks.”

Under these arrangements, clearing and settlement operations will be executed through coordination between MCD and the clearing and depository centers of the KASE and AIX, in accordance with the rules applicable in each market, ensuring the seamless movement of securities and cash settlements across connected markets.

Within the broader strategic vision, Haitham Al Salmi, CEO of MSX, emphasized that completing connectivity through the Tabadul Hub goes beyond being an operational step, forming part of a comprehensive strategic vision aimed at strengthening the position of Oman’s capital market within regional and international market ecosystems. This vision seeks to create a more open and diversified investment environment that supports investment attraction and enables brokerage firms and investors to benefit from broader opportunities, while maintaining the highest levels of governance and compliance, in line with Oman’s efforts to develop the financial sector and enhance its role in supporting the national economy.

This development is expected to have a positive impact on market depth and investor base diversification by enabling greater opportunities for cross-market trading and strengthening interaction among participating markets, thereby supporting sustainable growth and reinforcing confidence in the regulatory and operational infrastructure of the capital market.

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