Oman Witnesses Impressive 8.7% Surge in Bank Credit and 7% Growth in Deposits

Oman Witnesses Impressive 8.7% Surge in Bank Credit and 7% Growth in Deposits

The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) recently reported a significant increase in credit granted by banks in the country. The data reveals an 8.7% surge, which brings the total to OMR30.3 billion as of the end of July 2023. The report also highlighted a 9.3% rise in credit granted to the private sector, reaching a total of OMR25.5 billion.

Breakdown of Credit Distribution

The report also detailed how the credit was distributed among different sectors. Non-financial corporations received the largest share at 45.9%, followed by the household sector at 44.5%. A smaller share was received by financial companies and other sectors, at 5.9% and 3.7% respectively.

Deposits in the Banking Sector Also On The Rise

Not only credit, but the total deposits in the banking sector also saw an increase. The report noted a growth of 7%, bringing the total to OMR27.6 billion. Private sector deposits also increased by 6.5%, reaching a total of OMR18.2 billion.

Distribution of Deposits in the Private Sector

The distribution of the total deposit base in the private sector showed that the household sector held the largest share at 51.1%. This was followed by non-financial corporations at 30.4% and financial companies at 15.6%. The remaining 2.9% was distributed among other sectors.

Implications of the Report

The main takeaways from this report indicate a healthy growth in Oman’s banking sector, with both credit and deposits witnessing significant increases. This growth is largely driven by the private sector, with non-financial corporations and households being the primary beneficiaries. This data provides valuable insight into the financial behavior of different sectors in the country, highlighting the robust nature of the banking sector and its continued growth.

What This Means for Oman’s Economy

The surge in credit and deposits in Oman’s banking sector is a clear indication of economic growth and stability. The increase in credit to non-financial corporations and households indicates a strong private sector, which is a key driver of economic growth. Furthermore, the rise in deposits indicates a rise in savings, which could lead to increased investment and further economic growth. These trends suggest that Oman’s economy is on a positive trajectory, with a robust and growing banking sector playing a key role.