{"source":"Four Pillars Asia Digital Asset Policy Center","source_url":"https://policy.4pillars.io","license":"Free to reuse with attribution. Credit \"Four Pillars Asia Digital Asset Policy Center\" and link to the page you cite (every record carries its own `url`). Primary sources remain the property of their issuers.","terms_url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/developers#attribution","data":{"id":"OM","slug":"oman","iso_code":"OM","name":"Oman","region":"Middle East","region_slug":"middle-east","status":"covered","status_label":"Full dossier","headline":"Registered, not licensed: Oman has made crypto firms register for AML since 2023, but its full licensing regime is still pending.","financial_centre":"Muscat","snapshot":{"exchanges":{"name":"Exchange licensing","level":"developing","label":"Developing","rank":2,"note":"VASPs must register with the FSA for AML since 2023; the full licensing regime is still pending"},"stablecoins":{"name":"Stablecoin regime","level":"developing","label":"Developing","rank":2,"note":"No stablecoin rules; the pending FSA virtual asset framework is the only planned route"},"tokenization":{"name":"Tokenisation & RWA","level":"developing","label":"Developing","rank":2,"note":"The planned VA framework covers tokens and ICOs; the CBO sandbox has a DLT and blockchain cohort"},"retail":{"name":"Retail access","level":"restricted","label":"Restricted","rank":1,"note":"No licensed crypto platform onshore; the CBO warns crypto is not legal tender and users lack protection"},"tax":{"name":"Tax clarity","level":"developing","label":"Developing","rank":2,"note":"No crypto tax rules; a 5% personal income tax on income above OMR 42,000 starts in 2028"}},"counts":{"sources":12,"licences":1,"regulators":3},"last_reviewed":"2026-10-05","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman","api_url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/api/v1/markets/oman","story":["Oman met crypto first as a consumer risk. In July and October 2020 the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) issued public notices warning about the financial, legal and security risks of cryptocurrencies, and in December 2020 it told banks, exchange houses and payment firms to identify customers dealing in virtual assets and apply enhanced due diligence where the risk was higher. The CBO has not licensed any crypto business.","The turning point came from the securities regulator. In February 2023 the Capital Market Authority (CMA) announced plans for a full virtual asset regime covering crypto assets, tokens, exchanges and initial coin offerings, and hired the consultancy XReg and the Omani law firm SASLO to draft it. In June 2023 it issued Decision No. 35/2023, which made registration with the CMA and compliance with AML/CFT rules a condition for any virtual asset business in Oman, and in July 2023 it put the draft framework out for public consultation.","Since then the institutions have changed faster than the rules. In March 2024 the CMA was replaced by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), which took over its powers. As of October 2026 the FSA has not issued the licensing regulation promised in 2023, and a 2024 FATF review found only one registered virtual asset firm; its big rulebook of 2026 was the Securities Law Executive Regulation, which took effect in July. The CBO repeated its warning in April 2026 that cryptocurrencies are not legal tender in Oman.","For builders, Oman is an early-stage market. A firm serving Omani customers must register with the FSA and run a full AML programme, but there is no licence that allows a regulated exchange, custody or stablecoin business onshore. Tax is also changing: a 5% personal income tax on income above OMR 42,000 begins in 2028, the first in the Gulf."],"watch":["Issuance of the FSA's virtual asset regulation and licensing framework, first consulted on in July 2023.","Whether the FSA publishes a register of virtual asset service providers registered under Decision No. 35/2023.","Executive regulations for the Personal Income Tax Law and whether they address gains from virtual assets before tax starts in 2028.","Any tokenisation or DLT pilots through the CBO Fintech Regulatory Sandbox, which runs a DLT and blockchain cohort."],"key_numbers":[{"value":"0","label":"Licensed crypto exchanges or custodians onshore","as_of":"2026-10-05"},{"value":"1","label":"Virtual asset service provider registered for AML, per the FATF evaluation","as_of":"2024-12-01"},{"value":"3 months","label":"Deadline for existing VASPs to register with the regulator under Decision 35/2023","as_of":"2023-06-14"},{"value":"5%","label":"Personal income tax on income above OMR 42,000, from 1 January 2028","as_of":"2025-06-22"}],"jurisdictions":null,"regulators":[{"id":"om-fsa","abbr":"FSA","name":"Financial Services Authority (formerly the Capital Market Authority)","role":"Regulates capital markets and insurance; registers virtual asset service providers for AML and is drafting the virtual asset licensing framework.","remit":"Oman's non-bank financial regulator, which replaced the Capital Market Authority in March 2024. It supervises the securities market, listed companies, brokers and the insurance sector.","crypto":"Decision No. 35/2023 requires anyone offering virtual asset services in or to Oman to register and run AML/CFT controls. A full licensing framework went to consultation in July 2023, but as of October 2026 no licence for exchanges, custody or stablecoins exists.","licences":["Virtual asset service provider registration (AML/CFT)"],"jurisdiction":null,"source_url":"https://fsa.gov.om/","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman#regulators","market":{"slug":"oman","iso_code":"OM","name":"Oman","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman"}},{"id":"om-cbo","abbr":"CBO","name":"Central Bank of Oman","role":"Regulates banks, exchange houses and payment firms; issues crypto warnings and runs the Fintech Regulatory Sandbox.","remit":"Oman's central bank: it sets monetary policy, issues the rial, and licenses and supervises banks, exchange houses and payment service providers.","crypto":"Warned the public about crypto risks in July and October 2020 and again in April 2026, stressing that crypto is not legal tender. Since December 2020 banks and payment firms must apply enhanced due diligence to crypto customers. It has licensed no crypto business.","licences":[],"jurisdiction":null,"source_url":"https://cbo.gov.om/fintechregulatorysandbox","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman#regulators","market":{"slug":"oman","iso_code":"OM","name":"Oman","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman"}},{"id":"om-ota","abbr":"OTA","name":"Oman Tax Authority","role":"Administers corporate tax, VAT and the Personal Income Tax Law that takes effect in 2028.","remit":"Oman's tax authority: it administers corporate income tax, VAT and excise, and will run the personal income tax that starts on 1 January 2028.","crypto":"Has issued no crypto-specific tax guidance. From 2028 individuals pay 5% on income above OMR 42,000 under Royal Decree No. 56/2025; whether and how crypto gains are caught awaits the executive regulations.","licences":[],"jurisdiction":null,"source_url":"https://tms.taxoman.gov.om/portal/w/issuance-of-personal-income-tax-pit-law","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman#regulators","market":{"slug":"oman","iso_code":"OM","name":"Oman","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman"}}],"licences":[{"id":"om-virtual-asset-service-provider-registration-aml-cft","name":"Virtual asset service provider registration (AML/CFT)","regulator":{"abbr":"FSA","name":"Financial Services Authority (formerly the Capital Market Authority)","url":"https://fsa.gov.om/"},"law":"Decision No. 35/2023; AML/CFT Law (Royal Decree No. 30/2016)","covers":"Any virtual asset service offered in or from Oman by a company incorporated there, a person with a place of business there, or anyone serving Omani customers. It is a registration, not a full operating licence.","requirements":["Registration with the regulator before starting any virtual asset activity","Existing providers had three months from the decision's effective date to register","Internal AML/CFT policies and customer risk assessment","Suspicious transaction reports and information to the National Centre for Financial Information","Precautionary checks and data requirements for virtual asset transfers"],"holders":1,"holders_as_of":"2024-12-01","notable_holders":[],"register_url":null,"jurisdiction":null,"url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman/licences#lic-1","market":{"slug":"oman","iso_code":"OM","name":"Oman","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman"}}],"milestones":[{"date":"2020-07-19","date_precision":"day","title":"CBO issues its first crypto warning","detail":"The public notice cautioned users, holders and traders about the risks of cryptocurrencies."},{"date":"2020-10-06","date_precision":"day","title":"CBO repeats its cautionary notice on cryptocurrencies","detail":"The CBO again cautioned the public about the risks of using and trading cryptocurrencies."},{"date":"2020-12-30","date_precision":"day","title":"CBO tells banks to screen customers' crypto exposure","detail":"Banks, exchange houses and payment firms were told to apply enhanced due diligence to higher-risk virtual asset customers."},{"date":"2023-02-14","date_precision":"day","title":"CMA announces a virtual asset regulatory framework","detail":"It planned licensing for all VASP categories and appointed XReg Consulting and SASLO to help draft it."},{"date":"2023-06-14","date_precision":"day","title":"VASP registration becomes mandatory","detail":"Decision No. 35/2023 requires registration with the regulator and AML/CFT compliance before any virtual asset activity in Oman."},{"date":"2023-07-27","date_precision":"day","title":"Draft framework released for consultation","detail":"The CMA sought comments on its proposed virtual asset regime until 17 August 2023."},{"date":"2024-03-01","date_precision":"month","title":"Financial Services Authority replaces the CMA","detail":"Royal Decree No. 20/2024 transferred the CMA's powers, including virtual asset registration, to the new FSA."},{"date":"2024-12-01","date_precision":"month","title":"FATF publishes Oman's mutual evaluation","detail":"Oman was rated largely compliant on the virtual asset standard (R.15), with a single registered VASP."},{"date":"2025-06-22","date_precision":"day","title":"Personal Income Tax Law issued","detail":"Royal Decree No. 56/2025 introduces a 5% tax on individual income above OMR 42,000 from 2028, a first in the Gulf."},{"date":"2026-04-01","date_precision":"month","title":"CBO renews its crypto warning","detail":"It reminded the public that cryptocurrencies are not legal tender in Oman."},{"date":"2026-07-27","date_precision":"day","title":"Securities Law Executive Regulation takes effect","detail":"The FSA's new capital markets rulebook was published; the separate virtual asset regulation has not yet been issued."}],"sources":[{"id":"om-5f3ba69a","title":"The Capital Market Authority announces plans to establish the Virtual Assets Regulatory Framework","local_title":null,"issuer":"Capital Market Authority (now Financial Services Authority, FSA)","date":"2023-02-14","date_precision":"day","status":"guidance","status_label":"Guidance","category":"framework","category_label":"Core framework","topic_slug":"asset-classification","summary":"Sets out plans for a regulation covering all virtual asset activities, licensing for every VASP category and market abuse rules, covering crypto assets, tokens, exchanges and ICOs.","source_url":"https://fsa.gov.om/Home/News/9560","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman/regulation","market":{"slug":"oman","iso_code":"OM","name":"Oman","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman"}},{"id":"om-ba250232","title":"Public Consultation Paper on the Virtual Assets Regulatory Framework","local_title":null,"issuer":"Capital Market Authority (now Financial Services Authority, FSA)","date":"2023-07-27","date_precision":"day","status":"consultation","status_label":"Consultation","category":"framework","category_label":"Core framework","topic_slug":"asset-classification","summary":"Invites comments by 17 August 2023 on the draft regime. As of October 2026 the resulting licensing regulation had not been issued.","source_url":"https://fsa.gov.om/Home/News/9587","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman/regulation","market":{"slug":"oman","iso_code":"OM","name":"Oman","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman"}},{"id":"om-7fce897c","title":"CMA issues Instructions for Registration of VASPs and Implementation of AML/CTF Requirements (Decision No. 35/2023)","local_title":null,"issuer":"Capital Market Authority (now Financial Services Authority, FSA)","date":"2023-06-14","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"exchanges","category_label":"Exchanges & custody","topic_slug":"exchanges-brokerage","summary":"No one may carry on virtual asset activity in Oman without registering with the regulator. Registrants must run AML/CFT controls, report suspicious transactions to the National Centre for Financial Information and follow rules on virtual asset transfers.","source_url":"https://fsa.gov.om/Home/News/9581","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman/regulation","market":{"slug":"oman","iso_code":"OM","name":"Oman","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman"}},{"id":"om-b8e6c149","title":"Virtual Assets and Virtual Assets Service Providers (Circular BDD/AML/CB/2020/4480)","local_title":null,"issuer":"Central Bank of Oman (CBO)","date":"2020-12-30","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"banking","category_label":"Banks & prudential","topic_slug":"bank-capital","summary":"Tells banks, exchange houses and payment firms to identify customers' exposure to virtual assets and apply enhanced due diligence where risk is higher, guided by FATF standards.","source_url":"https://cbo.gov.om/sites/assets/Documents/English/Circulars/2020/Virtual%20Assets%20and%20Virtual%20Assets%20Service%20Providers.pdf","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman/regulation","market":{"slug":"oman","iso_code":"OM","name":"Oman","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman"}},{"id":"om-06726888","title":"Cautionary Notice on the Use of Cryptocurrencies","local_title":null,"issuer":"Central Bank of Oman (CBO)","date":"2020-10-06","date_precision":"day","status":"guidance","status_label":"Guidance","category":"consumer","category_label":"Investor protection","topic_slug":"investor-protection","summary":"Public warning on the financial, operational, legal and security risks of cryptocurrencies, issued on 6 October 2020 and repeating a notice of 19 July 2020.","source_url":"https://cbo.gov.om/News/194","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman/regulation","market":{"slug":"oman","iso_code":"OM","name":"Oman","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman"}},{"id":"om-e7acbe85","title":"Law on Combating Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing (Royal Decree No. 30/2016)","local_title":null,"issuer":"Sultanate of Oman (Royal Decree), published by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO)","date":"2016-06-02","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"aml","category_label":"AML & travel rule","topic_slug":"aml-travel-rule","summary":"Oman's core AML/CFT law, issued on 2 June 2016, which sets the obligations of financial institutions and the powers of the National Centre for Financial Information; the 2023 VASP instructions build on it.","source_url":"https://cbo.gov.om/sites/assets/Documents/English/LawRegulations/AMLCFTLawEnglish8Sept16.pdf","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman/regulation","market":{"slug":"oman","iso_code":"OM","name":"Oman","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman"}},{"id":"om-c3f6dda1","title":"Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures: Oman, Mutual Evaluation Report","local_title":null,"issuer":"FATF and MENAFATF","date":"2024-12-01","date_precision":"month","status":"guidance","status_label":"Guidance","category":"aml","category_label":"AML & travel rule","topic_slug":"aml-travel-rule","summary":"Rates Oman largely compliant with the FATF standard on virtual assets (R.15) under the 2023 registration regime, and notes that only one VASP was registered and operating.","source_url":"https://www.menafatf.org/sites/default/files/Newsletter/MER%20Oman%202024%20E.pdf","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman/regulation","market":{"slug":"oman","iso_code":"OM","name":"Oman","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman"}},{"id":"om-bc7dcfdb","title":"FSA holds workshop on investigating money laundering via cryptocurrencies","local_title":null,"issuer":"Financial Services Authority (FSA)","date":"2026-04-14","date_precision":"day","status":"guidance","status_label":"Guidance","category":"aml","category_label":"AML & travel rule","topic_slug":"aml-travel-rule","summary":"The FSA and the Public Prosecution trained specialists on tracing money laundering through cryptocurrencies, a sign of the enforcement focus while licensing is pending.","source_url":"https://fsa.gov.om/Home/News/10758","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman/regulation","market":{"slug":"oman","iso_code":"OM","name":"Oman","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman"}},{"id":"om-c77b3d8b","title":"Fintech Regulatory Sandbox","local_title":null,"issuer":"Central Bank of Oman (CBO)","date":"2020-01-01","date_precision":"year","status":"guidance","status_label":"Guidance","category":"framework","category_label":"Core framework","topic_slug":"asset-classification","summary":"The CBO sandbox for live testing of financial products, with cohorts for digital payments, DLT and blockchain, alternative finance and open banking.","source_url":"https://cbo.gov.om/fintechregulatorysandbox","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman/regulation","market":{"slug":"oman","iso_code":"OM","name":"Oman","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman"}},{"id":"om-83a8859e","title":"Central Bank of Oman Fintech Regulatory Sandbox Framework","local_title":null,"issuer":"Central Bank of Oman (CBO)","date":"2020-10-01","date_precision":"month","status":"guidance","status_label":"Guidance","category":"framework","category_label":"Core framework","topic_slug":"asset-classification","summary":"Sets eligibility, testing limits and exit rules for the sandbox, in which the CBO may grant regulatory exemptions for limited live tests with volunteer customers.","source_url":"https://cbo.gov.om/sites/assets/Documents/English/Fintech/FRSProposalFramework.pdf","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman/regulation","market":{"slug":"oman","iso_code":"OM","name":"Oman","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman"}},{"id":"om-0dd2d434","title":"Executive Regulation for the Securities Law","local_title":null,"issuer":"Financial Services Authority (FSA)","date":"2026-07-26","date_precision":"day","status":"in-force","status_label":"In force","category":"securities","category_label":"Tokenisation & securities","topic_slug":"tokenisation-securities","summary":"Implements the Securities Law (Royal Decree No. 46/2022) with capital rules, investment banking, revised crowdfunding rules and a fintech sandbox; published in the Official Gazette on 26 July 2026 and in force the next day. It is separate from the pending virtual asset framework.","source_url":"https://fsa.gov.om/Home/News/10798","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman/regulation","market":{"slug":"oman","iso_code":"OM","name":"Oman","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman"}},{"id":"om-31a875e5","title":"Issuance of Personal Income Tax (PIT) Law","local_title":null,"issuer":"Oman Tax Authority","date":"2025-06-22","date_precision":"day","status":"enacted","status_label":"Enacted","category":"tax","category_label":"Tax","topic_slug":"tax","summary":"Announces Royal Decree No. 56/2025, issued on 22 June 2025, which taxes individuals at 5% on income above OMR 42,000 from 1 January 2028. There is no crypto-specific tax guidance.","source_url":"https://tms.taxoman.gov.om/portal/w/issuance-of-personal-income-tax-pit-law","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman/regulation","market":{"slug":"oman","iso_code":"OM","name":"Oman","url":"https://policy.4pillars.io/oman"}}]}}