Omani Banks Receive Fitch Ratings Upgrade; A Positive Turn for the Banking Sector
Fitch Ratings has recently upgraded five major Omani banks’ long-term issuer default ratings (IDRs). Bank Muscat, BankDhofar, NBO, Ahlibank, and Sohar International Bank have improved their ratings, signalling growing confidence in Oman’s banking sector. This move follows Oman’s sovereign rating upgrade in September 2023, reflecting the improved likelihood of government support for these banks. The upgrades also indicate that the banks’ overall business conditions are on a positive trajectory, with Oman’s authorities displaying a strong commitment to supporting the nation’s banking sector despite certain limitations in financial flexibility.
Exclusive: HSBC set to push back against Ping An breakup proposal
HSBC Holdings Plc (HSBA.L) is set to speed up its exit from non-core markets and deploy additional capital in Asia, in a bid to push back against a breakup proposal put forward by its biggest shareholder, two people with knowledge of the matter said.
