توسعه مالی اسلامی در عمان: موانع و توصیه ها

This paper considers the key potential barriers that are likely to arise with the adoption of a dual financial system in the Sultanate of Oman. Despite the fact that Oman is a predominantly Muslim country, the assumption that this will equate to a significant uptake in Islamic products and services is challenged as factors such as brand recognition and insufficient product knowledge among the population may hinder market penetration. In addition the study provides some recommendations for the success of the Islamic finance development in Oman where financial institutions wishing to offer Shariah compliant services should also not neglect the importance of competing with conventional banks in terms of the quality of service offered in addition to the uniqueness of their products. The availability of a pool of indigenous labor with industry relevant knowledge shall be a vital factor in the sustainable growth and development of the sector in the Sultanate. Finally the paper concludes by highlighting the essential role of educational institutions in providing such a sustainable workforce for Islamic financial institutions through producing graduates with industry relevant knowledge and, in the more immediate term, the provision of training for conventional banking professionals that may make up the current shortfall of qualified labor.