Founded in 1973, National Bank of Oman was the country’s first local bank, forging a rich history with Oman’s local businesses and its economy at large. Today, it is one of the largest banks in Oman, with a paid up capital of OMR (Omani Rials) 110.8 million (US$ 288 million) and a regulatory capital of OMR 377.8 million (US$ 981 million)*.
The National Bank of Oman JSC was established under registration no. 1003704 with an initial capital of OMR 500,000 and commenced operations with two branches in 1973. WJ Towell & Co. and Bank of America were the Bank's initial principal shareholders, with holdings of 51 per cent and 39 per cent respectively. In 1987, Bank of Credit and Commerce International (Luxembourg) Holdings SA (BCCI) acquired Bank of America's 39 per cent stake. In 1991, when the operations of BCCI were suspended, the Bank was re-capitalised by the Omani Government. In 2003, Suhail Bahwan Group (SBG) acquired a 35 per cent holding of the Bank through a private issue of share capital. In 2005, SBG and certain other minority shareholders divested part of their holdings to Commercial Bank of Qatar, which currently holds 34.9 per cent of the Bank's issued share capital.
With a mandate to fulfill the financial needs of its customers across all segments, National Bank of Oman puts special emphasis on making banking more convenient, accessible and enjoyable for all customers.
They offer cutting-edge financial solutions, designed to keep pace with the needs of individuals and businesses. With the global nature of banking and business in mind, they provide for all financial requirements within the Sultanate of Oman and beyond, ensuring they have the expertise and the technology to be a trusted partner in all their clients’ financial dealings.
In addition to a robust Personal Banking Division that offers accounts, loans, insurance and investment opportunities, the bank also has a respected Wholesale Banking Group and an Investment Banking Division.
The Wholesale Banking Group delivers a comprehensive suite of products and services designed to make it easy for companies and corporations based in Oman to conduct business within the country and abroad.
Their Investment Banking Division (IBD) offers discretionary portfolio management services, brokerage operations, asset management, distribution of mutual funds, lead management of public equity and bond issues, as well as domestic and international investment advisory services. The IBD also offers treasury solutions to meet the growing business demands of their valued institutional, corporate and private banking clients.
They serve their customers through 61 branches and 173 ATMs and Cash Deposit Machines across Oman, in addition to three international branches – one in Egypt; one in Dubai; and, one in Abu Dhabi. Customers can also access the bank’s services round-the-clock via National Bank of Oman’s 24-hour Call Centre or National Bank of Oman’s Internet Banking facilities.
The Bank has had an international presence in the UAE (Abu Dhabi) and in Egypt for over 10 years. In 2013, it secured a full banking license to offer conventional and Islamic finance services in Dubai and in the last quarter of 2013 it opened a branch in the Emirate. The Bank has grown its UAE (gross) loan portfolio by over 134 per cent to OMR 92.6 million as at 30 June 2014, compared to OMR 39.4 million as at 31 December 2013.
As the only Omani bank licensed to operate in Dubai, National Bank of Oman has a significant competitive advantage for the development of its international operations. The Bank considers the UAE to be a dynamic economy, with elevated levels of business confidence prevailing, particularly following the Emirate being awarded the honour of hosting EXPO 2020.
At National Bank of Oman, they are committed to community investment and deliver on their promise to make a positive impact on their community through corporate social responsibility activities that focus on five areas of interest, including health and human services, arts and culture, education, environment, and women and youth.
