Muscat’s Global Meeting of Numbering Agencies: Implications for Businesses in Oman and Beyond
Muscat, December 2, 2025 – The Muscat Clearing & Depository Company (MCD), affiliated with the Muscat Stock Exchange (MSX), hosted the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the Association of National Numbering Agencies (ANNA) in Muscat on Tuesday. This two-day event gathered senior officials from central securities depositories and financial institutions from around the world.
Mohammed bin Said al Abri, CEO of MCD, highlighted the importance of the event, stating, "Welcoming ANNA’s Extraordinary General Meeting in Muscat reaffirms the Sultanate of Oman’s position as a trusted financial hub and reinforces our commitment to transparency and sustainable growth within a promising investment environment. Since becoming a member of ANNA in 2008, MCD has enhanced market preparedness by applying international numbering standards and connecting to a global network of experts, fostering integration and innovation among depositories worldwide."
The EGM covered various topics, including education and awareness related to recent developments in financial markets. Attendees discussed challenges, issues, and future projects that ANNA aims to pursue with the support of its members.
“These meetings offer an opportunity to exchange information and connect a diverse group of professionals from depository companies and other financial institutions. It is a valuable chance to share experiences, discuss perspectives, and enhance the capital market sector in Oman by leveraging best practices from regional and global markets,” Al Abri emphasized.
Stephan Dreyer, Managing Director of ANNA, noted, “The ANNA General Meeting serves as a crucial platform to discuss the future of financial data, promote transparency, and advance alignment of international standards for defining and classifying financial instruments.”
The first day of the program included several keynote addresses from prominent figures, including Ahmed al Mukhaini, Advisor at the Financial Services Authority (FSA), Samra al Harthy, Chief Economist and Head of Investment Research at the Oman Investment Authority, and Uwe Meyer, Executive Director of ANNA. Additionally, a panel discussion focused on “The Future of Middle Eastern Markets.”
The Association of National Numbering Agencies (ANNA) is the international authority responsible for establishing and managing standards for International Securities Identification Numbers (ISIN), playing a vital role in shaping global market infrastructure.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The recent hosting of the ANNA Extraordinary General Meeting in Muscat signals Oman’s emergence as a key financial hub, enhancing its credibility in international markets. This provides unique opportunities for businesses, particularly in finance and investment, to leverage Oman’s growing integration into the global financial system. Smart investors should focus on aligning their strategies with international standards, as Oman’s commitment to transparency and innovation may lead to increased foreign investment and market opportunities.
