Best bank
Oman International Bank
In a market where there is no dominant player, Oman International Bank is well regarded, partly for its good branch network, which gives it a strong presence and access to the deposit base. It also has a well-diversified income stream.
Analysts rate the bank highly, despite its having higher levels of non-performing loans than its peers. Its liquidity is also tight, though this has been improving.
The merger of Bank Muscat, last year's winner, and Commercial Bank of Oman has created the country's biggest bank, overtaking OIB. The new institution is larger in terms of total assets and branch network, seriously threatening OIB's position. Analysts feel, however, that the merger still needs more time to bed down fully. "Once that happens it will be in a good position," says an analyst. "There are still a few issues to be ironed out, mainly to do with strategy. However going forward it is going to be very well placed."