Regulation
Issued for Buy Now, Pay Later Service

Muscat,
22 Feb 2026 (ONA) — The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has issued a regulation
governing the practice of the “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) service. The move is part
of CBO’s ongoing efforts to develop regulatory frameworks and keep pace with
rapid developments in the financial sector.

This
step comes within the Bank’s commitment to organizing this service and
establishing the necessary controls and procedures to ensure it is conducted in
a disciplined and transparent manner.

The
“Buy Now, Pay Later” service is considered one of the modern financing models
that enables consumers to obtain goods or services immediately, with payment
made in installments over a later period in accordance with pre-agreed terms
and conditions. Given the increasing adoption of this model, the need for a
clear regulatory framework has become essential to ensure a balance between
fostering financial innovation, protecting beneficiaries’ rights, and promoting
financial stability.

The
provisions of this regulation apply to institutions licensed by the Central
Bank of Oman to conduct this service. The regulation also sets out licensing
requirements and procedures, capital adequacy requirements, disclosure and
transparency standards, risk management mechanisms, and obligations related to
consumer protection.

The
issuance of this regulation reaffirms the Central Bank of Oman’s commitment to
regulating emerging financial services within clear and advanced supervisory
frameworks, thereby enhancing confidence in the financial sector, supporting
the growth of digital financial services, and aligning with the economic
development objectives of the Sultanate of Oman.

—Ends/AG