Chinese firms eye Oman financial hub to hedge Middle East risk

Chinese banks, asset managers, and law firms are expressing strong interest in establishing operations in Oman's International Financial Centre, according to an Omani official. The move reflects Chinese firms seeking to access the Middle East market while mitigating geopolitical risks, particularly given Oman's strategic location across the Strait of Hormuz from Iran. This signals a potential shift in Chinese financial engagement in the region, though the scale and timeline of investments remain uncertain.