Mala’a Hosts a Delegation from UAE’s Etihad Credit Bureau

Oman Credit and Financial Information Center “Mala’a” hosted a delegation from the United Arab Emirates, representing the Etihad Credit Bureau, in a visit aimed at fostering enhanced cooperation and exchanging expertise in the field of credit and financial information.

Manahil Jaafar, Mala’a Acting General Manager, highlighted the importance of collaboration between credit bureaus in strengthening the monetary framework of the GCC countries. She stated: “Today, we are pleased to host Etihad Credit Bureau represented by Director General, Mr. Marwan Ahmed Lutfi and team from the sisterly UAE. This visit plays a crucial role in reinforcing cooperation between the two sides, establishing communication ties, and facilitating the exchange of expertise, which will contribute to the development of the credit and financial information sector in both countries.”

Mrs. Jaffar further emphasized that this visit is not merely a meeting between credit bureaus, but rather a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge that will foster the development of the credit sector in both Oman and the UAE. She expressed confidence that continued collaboration among GCC credit bureaus would significantly enhance financial transparency, create a secure environment for investors and citizens, and drive the growth of national economies.

The visit is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen the strategic partnership between GCC countries in the exchange of credit and financial information. Previous visits have included Benefit (Bahrain), SIMAH (Saudi Arabia), and CI-Net (Kuwait). These initiatives aim to bolster the banking system, support credit service providers, improve risk management practices, and facilitate informed credit decisions across the GCC countries.

The Oman Credit and Financial Information Center “Mala’a” was established in 2019 under Royal Decree No. 38/2019. The center plays a crucial role in building an integrated national financial system in Oman. The center’s goal is to create a comprehensive database of credit and financial information across the Sultanate, allowing financial institutions to make informed credit decisions based on accurate and reliable data. This advanced system enables members to assess clients’ financial capacity more effectively, contributing to better loan quality and reduced financial risks. The center also plays a key role in reducing default rates, enhancing financial stability, and supporting economic growth in Oman.