The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has introduced a new regulation governing the provision of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services, formalising oversight of the fast-growing instalment-based financing model in the Sultanate.
The move represents a significant step toward strengthening consumer protection, enhancing market transparency, and ensuring financial stability as digital lending and deferred payment solutions gain traction among individuals and businesses.
BNPL services, which allow customers to split purchases into interest-free instalments over a defined period, have seen rapid adoption across retail and e-commerce sectors. The new regulatory framework is expected to set clear licensing requirements, operational standards, and risk management guidelines for providers operating in Oman.
By bringing BNPL under structured supervision, the CBO aims to balance innovation in digital finance with prudent regulatory safeguards, aligning the sector with broader financial inclusion and fintech development objectives.
