ع
Sohar International said in a press release distributed via Media OutReach Newswire that it has officially opened its Asia Pacific Office in Hong Kong establishing an on-the-ground presence to deepen relationships with financial institutions investors businesses and strategic partners across the city and wider Asian markets. The launch follows the bank’s receipt of approval from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in April 2026 and final approval from the Central Bank of Oman in May 2026. The new office provides a platform to strengthen institutional relationships deepen understanding of Asian markets and develop greater connectivity between opportunities in the region and the bank’s clients and relationships in Oman.
Hong Kong Trade Development Council figures show trade between Hong Kong and the Middle East grew by nearly a third from 2019 to 2025. A Fitch Ratings assessment found that Sohar International holds an 18 percent share of total banking assets in Oman at the end of the third quarter of 2025 making it the sultanate’s second-largest lender. The bank reported a net profit of 26.1 million Omani rials for the first quarter of 2026 according to its financial disclosures.
The Honourable Paul Chan Mo-po Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region served as guest of honour at the opening gala held at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. Speaking at the opening ceremony Mr Paul Chan highlighted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government warmly welcomes the opening of Sohar International’s representative office the first presence of an Omani bank in Hong Kong and Sohar International’s first office in Asia. He added that Hong Kong is proud to serve as a gateway to the region and is grateful for the bank’s confidence in the city.
The development aligns with Oman Vision 2040 a long-term government framework for economic diversification and stronger international partnerships that has guided Omani institutions in expanding global ties. Sohar International’s press release noted that Oman’s strategic position along the maritime Belt and Road combined with Hong Kong’s strengths in capital markets asset management and offshore Renminbi business can facilitate trade investment and project financing. The Oman Investment Authority has announced plans to invest up to HK$250 million as a partner in Hong Kong’s Innovation and Technology Venture Fund a step referenced during the ceremony.
Hong Kong’s asset and wealth management business reached a record US$5.4 trillion at the end of 2025 according to government data with net fund inflows nearly tripling over the prior year. Paul Chan emphasised opportunities in green and transition finance as areas where the Omani bank could find scope to prosper given its roots in energy trade and infrastructure financing. The arrival affirms confidence in Hong Kong as an international financial centre and a gateway connecting the Middle East the Chinese Mainland and Asia the bank said in its release.
Sohar International has grown rapidly since its 2023 merger with HSBC Bank Oman to become the sultanate’s fastest-growing major lender while maintaining a focus on commercial investment banking wealth management and Islamic finance. The Hong Kong office located at Cheung Kong Center II will be led by chief representative Donald Chia according to details shared ahead of the launch. This step builds on the bank’s earlier regional expansion including a branch in Riyadh and supports Omani businesses seeking opportunities across interconnected Asian markets.
