A loan in arrears, an unauthorised card transaction, a bank guarantee called without justification, or a claim filed by a bank or finance company: each of these needs someone who reads banking contracts carefully and knows how to deal with financial institutions. Dr. Abdullah Al Rashdi Office, Advocates and Legal Consultants acts as a banking and finance lawyer in Oman, representing individuals and companies in banking, finance and securities disputes, with over 20 years of experience.
The legal framework for banking and finance in Oman
Banking in Oman is governed by the Banking Law issued by Royal Decree 2/2025, which replaced the previous banking law, and banks are supervised by the Central Bank of Oman, including on customer protection. The securities market and the firms operating in it, such as brokers and asset managers, are governed by the Securities Law issued by Royal Decree 46/2022 and supervised by the Financial Services Authority.
Alongside these laws, the relationship between a customer and a bank is governed by the terms of the loan, account or card agreement, and by the Commercial Law rules on cheques and bills. Reading what you signed is the first step in any banking dispute.
When do you need a banking lawyer?
- You disagree with the bank's calculation of interest, profit, fees or penalties.
- You are struggling to repay and want to reschedule, restructure or settle a loan.
- A bank or finance company has filed a claim against you or your guarantor, or you want to sue a finance company that breached its obligations.
- There are unauthorised transactions on your account or credit card.
- A company has a dispute over a bank guarantee or a letter of credit.
- A bank is enforcing a mortgage or other security.
- A cheque has bounced, whether you are the payee or the drawer.
- You have a dispute with a broker or asset manager over securities trading.
How we help in banking disputes
- Reviewing loan, finance, card and security documents and explaining your rights and obligations.
- Preparing formal complaints to the bank and following them up with the competent regulator.
- Negotiating rescheduling or settlement with banks and finance companies and drafting settlement agreements.
- Bringing claims against banks and finance companies, and defending claims brought by them, before the competent court, including the Court of Investment and Commerce where it has jurisdiction.
- Bounced cheque cases and other negotiable instruments.
- Guarantee, letter of credit and trade finance disputes for companies.
- Investor disputes with brokers and asset managers.
- Working with our debt collection, bankruptcy and restructuring and judgment enforcement services where needed.
How we work with you
- First contact: send us a summary on WhatsApp and we arrange a meeting.
- Document review: we review the finance agreement, statements and correspondence.
- Amicable route first: many banking disputes are resolved through a written complaint or negotiation.
- Litigation if needed: otherwise we prepare the claim or defence and represent you to judgment.
Read also: How to File a Complaint or Claim Against a Bank in Oman
Frequently asked questions
Can I sue a bank in Oman?
Yes. A customer can go to court if the bank breaches its contractual or legal obligations, for example by charging fees or interest that were not agreed or processing unauthorised transactions. It is usually best to start with a written complaint to the bank and then to the regulator, keeping all documents, before filing a claim.
What should I do if I cannot repay a bank loan?
Do not wait for a claim to be filed. Contact the bank early to ask for rescheduling or restructuring; a lawyer can negotiate for you and draft a clear settlement. If you are a trader or company with wider debt problems, preventive composition or restructuring may be worth considering.
How do I dispute an unauthorised card transaction?
Report it to the bank immediately, block the card and file a written dispute with full details, keeping copies of everything. If it is not resolved, escalate to the regulator and then to court. If the transaction resulted from online fraud, see our online fraud and fund recovery service.
Can a bank call a guarantee without my consent?
A bank guarantee is usually an independent undertaking payable on demand under its terms, so a call can only be stopped in limited cases, such as a clearly fraudulent or abusive demand. Speed matters if you fear an unjustified call.
If you have a dispute with a bank, finance company or broker, contact Dr. Abdullah Al Rashdi Office on WhatsApp, call +968 92000841, or visit us at Al Nahda Tower, first floor, office 116, Al Khuwair, Muscat.