College of Banking and Financial Studies

What College of Banking and Financial Studies does

College of Banking and Financial Studies (CBFS) is an Omani government-owned educational institution founded in 1983 by Royal Decree and operating under the Central Bank of Oman, with strategic support from every bank in the Sultanate. The Board of Trustees includes senior executives from Investcorp, Bank Muscat, Ominvest, Ahli Bank, and the Central Bank itself. CBFS delivers a multi-tiered academic portfolio spanning a Foundation English Program, Higher National Diplomas (Pearson BTEC), locally awarded Diplomas and Bachelor's degrees (with two international articulations — University of Portsmouth and University of Bradford), the Strathclyde Executive MBA (Triple-Crown accredited), an MSc in Accounting and Finance, and professional certifications across ACCA, CIMA, CFA, CMA, CIA, and DipIFR. Specialized units include the Centre of Excellence on FinTech (established December 2022 with the Central Bank of Oman) and a dedicated Center of Training delivering corporate programs to banks and financial institutions.

The underlying technology stack combines digital campus infrastructure (Microsoft Office 365 with Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive integration via e-Services/ePortal), an EBSCO-powered library giving access to 600+ journals, and Bloomberg plus S&P Capital IQ trading platforms embedded in the BSc Accounting with Finance program. Revenue mechanics are tuition-driven: semester-based billing for degrees (OMR 1,000–2,387.5/semester depending on program), pay-as-you-go pricing for professional certification papers (OMR 230–800 per paper or level), and corporate training fees for institutional clients, with discounts for group enrolment and advance settlement. Distribution is hybrid — direct-to-consumer through the cbfs.edu.om website and online application portal, plus enterprise field sales to banks for executive and certification programs. With 1,500+ enrolled students, CBFS functions as both Oman's national banking talent pipeline and a continuing-education hub for the financial sector.

Name

College of Banking and Financial Studies

Legal name

College of Banking and Financial Studies

Website

https://cbfs.edu.om

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

College of Banking and Financial Studies is Oman's government-owned banking and finance college, established in 1983 by Royal Decree under the Central Bank of Oman, delivering undergraduate, postgraduate, professional certification, and corporate training programs to the Omani financial sector.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

akta.pro primary industry

Banking & Capital Markets (EDABALAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Finance, Banking & Capital Markets (EDAAAPAG), Accounting & Finance Certification Prep (CPA, CMA, CFA, FRM) (EDANAIAD), Corporate Finance & Treasury (EDABAJAA)

Keywords

• Banking education
• Financial training
• Professional certifications
• Higher education
• Executive development

Headquarters

HQ city

Ruwi

HQ country

Oman

HQ region

Middle East

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Postgraduate Tuition - Executive MBA: Total Executive MBA fees of OMR 9,550 payable semester-wise (OMR 2,387.5 per semester for 4 semesters), plus OMR 100 registration fee. Discount schemes available: 10% group discount for 3+ colleagues/friends, 10% advance payment discount for Year 1 upfront settlement.
2. Postgraduate Tuition - MSc in Accounting and Finance: Total MSc fees of OMR 5,600 payable semester-wise (OMR 1,866.7 per semester for 3 semesters), plus OMR 100 registration fee. Discount schemes: 5% group discount for 3+ participants, 3% advance settlement discount.
3. Professional Certification Programs - ACCA: Tuition fees of OMR 300 per paper (OMR 400 for Strategic Business Leader), plus OMR 50 one-time college registration fee for non-CBFS students. Computer and paper-based exams available four times annually.
4. Professional Certification Programs - CIA: CIA Part 1: OMR 230, CIA Part 2: OMR 230, CIA Part 3: OMR 275, CIA Challenge Examination: OMR 250 (eligible candidates). One-time college registration: OMR 50.
5. Professional Certification Programs - CFA: Level 1 tuition fee: OMR 800. Computer-based exams at multiple windows (February, May, August, December for Level I).
6. Professional Certification Programs - CMA: Level 1: OMR 600, Level 2: OMR 650. One-time registration: OMR 50 for non-CBFS students. Intake periods: January/February, May/June, September/October.
7. Professional Certification Programs - CIMA: Tuition fee: OMR 300 per level. College registration: OMR 50 (one-time, waived for CBFS students). Exams available twice yearly in August and February at Pearson VUE Test Centers.
8. Professional Certification Programs - DipIFR: OMR 325 for CBFS students, OMR 350 for non-CBFS students. Exam fees payable to ACCA directly. Exam sessions: June and December.
9. Undergraduate and Diploma Programs: Bachelor programs: OMR 1,250 per semester. Higher National Diploma: OMR 1,000 per semester. Foundation English Program: OMR 350 per level. Registration fees: OMR 50 for Diploma & Undergraduate, OMR 100 for Postgraduate.
10. Corporate Training Programs: The Center of Training offers customized training programs for banks and financial institutions. Payment can be made via draft, check, account transfer, or online payment to College of Banking & Financial Studies, Bank Muscat, MBD Branch, Account No. 21-51001-0081.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

CBFS provides tertiary education and professional training in banking, finance, accounting, insurance, and fintech, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, foundation programs, executive diplomas, and globally recognized professional certifications such as ACCA, CIMA, CFA, CMA, CIA, and DipIFR. The college also delivers customized corporate training to banks and financial institutions in Oman and operates research centers focused on fintech and banking and finance knowledge.

Product overview

CBFS operates as a comprehensive educational institution offering a multi-tiered academic portfolio. At the postgraduate level, it delivers the Strathclyde Executive MBA (triple-accredited by AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS) and MSc in Accounting and Finance with specialization pathways. Undergraduate offerings include BSc/BA degrees in Accounting with Finance, Business and Management, Accounting and Auditing, Finance and Investment, Management and HR, Marketing and Digital Marketing, and Data Science (with AI and Business Analytics specializations), all either accredited by or aligned with UK professional bodies. The institution also offers Higher National Diplomas (Pearson BTEC) and diploma programs in Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, and Data Science. Professional certifications include ACCA, CFA, CIMA, CMA, CIA, and DipIFR programs in partnership with global professional bodies. The Centre of Excellence on Financial Technology provides specialized fintech training in blockchain, AI, and digital payments. Supporting infrastructure includes e-Services portal, library with EBSCO database, and research and consultancy services. This modular structure allows students to progress from foundation through diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional certification pathways.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Undergraduate Degree Programs in Banking and Finance

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,500 students enrolled across programs
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• University of PortsmouthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partnership delivering BSc in Accounting with Finance and BA in Business and Management degrees at CBFS Muscat campus. Graduates receive University of Portsmouth degrees. University of Portsmouth's Accounting with Finance program is accredited by CIMA, ACCA, ICAEW, ICAS, and CIPFA.
• University of BradfordcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership offering Foundation Year program and Bachelor programs including BSc in Accounting & Finance and BSc in Business & Management. Acceptance is based on University of Bradford approval.
• Central Bank of OmancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment oversight institution; partner in establishing the Centre of Excellence on Financial Technology (CoE-FinTech) launched December 2022. Collaborated on FinTech Professional Certificate program - the region's first specialized program addressing emerging sector needs.
• All Banks in the Sultanate of OmancoreOthersFinancial institutions supporting CBFS as a government institution. Banks provide support and hire graduates. Corporate training programs serve banking sector employees. Omanization efforts supported through graduate employment.
• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCBFS sponsors local ACCA chapter and offers ACCA professional qualification courses. The college is an ACCA-approved learning partner providing tuition for all exam papers.
• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCBFS sponsors local CIMA chapter and offers CIMA professional qualification programs. Faculty hold CIMA qualifications and provide exam preparation courses.
• CFA Institute (Chartered Financial Analyst)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCBFS sponsors local CFA chapter and offers CFA Program exam preparation. Faculty include CFA charterholders providing training for Level I, II, and III exams.
• IIA (Institute of Internal Auditors)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCBFS sponsors local IIA chapter and offers Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) certification program. Provides training aligned with IIA standards for internal auditing professionals.
• ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCBFS sponsors local ISACA chapter supporting professional knowledge sharing and capacity building in information systems auditing and control.
• BIBF (Bahrain Institute of Banking & Finance)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional partner institution in Bahrain for banking and finance education and training collaboration.
• The London InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational education partner for specialized programs and professional development.
• USIM (Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIslamic finance education collaboration with Malaysian university specializing in Islamic finance programs.
• Queens University BelfastminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational university partnership for academic collaboration and student exchange opportunities.
• Frankfurt School of Finance & ManagementminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean partnership for finance education and executive development collaboration.
• Sultan Qaboos UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational academic partnership with Oman\'s premier public university for research and academic collaboration.
• Institute of Public AdministrationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment training institution partnership for public sector professional development programs.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Saudi Institute of Finance (SIF): SIF is Saudi Arabia's national banking training institution, established by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA). Comparable to CBFS in mission, certification offerings (CFA, ACCA, CIMA), and government mandate, but operating in a much larger Saudi market.
• Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies (EIBFS): EIBFS is the UAE's national banking training institution, established under central bank oversight to serve a single country's financial sector. It mirrors CBFS's structure of professional certifications, executive programs, and corporate training with government backing.
• Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF): BIBF is Bahrain's central banking and finance training institution, directly comparable to CBFS in mandate, scope, and product mix. It offers professional certifications, executive education, and corporate training for the Bahraini financial sector and is explicitly listed as a regional partner of CBFS.
• Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA): QFBA is a partnership between the Qatar Central Bank and Qatar Financial Centre Authority, offering professional certifications, executive education, and corporate training. It is structurally equivalent to CBFS as a national, central-bank-aligned finance academy in a GCC market.
• Kuwait Institute of Banking Studies (KIBS): KIBS is the Central Bank of Kuwait's training arm, providing professional certifications and corporate training for Kuwaiti banks. It is a near-perfect structural analogue to CBFS — government-supported, central-bank-affiliated, certification-focused — operating in a neighboring GCC market.

Regional players

• SP Jain School of Global Management: SP Jain is a Dubai-based business school with multi-city delivery that targets the same GCC working-professional segment for MBA and executive education. It competes with CBFS's postgraduate programs for the regional working-professional pool, though its degrees are not central-bank-affiliated in the same way.
• Muscat College: Muscat College is a domestic Omani higher education competitor offering business and management programs. It competes with CBFS for undergraduate students in Oman but does not match CBFS's specialization in banking/finance credentials or central-bank affiliation.

Emerging players

• London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF): LIBF offers professional banking and finance qualifications with global reach, including digital delivery. It competes with CBFS for the same working-professional student in the GCC but lacks CBFS's central-bank affiliation and on-the-ground Oman delivery.

Others

• Frankfurt School of Finance and Management: Frankfurt School is a European finance-specialist university listed as a CBFS partner and a globally recognized finance educator. It is an adjacent peer in the niche of specialized banking and finance education, with comparable European accreditation depth.
• University of Strathclyde Business School: Strathclyde is the UK partner university delivering CBFS's Executive MBA, MSc, and other degree pathways. It is a peer in the sense that it is the upstream brand embedded in CBFS's premium program offerings and is among fewer than 1% of triple-crown-accredited business schools worldwide.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CBFS_OMAN
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@%D9%83%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B5%D8%B1%D9%81%D9%8A%D8%A9%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A9
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/college-of-banking-and-financial-studies
• Instagraminstagram.com/cbfs_oman
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php

Compliance14 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about College of Banking and Financial Studies