Newsletter english-Q2-2025

CEO’S MESSAGE Dear Alizz Family, As we wrap up Q2, I want to take this opportunity to highlight some of the significant strides we’ve made across the business. This quarter has been defined by meaningful progress, key product milestones and the collective efforts of our teams to drive innovation and elevate customer experience. I’m proud to announce the successful migration of our card portfolio from Mastercard to Visa. This has been a complex but vital transition, enabling us to unlock new capabilities, enhance customer benefits and streamline our operations for future growth. In parallel, we’ve made strong headway with our Prepaid Card launch, which includes the Multi-currency Card game-changer that allows our customers to spend seamlessly across the globe. This product not only strengthens our position in the market but also brings us closer to our vision of delivering smarter and more flexible financial solutions. Another key milestone to touch upon is the integration of our new and improved ‘Alizz X’ mobile application, which is designed to deliver a seamless, intuitive, and truly modern banking experience. As we celebrate these achievements, I’d like to emphasize one unchanging priority: Customer Experience. Whether it’s interacting through our mobile platforms, branches, or marketing channels, our customers should always feel the same level of excellence, care and consistency. This is where our values come to life and where every one of us plays a vital role into making Alizz Islamic Bank a continued success. Thank you for your continued dedication, passion and hard work. Let’s carry this momentum forward into Q3 and beyond. With Sincere Appreciation, Ali Al Mani Chief Executive Officer.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS Alizz Islamic Bank Partners with Al Tawasul Institute for a specialized training program to Empower People with hearing impairment. Alizz Islamic Bank hosted the Second Delegation From Financia Business School as part of their mission to benefit from the Islamic Banking experience Alizz Islamic Bank Partners with Bustan App to Instill Omani tradition & Islamic values in Children Through Interactive Content Alizz Islamic Bank partnered with the Supreme Judicial Council on the ‘International Summit on the Use of AI in the Judicial Sector’ Alizz Islamic Bank partnered with the College of Arts at the Sultan Qaboos University for the 1st Literature festival Alizz Islamic Bank partnered with the College of Law at the Sultan Qaboos University for the 11th edition of its annual Mock Trial competition Alizz Islamic Bank Partnered with Sharakah to host a marketing workshop in the Head Office to support the growth of 8 SME’s through a year long development programme.

BUSINESS Alizz Islamic Bank was awarded for ‘Best Islamic Banking Brand in Customer Experience (CX)’ at the Oman CX Awards, a significant recognition of the Bank's commitment to ‘Personalising every experience through innovative & smart solutions’. Alizz Islamic Bank launched its new Visa prepaid card and youth prepaid card and for the first time in Oman, a Shari’a compliant multi-currency prepaid card to offer customers convenient payment solutions Alizz Islamic Bank launched ‘Savings Plus’, a Shari’a-compliant savings and investment account that is based on the Shari’a principle of unrestricted mudharaba to encourage the habit of saving The Transformation team attended the MENA FinTech Summit 2025 in Doha which focused on fintech innovation, AI applications, & new digital products Alizz Islamic Bank Successfully launched Its New ‘Alizz X Mobile’ Banking Application which has been designed to offer users with a seamless online banking experience The Bank kicked off its Alizz Jr summer campaign catered to children aged 0–15 years old by collaborating with local business and promoting SME growth.

PEOPLE The bank celebrated the outstanding performance of Retail banking staff that contributed to the success of the bank in Q1 Our very own OBA Annual Bowling Tournament Champions! Faizan Karim -Congratulations on Achieving the Chartered Financial Analyst designation award by CFA institute TAS Banking & Technology Summit: Dr Nasser Al Azwani participated in the panel discussion which focused on Human behaviour and ways to combat digital fraud.

As part of its ongoing commitment to promote employee wellbeing, the bank collaborated with the International Specialized Centre for Heart & Vascular Diseases to host a medical camp at the Head Office LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT The bank celebrated the Graduation of Batch IV of the ‘Ruwad Alizz’ Leadership Programme to recognize the achievements of 41 graduates who successfully completed the programme..

Alizz Islamic bank launched the 3rd batch of Manahil Alizz Programme with 50 participants designed to empower college students with essential skills and knowledge in the workforce The bank launched its new customized induction course for new joiners designed to equip our emloyees with essential skills and knowledge on products as well as Shari’a compliance. The Leadership Development Program delegates visited Atheer Electronic Newspaper and had an insightful session with CEO & Founder Moosa Al Farei on leadership & personal growth The bank hosted Coach Ahmed Awlad Thani to organize an interactive training workshop for staff about the ‘5P Success System’ The bank kicked off the Leadership Development Programme to equip future leaders with essential skills and enriching experiences..

The Leadership Development Program delegates visited the Omanni Botanic Garden project- a unique experience to preserving Oman’s unique flora in its natural habitat. The bank organised the Potential Leadership Training Programme to enhance the work environment & develop its employees through the expertise of international trainer – Nawal Saghir The bank organised the ongoing Islamic Banking Knowledge Program which equipped staff with key sessions on Islamic Trade Finance & Shari’a compliant Trade Finance Alizz Islamic Bank launched the Potential Assistant Branch Manager Development (WA'ED) Program, a comprehensive initiative designed to empower and develop our next generation of branch leaders. The bank hosted Dr. Yousuf Al Hasani to give a training on Distinguished Customer Service Etiquette & Protocols for Dakhiliya and Sharqiya Branches The bank hosted a workshop on “Banking Contracts: The Legal Responsibility of the Employee”.

MANAR ALIZZ Alizz Islamic Bank Participates in 23rd Annual AAOIFI Shari’a Boards Conference held in the Kingdom of Bahrain His Eminence Dr. Essam Khalaf Al Enezi & the Shari’a Supervisory Board Members conduct visits to several Alizz Islamic Bank branches Alizz Islamic Bank Organised a Panel Discussion on ‘Financial Awareness Amidst Modern Economic Challenges’ to raise financial awareness in coordination with the Ministry of Finance’s National Program for Financial Sustainability and Financial Sector Development ‘Estidama’ Alizz Islamic Bank celebrated the graduation of the Second Batch of the Tamkeen programme for ‘Empowering the Second Line of Shari’a Supervisory Board Members’ Sheikh Dr. Essam Al Enezi Participates in Scientific Symposium on ‘Challenges of Islamic Banking in the Sultanate of Oman a Decade After Its Establishment’.

ALIZZ CARES The bank hosted Ms. Eman Al Lawati from Malath Clinic for a workshop on Mental Wellbeing, the session raised awareness on mental health managing stress and promoting emotional resilience. Earth Day Planting Workshop: In celebration of Earth Day, over 40 employees took part in a grounding planting workshop - the hands-on activity encouraged mindfulness and raised awareness about environmental challenges. The bank Partnered with the Commissioner General of the Sultanate of Oman Pavilion at EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Japan to support students from low income families and represent our beloved country Oman.

COMPLIANCE Technology-based innovations have become more entrenched within the financial sector, enhancing its service, delivering efficiency gains, and ultimately contributing to its development. The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has been consistently taking steps to ensure that the regulatory framework remains conducive for enablement of innovations in a safe and sound manner that supports the transformation of the financial ecosystem. The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has developed the Open Banking Regulatory Framework. The framework aims to foster innovation, enhance customer experience, promote competition and improve the efficiency of the financial sector in the Sultanate of Oman. This regulatory framework includes, inter alia, details on Technical Standards (Open Banking Application Programming Interfaces, technology framework, Data and Information security specification), Data protection and Privacy, Consent management. Licensing requirements and ongoing obligations for Open Banking Service Providers. Under the Open Banking Regulatory Framework issued by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO), banks and licensed financial institutions are held to several ethical and regulatory standards to ensure responsible data sharing, consumer protection, and innovation. Here are the key ethical requirements: 1. Customer Consent and Data Rights • Banks must obtain explicit, informed, and revocable consent from customers before sharing their data with third parties. • Customers have the right to: • Access their data • Know how it is used • Withdraw consent at any time This point ensures respect for individual autonomy and transparency in data handling. 2. Data Protection and Privacy • Banks are required to implement robust data governance and security protocols. • Only necessary and relevant data should be shared, and it must be accurate and up to date. • Data must be encrypted and protected from unauthorized access. This point promotes trust and responsibility in handling sensitive financial information. 3. Fair Access and Non-Discrimination • Banks must not discriminate against customers who choose to use third-party services. • They must provide equal access to open banking services without bias or preferential treatment. This point supports fair competition and consumer empowerment..

4. Transparency and Disclosure • Banks must clearly disclose: • What data is being shared • With whom and for what purpose • Dashboards should be provided to customers for managing permissions. This point ensures clarity, accountability, and informed decision-making. 5. Accountability and Oversight • Banks are subject to ongoing supervision by the CBO. • They must maintain audit trails, conduct risk assessments, and report breaches or misuse of data This point reinforces institutional integrity and compliance with ethical standards. Key Regulatory Challenges and Strategic Priorities Regulatory Challenges Harmonizing legacy banking systems with Open APIs Ensuring cyber resilience across the ecosystem Managing cross-border data flows and digital identity Supervisory burden of new actors (TPPs) Strategic Regulatory Priorities Phased implementation and capacity-building within banks Establishing minimum cybersecurity baselines for TPPs Creating interoperable identity and trust frameworks RegTech and real-time monitoring tools for compliance The Road Ahead As the Open Banking regime matures, regulators in Oman will need to maintain a delicate balance: enabling innovation while managing risk. The Central Bank’s proactive stance—combined with clear compliance standards—provides confidence to market participants and paves the way for a resilient, future-ready financial ecosystem. Awareness Bulletin for Bank staff and customers Important Alert – Fraud via Fake Rental Ads The Royal Oman Police – Muscat Governorate Command has reported the arrest of a citizen involved in a fraudulent scheme targeting individuals through: Fake advertisements for houses, apartments, and rest houses for rent. Receiving bank transfers as down payments to secure the property. Disappearing without delivering the promised rental. ■ How to Verify Before Making a Transfer: 1. Verify the source of the ad – Do not rely on unknown or unofficial platforms; 2. Request official documentation – ID card, commercial registration; 3. Contact the advertiser directly – Preferably via a phone or video call; 4. Visit the property yourself or send someone you trust; 5. Avoid rushing to transfer – Scammers often pressure victims for quick payments; 6. Use verified bank accounts only – Ensure the account name matches the advertiser’s identity, 7. Consult before sending money – If in doubt, speak to the legal or compliance team. ■ Advanced Tips to Avoid Rental Scams: 1. Use Trusted Rental Platforms – Stick to well-known websites or apps with verified listings; 2. Check Reviews and Ratings – Look for reviews of the property or the advertiser; 3. Reverse Image Search – Use tools like Google Image Search to check if the property photos are stolen; 4. Ask for a Live Virtual Tour – Request a live video tour to confirm the property exists; 5. Verify Ownership – Ask for proof of ownership or authorization to rent the property; 6. Use Escrow Services – Use secure payment methods that hold funds until the rental is confirmed; 7. Report Suspicious Ads – Notify the platform and local authorities if you suspect fraud, 8. Educate Others – Share alerts with friends, family, and coworkers. Stay alert and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities or your internal compliance team.

THE DUTY OF CONFIDENTIALITY As employees of Alizz Islamic Bank, each one of us has a duty to protect Bank and Customer information, this is a reminder to all staff regarding the critical importance of upholding confidentiality in our day-to-day work. Maintaining confidentiality is not only a professional obligation but also a legal requirement. Any misuse or unauthorised sharing of confidential information, whether internal or external, will have serious consequences. The Central Bank of Oman has released - CBO Circular BM 1218 regarding The Duty of Confidentiality, which emphasises that maintaining confidentiality of customer information is a shared responsibility of every employee, regardless of the role or department. It is important for all to comply with the following rules and regulations under Article (98) of The New Banking Law: Any employee should not disclose any information relating to any current or former customer of the Bank or may take at the request of any person or entity any action related to a bank account, credit or trust deposit, or any Banking transaction. The duty of confidentiality is a role of the bank and all employees. It also extends under the Article to any person receiving the information, which may include third party-entities engaged under outsourcing arrangements and banking groups, provided they are legally and regulatorily justified in receiving such information, as well as any other person in receipt of the information. Hence, any breach shall result in reputational risks and losing public trust, as well as irreparable economic and commercial damages. Employees who do not adhere/ breach the duty of protecting the customers' information will be penalised with IMPRISONMENT, FINE AND OTHER APPROPRIATE MEASURES under the new Banking Law. The information confidentiality includes but not limited to: • Customer account details • Amount balance • Credit or Debit transactions • Financing details • Asset Details • Identifying information such as: E-mail, phone numbers • Account transactions • Finances provided by way for security • Sensitive business information • Unauthorized disclosures • Any information obtained by the bank about the customer NOTE: this is still applicable even if the customer closes their account and upon termination of the bank-customer relationship and the Central Bank of Oman shall impose significant sanctions on any bank violating the above and impose a fine or any other appropriate measure on any senior member or employee who intentionally or negligently violates the duty of confidentiality. All employees are expected to exercise caution when handling data whether in person, over e-mail or on digital platforms. If you have any questions about confidentiality and how information should be protected, please reach out to your manager for guidance..

ALIZZ TALENT HUNT Traditional & Cultural Skills Hosting & MCs • Handicrafts • Omani heritage arts • Cooking (non-commercial) • Charismatic speakers • Event emcees • Podcast hosts Creative Arts & Photography • Visual artists • Calligraphers • Poets • Writers • Crafters • Photographers • Videographers Active living and Well-being • Fitness coaches • Nutrition guides • Mindfulness advocates • Gardening • Bowling • Sports • Hiking • Wellness activities Knowledge & Inspiration • Educators • Trainers • Motivational speakers • Storyteller To join or nominate someone for Alizz Talent email [email protected] Whether you’re a skilled speaker, a wellness enthusiast, or have a green thumb, we want to hear from you! Uncovering the inspiring talents within our Alizz family Mohammed Moosa Al Balushi Sports Commentator/ MC/Munshid Zayid Al Busaidi Voiceover Adhari Al Aisari Gardener Insaaf Al Bulushi Gardener Ammar al Jabri Actor Salwa al Rahbi Specialist in Community Activities Dr. Nasser Al Azwani Cybersecurity Expert Mohammed Al Subhi Tennis Player Janaab Al Sayyida Nadira Al Said Bowling & Padel Pro Player.