MUSCAT, Oman, May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Reinforcing the growing economic and investment connectivity between Asia and the GCC, Sohar International and ewpartners have signed a strategic partnership at Sohar International's headquarters in Oman to strengthen cross-border financial cooperation and facilitate business flows, industrial projects, trade finance, and investment opportunities across Oman, the wider GCC, and Asia.
The partnership combines ewpartners' Asia-GCC investment network with Sohar International's banking capabilities and regional expertise to address rising demand for integrated financial solutions supporting Asian companies and industrial projects expanding into the Gulf region.
The partnership also builds on ewpartners' deepening presence in Oman, including the establishment of its Muscat office as a local platform to support cross-border investment, industrial cooperation, and Asia-GCC business flows. This follows ewpartners' existing Oman foundation, including OIA's US$150 million commitment and ewpartners' participation in United Solar Polysilicon, part of a US$1.6 billion industrial project in Sohar.
Commenting on the partnership, Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International, stated, "We are pleased to enter into this strategic partnership with ewpartners. This cooperation reflects our shared ambition to strengthen financial connectivity between Oman, the wider GCC, and Asia. By working together, we aim to support companies, industrial projects, trade flows, and cross-border investment opportunities, while reinforcing Oman's role as a regional platform for financial and business connectivity."
Jerry Li, Founder and Managing Partner of ewpartners, added, "Our partnership with Sohar International Bank strengthens ewpartners' local financial cooperation platform in Oman. By combining Sohar International Bank's banking capabilities with ewpartners' Asia-GCC investment network, we aim to support portfolio companies, ecosystem partners, and industrial projects while enabling deeper participation by Oman's financial ecosystem in Asia-GCC business flows."
Based on ewpartners' existing foundation in Oman, this partnership further strengthens local financial cooperation and supports deeper connectivity between Oman's financial ecosystem and Asia-GCC investment, trade, and industrial flows. As cross-border projects grow in scale and complexity, requiring coordination across banking systems, regulatory environments, and financing structures, the collaboration will focus on bridging these gaps through corporate, project, and industrial financing, trade finance, private credit, structured financing, and Asia-GCC banking connectivity. It will also explore opportunities in logistics, industrial assets, and income-generating real estate, supported by a joint committee to identify and evaluate future initiatives. This strategic partnership is expected to bring approximately US$1 billion in financial cooperation and market opportunities.
Through such partnerships, Sohar International continues to strengthen its role as a key financial institution driving Oman's economic ambitions and enhancing the Sultanate's position as a strategic gateway connecting regional and international markets. The bank remains committed to enabling sustainable growth, supporting cross-border investment and trade flows, and delivering innovative banking solutions that contribute to the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
About Sohar International:
Sohar International is Oman's fastest-growing bank, guided by a clear vision to become a world-leading Omani service company that helps customers, communities, and people prosper and grow. With a purpose to help people 'win' by delivering responsive banking for their ever-changing world, the bank offers innovative solutions across Commercial and Investment Banking, Wealth Management, Islamic Banking, and more. Operating with a strong digital-first approach and an expanding regional footprint—including presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—Sohar International is committed to driving value through strategic partnerships and a dynamic customer experience. Learn more at www.SIB.om
About ewpartners:
ewpartners (formerly eWTP Arabia Capital) is an international investment firm specialising in cross-border investments between Asia and the Middle East. Backed by Sovereign Wealth Funds and investors from ASIA and the GCC, the firm has been active in the region since 2017 and was the first investment firm to launch a cross-border platform between the GCC and China.
With offices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, China, and Hong Kong, ewpartners focuses on building value across borders by establishing strategic partnerships with exceptional companies. Our team's expertise in shaping innovative conducive policy frameworks can support governments in fostering economic transformation and diversification driven by innovation and technology.
We are committed to investing in, supporting, and growing successful businesses across the Asia and Middle East regions, with a focus on key industries and themes such as digital infrastructure & solutions, advanced manufacturing & energy transition, and logistics & consumer enablement.
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Sohar International and ewpartners Sign Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Asia-GCC Financial Cooperation
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Recognized for excellence in executive leadership, financial stewardship and investor relations engagement
SANTA CLARA, Calif. and PUNE, India, May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Persistent Systems (BSE: 533179) (NSE: PERSISTENT), a global Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization leader, today announced that it has been recognized in the 2026 Extel Asia Executive Team survey, earning the prestigious distinction of 'Most Honored Company' and continuing its strong performance in the survey for the third consecutive year.
The Company earned top rankings across multiple categories in both the pan-Asia and Asia excluding Mainland China results, further reinforcing its growing credibility among the global investment community. Persistent secured the following rankings in Asia, excluding Mainland China, for the Technology, IT Services, Software & AI industry:
- Sandeep Kalra, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, ranked first in the Best CEO category (combined, buy side and sell side)
- Persistent's Investor Relations Program ranked first (sell side)
- Vinit Teredesai, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, ranked second in the Best CFO category (combined and buy side)
The recognition reflects Persistent's continued focus on strong corporate governance, transparent stakeholder engagement, disciplined execution and sustained business performance. The rankings highlight the Company's strength across key survey parameters such as leadership credibility, communication, financial stewardship, capital allocation, accessibility of senior executives, responsiveness to investors and analysts and consistency and transparency of financial disclosures.
Extel is known for its independent research and rankings on corporate leadership, investor relations programs, governance and financial communications. For over five decades, its surveys have been a benchmark for the global investment community. This year, more than 5,500 institutional investors and analysts evaluated over 2,500 companies and 2,700 executives across Asia. Persistent had also secured top rankings in the 2025 and 2024 editions of the survey.
Sandeep Kalra, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Persistent
"Consistent recognition in the Extel rankings reflects the trust and confidence that investors and analysts continue to place in Persistent. We are grateful for their support and committed to strong governance, disciplined execution and delivering differentiated value to our clients. As the technology landscape continues to evolve, we remain focused on building a resilient, future-ready business that scales with purpose and agility, while driving sustained long-term value for all our stakeholders."
About Persistent
Persistent Systems (BSE: 533179) (NSE: PERSISTENT) is a global services and solutions company delivering AI-led, platform-driven Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization to businesses across industries. With over 27,500 employees located in 18 countries, the Company is committed to innovation and client success. Persistent offers a comprehensive suite of services, including software engineering, product development, data and analytics, CX transformation, cloud computing, and intelligent automation. The Company is part of the MSCI India Index and is included in key indices of the National Stock Exchange of India, including the Nifty Midcap 50, Nifty IT, and Nifty MidCap Liquid 15, as well as several on the BSE such as the S&P BSE 100 and S&P BSE SENSEX Next 50. Persistent is also a constituent of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. The Company has achieved carbon neutrality, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. Persistent has also been named one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Inclusion & Diversity 2025 by Newsweek and Plant A Insights Group. As a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, the Company is committed to aligning strategies and operations with universal principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption, as well as take actions that advance societal goals. With 468% growth in brand value since 2020, Persistent is the fastest-growing IT services brand in 'Brand Finance India 100' 2025 Report.
www.persistent.com
Forward-looking and Cautionary Statements
For risks and uncertainties relating to forward-looking statements, please visit persistent.com/flcs
Recognized for excellence in executive leadership, financial stewardship and investor relations engagement
SANTA CLARA, Calif. and PUNE, India, May 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Persistent Systems (BSE: 533179) (NSE: PERSISTENT), a global Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization leader, today announced that it has been recognized in the 2026 Extel Asia Executive Team survey, earning the prestigious distinction of 'Most Honored Company' and continuing its strong performance in the survey for the third consecutive year.
The Company earned top rankings across multiple categories in both the pan-Asia and Asia excluding Mainland China results, further reinforcing its growing credibility among the global investment community. Persistent secured the following rankings in Asia, excluding Mainland China, for the Technology, IT Services, Software & AI industry:
- Sandeep Kalra, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, ranked first in the Best CEO category (combined, buy side and sell side)
- Persistent's Investor Relations Program ranked first (sell side)
- Vinit Teredesai, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director, ranked second in the Best CFO category (combined and buy side)
The recognition reflects Persistent's continued focus on strong corporate governance, transparent stakeholder engagement, disciplined execution and sustained business performance. The rankings highlight the Company's strength across key survey parameters such as leadership credibility, communication, financial stewardship, capital allocation, accessibility of senior executives, responsiveness to investors and analysts and consistency and transparency of financial disclosures.
Extel is known for its independent research and rankings on corporate leadership, investor relations programs, governance and financial communications. For over five decades, its surveys have been a benchmark for the global investment community. This year, more than 5,500 institutional investors and analysts evaluated over 2,500 companies and 2,700 executives across Asia. Persistent had also secured top rankings in the 2025 and 2024 editions of the survey.
Sandeep Kalra, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Persistent
"Consistent recognition in the Extel rankings reflects the trust and confidence that investors and analysts continue to place in Persistent. We are grateful for their support and committed to strong governance, disciplined execution and delivering differentiated value to our clients. As the technology landscape continues to evolve, we remain focused on building a resilient, future-ready business that scales with purpose and agility, while driving sustained long-term value for all our stakeholders."
About Persistent
Persistent Systems (BSE: 533179) (NSE: PERSISTENT) is a global services and solutions company delivering AI-led, platform-driven Digital Engineering and Enterprise Modernization to businesses across industries. With over 27,500 employees located in 18 countries, the Company is committed to innovation and client success. Persistent offers a comprehensive suite of services, including software engineering, product development, data and analytics, CX transformation, cloud computing, and intelligent automation. The Company is part of the MSCI India Index and is included in key indices of the National Stock Exchange of India, including the Nifty Midcap 50, Nifty IT, and Nifty MidCap Liquid 15, as well as several on the BSE such as the S&P BSE 100 and S&P BSE SENSEX Next 50. Persistent is also a constituent of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. The Company has achieved carbon neutrality, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. Persistent has also been named one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Inclusion & Diversity 2025 by Newsweek and Plant A Insights Group. As a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, the Company is committed to aligning strategies and operations with universal principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption, as well as take actions that advance societal goals. With 468% growth in brand value since 2020, Persistent is the fastest-growing IT services brand in 'Brand Finance India 100' 2025 Report.
www.persistent.com
Forward-looking and Cautionary Statements
For risks and uncertainties relating to forward-looking statements, please visit persistent.com/flcs
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Persistent Earns Top Honors for the Third Consecutive Year in Extel's 2026 Asia Executive Team Survey
