Financial services

At a glance

The financial services sector is one of the major contributors to Qatar’s economy, ranked 2nd after the hydro-carbon industry. This reflects the prominence of the sector in shaping Qatar’s economy as one of the world’s most stable, resilient, and competitive economies. With the continuous economic growth, the demand for financial service grows accordingly, supporting the country’s position as a financial hub in the region.
Home to a world-class climate for business and investment, Qatar offers government-backed incentives, including but not restricted to, zero tax on personal income, tax holidays, and Foreign Direct Investment capital incentives.

$19 billion

Sector contribution to GDP

Approximately 8% of the country's GDP in 2022 came from the financial sector

4

Islamic banks in the country

5th largest Islamic finance assets globally

1st

in the GCC

to introduce a sustainable framework for Sukuk and Bonds

What's happening

Qatar Central Bank

Qatar Central Bank (QCB) leads the Fintech strategy and support the implementation of financial services technology and digital innovation in the State of Qatar while working with the relevant ecosystem stakeholders.

QCB supports the creation of a robust FinTech environment that can foster innovation through collaboration, developing ecosystems & improving of its relevant elements, building national financial markets & digital infrastructure, operating regulatory sandboxes and launching relevant regulatory frameworks.

QCB’s key objective is to drive growth of the FinTech sector through a highly collaborative & conducive local ecosystem, developing safe environments to test innovative business models and broaden the set of principles that would cascade into regulatory frameworks required to advance & mature the financial markets.

The FinTech and Innovation Team can be contacted at FinTechEcosystemSection@qcb.gov.qa

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Qatar FinTech Hub

Qatar FinTech Hub (QFTH) is dedicated to offer Qatar’s first ever specialised incubator and accelerator programmes, which target entrepreneurs with innovative and cutting-edge fintech ideas. QFTH complements the country’s efforts to develop a robust and globally competitive fintech ecosystem, aligned with the priorities of Qatar National Vision 2030 and Qatar’s Second Strategic Plan for the Financial Sector.

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Qatar Stock Exchange

QSE is the state’s sole operator of securities markets, offering capital raising opportunities to companies and a platform for investors through which they can trade in the Qatari markets. QSE is a pioneer in the region in promoting Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) standards through a transparent, efficient and tax-free platform for investors. QSE now offers equity platforms, both Main Market and Venture Market, ETFs as well as government and corporate bonds and in the near future derivatives. In the last decade, net foreign portfolio inflows have approximated US$ 15.7 billion.

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Who is already here?

Ernest & Young

Ernest & Young (EY) is one of the largest professional services networks in the world. As one of the leading four accounting firms, EY primarily provides assurance services, which include financial audit, in addition to tax, consulting, and advisory services.

Located in Doha, EY Qatar was launched as part of the accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll service industry.

UBS

UBS is a global firm providing financial services to private, corporate, and institutional clients, through its large network of offices in over 50 countries. Through its branch in Doha, UBS Qatar provides wealth management services.

Credit Suisse

Credit Suisse Group is a leading financial services company, advising clients in all aspects of finance, across the globe, through three regionally focused divisions: Swiss Universal Bank, International Wealth Management and Asia Pacific. These regional businesses are supported by an integrated global Investment Bank.

HSBC

HSBC is one of the largest banking and financial services institutions in the world, which serves millions of customers through its four Global Businesses.

Aventicum

Aventicum Capital Management (Aventicum) is a multi-boutique, global asset management business. Formed as a joint venture between Credit Suisse and Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Aventicum provides investors with access to specialist investment boutiques, focused on distinctive investment strategies that seek to create long-term value in a fundamentally changing investment landscape.