The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) saw a remarkable 64% year-on-year jump in new registrations in the first half (H1) of 2025, reflecting the increased investor confidence in the Qatari market.



With 828 new firms registered, the QFC has almost surpassed its 2024 record, bringing the total number of registered firms to 3,300 by June 2025, reaffirming its position as a trusted platform for doing business in the region.



The QFC’s regulated firms delivered strong performance, with corporate and investment banks driving a 19% year-on-year increase in assets under management (AuM).



"“We are pleased to see positive results from our ongoing efforts to enhance Qatar’s business ecosystem and drive progress across sectors. Our focus remains on fostering an environment that attracts diverse businesses and supports sustainable growth. With this growth momentum, we continue to reinforce Qatar’s position as a leading hub for innovation and investment in the region," said Yousuf Mohamed al-Jaida, chief executive officer of QFC Authority.



The QFC’s H1-2025 performance was supported by strategic reforms to facilitate market entry, targeted business development and stakeholder engagement efforts.



Measures such as simplifying the incorporation process, allowing applicants to instantly establish a legal entity and obtain a licence for non-regulated activities, and reducing the application fee for licensing a business by 90% have significantly lowered entry barriers, encouraging more entrepreneurs to launch their businesses through the QFC platform.



The QFC’s presence at the 2025 Web Summit was particularly impactful. Between February and June 2025, as many as 566 firms registered with it through the summit, a sharp rise from the 358 firms recorded during the previous edition.



Further progress was made under the Innovation Dome, QFC’s flagship initiative. During H1, as many as 33 firms joined the Digital Assets Lab, which is spearheading collaborative projects in areas including Islamic finance, tokenised deposits, real estate tokenisation, and blockchain-based rewards systems.



In addition, the QFC Metaverse was launched, an immersive digital platform designed to facilitate business engagement, collaboration, and innovation. It serves as a central hub for networking, showcasing new technologies, and hosting workshops, training sessions, and expert-led discussions.



QFC also expanded its network through strategic partnerships aimed at advancing its focus sectors, supporting economic development, facilitating cross-border investment, and enhancing its value proposition.



Memoranda of understanding were signed with QNB, German Mittelstand GCC, Gulf Capital Market Association (GCMA), Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Financial Services Development Council (FSDC), and Ashmore Group.



In addition, the QFC signed a head of terms with Hang Seng Indexes Company Limited (HSIL) and a service agreement with The View Hospital.