Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Banks Dr Wissam Fattouh stressed the importance of Arab financial institutions drawing on the experience of Qatari banks, whose expanding regional and international presence highlights opportunities to diversify investments, strengthen cross-border cooperation and enhance competitiveness in a rapidly changing global economy.
Speaking to QNA, Fattouh highlighted the extensive international reach of Qatari banks and their investments beyond the domestic market, saying their experience could help other Arab institutions strengthen investment management, develop their banking operations and navigate diverse markets.
He stressed that Arab banks could draw broader lessons from Qatar’s approach to expanding internationally, diversifying investments and capitalizing on opportunities across regional and global markets.
Fattouh said Qatari banks’ extensive presence across regional and international markets offers valuable lessons for Arab institutions seeking to expand beyond their traditional markets. Exposure to diverse markets can also help banks better assess local conditions and risks, refine their business strategies and adapt to changing economic environments.
Fattouh cautioned, however, that successful banking models cannot be replicated wholesale across the region. Banks must assess each market’s economic and regulatory environment and adapt proven practices to local conditions.
He said learning from Qatar’s experience and other successful Gulf and Arab banking models could deepen financial cooperation, unlock investment opportunities and strengthen Arab banks’ ability to adapt to global economic and technological shifts.
Turning to the Gulf banking sector, Fattouh said Qatar’s experience should be viewed alongside those of other Gulf countries, whose financial institutions bring diverse expertise and maintain investments across regional and international markets.
He described Gulf banks as a key pillar of the Arab banking sector, noting that several have established a strong presence in international markets and pursued diversified investment strategies. Their cross-border operations provide a platform for deeper partnerships and knowledge-sharing in areas ranging from business management and financing to international expansion and financial services development.
Fattouh said stronger cooperation among Gulf banks could expand investment opportunities across the Arab world.