The Qatar Financial Center Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) has signed 21 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with securities regulators across the European Union, paving way for authorised firms to tap newer markets.
“The recently-signed MoUs with securities regulators in the EU is a great example of the QFCRA's commitment to developing the opportunities available to firms licensed and authorised on the QFC platform," Giovanni Bandi, head of Investment Management, QFCRA, told an asset management roundtable.
The high-level asset management session was attended by asset managers from firms licensed and authorised on the QFC platform, and is the second roundtable organised by QFC's FSO (Financial Sector Office) to leverage the expertise of the QFC and the QFCRA for the benefit of firms licensed and authorised on the QFC platform.
The MoUs will provide a unique and exciting opportunity for QFC firms, and establish a platform for new and existing QFC fund managers to enter new markets and access a greater pool of investors.
By co-hosting the asset management roundtable with the QFC’s FSO, the QFCRA can continue to provide an essential and valuable platform that will enable and promote knowledge-sharing, Bandi said.
"The asset management roundtable discussions are extremely important as they facilitate the generation of new ideas and enable us to discuss potential future opportunities that are available in the market," according to Henk Hoogendoorn, managing director, FSO.
Dr Ataf Ahmed, managing director/head of Asset Management of QInvest, highlighted that the QFC continues to play a "significant" role in bringing together leaders from across the asset management industry to discuss salient trends and issues in the market.
"This roundtable provoked a healthy and important discussion around the need to ensure that Qatar remains an attractive hub in the minds of investors. This spirit of collaboration and co-operation will support the growth and development of asset management in Qatar, while further enhancing its status on the international stage,” he said.
