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The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) – Doha Chapter recently organised a CPE session titled ‘Investing Right: From Regulations to Real Estate’, bringing together 140 participants comprising finance and investment professionals.The session was inaugurated by Doha Chapter chairperson Kishore Alex, who emphasised the chapter’s commitment to equipping members with current knowledge on global financial and regulatory trends. The event featured two speakers who offered complementary perspectives on regulatory reforms and investment avenues.BNW Developments chairman and founder Ankur Aggarwal shared expert insights on ‘Real Estate Investment Opportunities in the GCC and India – Scope and Growth’. Drawing on his extensive real-estate experience, Aggarwal discussed key growth sectors, sustainable development trends, and regulatory enablers driving property markets across India and the Gulf. He also highlighted practical strategies for investors to evaluate projects, manage risk, and capitalise on the robust investment outlook in both regions.Jomon K George, founder and managing partner, JVR & Associates and former chairman of SIRC of ICAI, delivered an in-depth presentation on ‘India Update – FEMA, Taxation and ICAI Regulatory Developments’.He elaborated on India’s macroeconomic strength, the new Income Tax Act 2025, non-resident taxation updates, the changing regulatory landscape under NFRA and BRSR, and the evolving expectations from the chartered accountant profession in the digital era. His session provided members with practical clarity on the cross-border compliance framework and its implications for Indian professionals abroad.The event also featured a felicitation ceremony for the recently qualified chartered accountants from the September 2025 examination at the Doha examination centre. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by vice-chairperson Arun Somanath, who acknowledged the speakers, sponsors, and volunteers.

Aiming to acquire global insights, play a role in policy discussions, and strengthen its international credibility, Commercial Bank has participated in the 2025 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Institute of International Finance (IIF) in Washington, DC.The reception, hosted by the Qatari Banks on October 15 was attended by HE the Minister of Finance, Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari; HE the Governor of Qatar Central Bank, Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud al-Thani; as well as Board members, CEOs and senior executives of Qatari banks.Commercial Bank was represented at these meetings by Board Member, Mohamad Ismail Mandani al-Emadi; Group CEO, Stephen Moss; Executive General Manager and Chief Marketing Officer, Eiman al-Naemi; Executive General Manager, Chief Wholesale and International Banking Officer, Fahad Badar; Executive General Manager, Treasury and Investments, Parvez Khan; and Senior AGM and Head of ALM, Omran al-Sherawi.Throughout these meetings, Commercial Bank explored new business opportunities and strengthened relationships with leading banks across the region and globally, showcasing its leadership in digital innovation.Moss noted: “The innovative solutions we introduce and steps we take to support the growth of Qatar’s financial sector are further strengthened by the knowledge and connections we gain at the annual IMF and IIF meetings. These gatherings give us access to best practices and insights that we bring back home to Qatar and implement in the best way possible.”

HE the Minister of Finance, Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari met separately with the Minister of Finance of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Ahmed Shide; the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Jamshid Kuchkarov; and the Minister of Oil and Gas of the State of Libya, Dr Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadiq.The meetings were held on the margin of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, held in Washington, DC. During the meetings, bilateral relations were discussed, areas of joint co-operation were explored, and key economic, investment, and trade developments were discussed, in addition to a number of topics of common interest.

HE the Minister of Finance, Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari met separately with President and Group CEO of Mizuho Financial Group, Masahiro Kihara, and Group Chairman of Standard Chartered, Maria Ramos. The meetings were held on the margin of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, held in Washington, DC. Discussions during the meetings, dealt with a host of matters of mutual interest, particularly in the financial and economic fields, in addition to ways to expand efforts for bilateral co-operation. The meetings also explored areas of co-operation, and the most important economic, investment and trade developments.

South Korea's fiscal deficit reached over 88 trillion won (US$61.8 billion) in the first eight months of the year, the finance ministry said Thursday. The managed fiscal balance, a key gauge of fiscal health calculated on stricter terms, posted a deficit of 88.3 trillion won in the cited period, according to data from the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Total revenue grew 35 trillion won from the same period last year to 431.7 trillion won. In detail, tax revenue expanded 28.6 trillion won on-year to 260.8 trillion won. Total expenditures increased 38.4 trillion won on-year to 485.4 trillion won. The government earlier projected the shortfall to align with the original annual target of around 111.6 trillion won toward the end of the year.

His Excellency the Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari participated in the meeting of Arab Finance Ministers, alongside Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group and several finance ministers.The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, now taking place in Washington, DC. The meeting comes as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation with international financial institutions, exchange views on global economic developments, and explore opportunities to support financial stability and promote sustainable growth in the region.It aims to highlight the achievements of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in addressing global and regional priorities, and explore opportunities for cooperation across several actionable economic and financial sectors – contributing to the empowerment of both regional and global economic growth.The meeting also shed light on the attractiveness of the investment environment in GCC countries and the creation of high-quality opportunities across various sectors. In addition, it addressed the economic and development policies expected to be adopted as part of joint GCC efforts in the coming phase.

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), country's leading digital bank, has achieved a new milestone by winning 17 prestigious accolades at Global Finance’s 2025 Digital Bank, AI & Innovation Awards “reinforcing its leadership” in innovation and digitisation.The recognition spanned across corporate, consumer, AI, and innovation global, regional and local categories, highlighting QIB’s leadership and prominent position within the banking sector globally.At the ceremony held recently in London, QIB was honoured as the Best Personalised Financial Advice Consumer Banking in the World in the Global AI in Finance Awards category, recognising the bank’s position at the forefront of AI-driven banking innovation in the region and beyond.Additionally, QIB won four accolades; Best Consumer Bank in AI and Best Personalised Financial Advice, both in Qatar and in the Middle East, in acknowledgement of QIB’s advanced AI-driven capabilities that deliver secure, intelligent, and customer-focused financial services.With a clear focus on delivering smarter, more intuitive digital experience, QIB has been systematically embedding artificial intelligence across its operations to anticipate customer needs, elevate service quality, and drive sustainable growth. QIB’s AI strategy goes beyond personalisation.By integrating AI into areas such as fraud detection, process automation, and digital onboarding, the bank has significantly improved operational efficiency, enhanced security, and reduced its reliance on traditional, paper-based workflows.These advancements reflect QIB’s commitment to responsible AI innovation that aligns with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.In the Consumer Banking category, QIB was celebrated as Most Innovative Digital Bank in Qatar and the Middle East, Best in lending and Best Online Product Offerings in Qatar, affirming the bank’s consistent efforts to boost customer engagement and satisfaction through exceptional service and pioneering digital solutions.In the Corporate Banking category, QIB was recognised with multiple prestigious accolades at both the regional and local levels, being named the Best Mobile Banking App, Most Innovative Digital Bank, and Best Online/User Experience (UX) Portal in Qatar and the Middle East.The bank was also honoured with the Best SME Banking Platform in Qatar, reaffirming its commitment to empowering businesses through innovative, user-centric digital solutions. These recognitions highlight QIB’s continuous efforts to enhance customer experiences and set new benchmarks in digital banking.Moreover, QIB was named among the Top Innovators in Qatar, which is telling about its continuous drive to push the boundaries of digital transformation in the financial sector.QIB’s Group CEO Bassel Gamal commented: “We are happy to be recognised by Global Finance. These accolades mirror our efforts and commitment to investing in technology and innovation to provide secure, convenient, and customer-centric digital solutions. They also underscore QIB’s leading role in shaping the future of digital banking in Qatar and beyond.“On this occasion, I would like to thank the Board of Directors for their continuous support, Qatar Central Bank for its ongoing encouragement of innovation and digital transformation, and each one of our team members for their exceptional performance and dedication.”Global Finance World’s Best Digital Awards are widely regarded as on the most prestigious in the global banking industry and are seen as an endorsement of excellence and best practices.They recognise institutions that demonstrate exceptional performance, innovation, and leadership across different consumer sub-categories including Best User Experience (UX) Design, Best Mobile Banking App and Best Innovation and Transformation.

His Excellency Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani, Governor of the Qatar Central Bank, met today, Monday, 6 October 2025, with the Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry of the Republic of India. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations between the two countries in banking and finance and explored ways to further strengthen cooperation.

His Excellency Governor of the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al-Thani met on Sunday with the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the State of Qatar Walid Elfiky. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral cooperation relations in banking and finance and the means of consolidating them.

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has made enhancement to its flexible certificate of deposits (Flexi CD), aligning the offering with sustainable finance principles to support green and socially responsible projects.The enhanced Flexi CD continues to offer attractive returns and flexibility while contributing to a positive environmental and social impact.Funds invested in Flexi CD will now be directed towards financing sustainable initiatives – including clean energy, pollution control, green buildings, education and healthcare; thus, offering customers a way to grow their savings, while supporting a sustainable future.Flexi CD is a flexible investment ‘Mudaraba’ product, allowing retail customers to collect profits at the end of each quarter and make early and partial redemptions during the tenor of the deposit.In the event of early redemption, the remaining balance will continue to earn the same expected profit rate. These certificate of deposits can be booked instantly and securely through the QIB mobile app.Flexi CD holders can apply for financing up to 100% of the deposit value, with a financing tenor equivalent to the CD maturity. The minimum subscription is QR100,000 or $25,000.Flexi CD is designed to promote long-term savings and offer attractive annual returns based on currency and tenor. They are available in both Qatari riyal and US dollar, with 1, 2, or 3-year tenors."The enhanced Flexi CD allows customers to grow their savings while contributing to sustainable development, aligning with our long-term commitment to responsible banking. This move is a natural progression of our product strategy meeting the evolving expectations of our stakeholders. It reflects QIB’s role as a forward-thinking financial institution committed to driving positive change," said D. Anand, QIB’s General Manager – Personal Banking Group.

QNB has been recognised by Global Finance magazine as one of the best in digital banking, winning two prestigious awards: ‘Best Mobile Banking App’ and ‘Best in Social Media Marketing and Services in Qatar’ for its continuous efforts in digital banking, and marketing.These accolades reflect QNB’s commitment to delivering innovative digital banking solutions and exceptional customer experience, further cementing its leadership in digital transformation, and significant efforts on customer awareness on digital through innovative marketing channels.QNB has distinguished itself through a wide range of pioneering digital services, as it has introduced ‘3D Secure eCommerce Transaction Verification’, allowing customers to approve online payments via QNB Mobile Banking push notifications.This new feature is provided alongside the SMS verification method already in place, giving customers additional options for secure transaction approval.It has also expanded the scope of convenient fund transfers with Visa Direct, allowing customers to instantly transfer money to Visa debit, credit, or pre-paid cards directly through QNB Mobile Banking.Court payments have similarly become easier, with customers now able to complete these transactions conveniently through QNB Mobile and Internet Banking.Through its Digital Onboarding service, QNB enables new customers to open a current or savings account, obtain a Virtual Card, and begin using their accounts instantly within minutes through QNB Mobile Banking without having to visit a branch.In addition, the bank has introduced a Multi-Currency Travel Card that allows customers to create a virtual card in multiple currencies within minutes, ensuring hassle-free transactions worldwide at competitive exchange rates.Furthermore, QNB Mobile Banking application offers customers the flexibility to adjust their credit card repayment percentage with ease.Reinforcing its reputation as a regional innovator, QNB became the first bank in Qatar and the Middle East to launch ATMs with bulk cash deposit functionality.These awards are a testament to QNB’s continuous innovation and investment in cutting-edge digital services, designed to provide its customers with secure, seamless, and exceptional digital banking across all channels.QNB continues to enhance its digital platforms in line with its strategy to deliver smart, customer-centric solutions that make everyday banking faster and more secure.The Group was also recognised recently with several international awards including: ‘Best Multi-Channel Offering in the Middle East and North Africa’, ‘Best Digital Bank in Qatar’ and ‘Excellence in Omni-channel Customer Experience’.

The assets of Islamic banks in the country grew by 3.9% to QR585.5bn in 2024, according to Bait Al-Mashura Finance.Quoting figures from the Qatar Central Bank (QCB), Bait Al-Mashura said in 2023 Islamic bank assets in the country totalled QR563.7bn.Islamic banks accounted for 28% of the total assets of Qatar’s banking sector, the researcher said.Domestic assets of Islamic banks increased by 4% in 2024 to QR529.7bn, while their reserves rose by 6.3% to QR20.6bn.Foreign assets amounted to QR35.2bn, a 0.4% decrease year-on-year compared to 2023.The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of assets for Qatar’s Islamic banks over the five-year period (2020-2024) reached 5.4%, compared to 3.5% for traditional commercial banks in the country during the same period.In 2024, Islamic banks in Qatar recorded revenues of QR29.5bn, representing a growth rate of 12.6% compared to 2023.Financing and investment activities accounted for 91% of these total revenues. This growth was driven by a 13.8% increase in financing and investment revenues, along with an 8.4% decrease in the provision for credit losses compared to 2023.Over the period 2020-2024, the revenue of Islamic banks grew at a CAGR of 9%.In 2024, the four Islamic banks in Qatar achieved total net profits of QR8.7bn for their shareholders, compared to QR8.2bn in 2023, representing a 6% growth.Data from the QCB showed that total deposits in the Qatari banking system grew by 4.1% in 2024.Islamic bank deposits in Qatar increased by 8.2% during the same period, compared to a 2.2% increase in deposits at conventional commercial banks.Islamic bank deposits accounted for approximately 34% of the total deposits in the Qatari banking system, reaching a total of QR339.1bn, compared to QR313.4bn in 2023.Over the period 2020-2024, the compound annual growth rate for deposits in Islamic banks was 5%, compared to 1.5% for conventional banks.The private sector held the largest share of deposits in Islamic banks, at 57%, followed by the public sector with 38%. Non-resident deposits constituted only 5% of total deposits in Islamic banks.During 2024, the most significant growth rate was observed in public sector deposits, which increased by 20%. Private sector deposits also grew by 4%, while non-resident deposits declined by 16% compared to 2023.According to quarterly data from the QCB, financing provided by Islamic banks (in 2024) reached QR401.5bn, an increase of 4.9% compared to 2023.Credit facilities extended by traditional commercial banks also increased by 4.4%.The most significant growth in Islamic bank financing in 2024 was observed in the real estate and general trade sectors, increasing by 16% and 12.7% respectively.Financing for the services and consumer sectors also increased by 4.5% and 2.9% respectively.Conversely, financing for the industrial and construction sectors declined by 14.2% and 11.3% respectively.Islamic bank financing represented 30% of total banking sector financing in 2024.During the period 2020-2024, the CAGR for total financing by Islamic banks was 5.2%, compared to 3% for traditional commercial banks.