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The London Stock Exchange (LSEG) on Monday welcomed Edaa, Qatar's central securities depository, to open trading — marking a new chapter in a collaboration to modernise and transform Qatar's post-trade infrastructure, reshaping the foundations of the country's capital markets and connecting them more closely to the world.Edaa began as a central securities depository. Today it stands as an integrated post-trade market infrastructure institution at the heart of Qatar's financial transformation — safeguarding securities, sharpening operational efficiency, broadening investor services, and anchoring the trust on which capital markets are built.At the centre of that progress is Edaa's Financial Market Infrastructure (FMI) Transformation Programme: a comprehensive, end-to-end modernisation of the systems that sit beneath Qatar's markets. Leveraging LSEG Markets Technology, Edaa is deploying a new post-trade technology suite across its operations. The programme unifies functions that have traditionally run on separate systems. Qatar is adopting the full LSEG Markets Technology suite, a unified, end-to-end platform supporting the full trade lifecycle, including trading, clearing, settlement and depository services. For the market, that integration is the substance behind the vision — fewer points of friction, faster and more resilient settlement, a single consolidated view for investors and participants, and operations aligned with international best practice and global standards of resilience, transparency and risk management. For investors, the programme delivers a more seamless, integrated experience and broader access to services — for issuers and for local and foreign investors alike. For market participants, it brings greater operational efficiency, stronger risk controls, and the confidence that comes from infrastructure built to international standards. For Qatar's capital markets as a whole, it provides a platform with the capacity to support new instruments, deeper liquidity, and the next phase of growth. The transformation also lays the groundwork for Qatar's next major milestones: the introduction of a central counterparty (CCP) and a modern central securities depository and securities settlement system. Together, these will bring central clearing and risk mutualisation to the market and a depository rebuilt to international standards — reducing counterparty risk, strengthening settlement resilience, and aligning Qatar's post-trade environment with the world's leading financial centres. HE the Deputy Governor of the Qatar Central Bank and Chairman of Edaa, Sheikh Ahmed bin Khalid bin Ahmed bin Sultan al- Thani commented: "Edaa's progress reflects the ambition of Qatar's financial sector and the goals of the Qatar Financial Sector Strategy and National Vision 2030. "We have not simply replaced a system — we have rebuilt the foundations of our market on infrastructure that meets the highest international standards, and that opens the path to a central counterparty and a modern depository for Qatar. Sheikh Ahmed said: "This collaboration strengthens our capital markets, deepens Qatar's connection to global finance, and gives every investor and participant a more integrated, more resilient market to rely on. The future of market infrastructure belongs to institutions that never stand still — and Edaa intends to lead." Edaa CEO, Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim al-Thani said: "Opening the London market is a proud moment for Edaa and for Qatar. We began as a securities depository; today we are building towards a single, integrated post-trade platform that brings clearing, settlement and depository together in one place. That is what modern market infrastructure looks like: secure, resilient and connected to the world. Our collaboration with LSEG is the engine behind that ambition — and behind the next phase of growth for our market."London Stock Exchange CEO, David Schwimmer said: "Edaa's transformation is a significant milestone for Qatar's capital markets. By bringing together trading, clearing, settlement and depository on a single platform powered by LSEG Markets Technology, the market is better positioned for resilience, efficiency and future growth. We are excited and proud to support this journey as Qatar continues to strengthen its global connectivity and competitiveness."That ambition reached a defining moment with Edaa's move to its new home, Edaa Hub, and the commencement of the FMI Transformation Program.This is far more than a technology upgrade. It is the foundation for deeper capital markets, stronger post-trade infrastructure, and a more dynamic, globally connected financial ecosystem for Qatar — advancing both the Qatar Financial Sector Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030.

Edaa (Qatar Central Securities Depository) announced on Monday that it has raised the foreign ownership limit in Ahli Bank Q.P.S.C. to 100% of the bank's total capital. Ahli Bank reported a net profit of QR 402.4 million for the first half of 2025, compared with QR 383.01 million in the same period last year, representing an increase of 5.06%. Earnings per share (EPS) rose to QR 0.149 in the first half of 2025, up from QR 0.142 during the corresponding period in 2024.

QIIB and Edaa have signed an agreement to facilitate the distribution of dividends to shareholders of companies listed on the Qatar financial market, in line with the regulations issued by the Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA).Under the agreement, Edaa will act on behalf of listed companies to handle the distribution of both cash dividends and bonus shares as decided by those companies.The agreement was signed at Edaa’s headquarters by Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim al-Thani, Chief Executive Officer, Edaa and Dr. Abdulbasit Ahmed al-Shaibei, Chief Executive Officer, QIIB.The signing ceremony was also attended by Jamal Abdullah al-Jamal, Deputy CEO, QIIB, and Hossam Khattab, Head of the Bank’s Financial Sector, along with several senior executives from Edaa.This partnership reflects the commitment of both parties to enhance the dividend distribution system, improving efficiency, speed, and accuracy in serving shareholders by leveraging the latest available digital solutions.As part of the agreement, QIIB will integrate its dividend distribution systems with Edaa’s platform to streamline the process for shareholders.This integration will enable the secure uploading of dividend files, provide real-time updates on paid and unpaid dividends, and allow inquiries using the National Investor Number (NIN).Sheikh Mohammed said: “This partnership with QIIB marks a significant addition to our ongoing efforts to develop dividend distribution mechanisms and enhance investor confidence. We are committed to providing faster and more accurate processes that ensure dividends reach shareholders in a timely manner.“Our choice of QIIB as a banking partner underscores our confidence in its capabilities, expertise, and dedication to innovation and excellence. This fully aligns with our vision of building a dynamic and sustainable investment environment.”He added: “At Edaa, we are continuously working to upgrade our services and launch innovative initiatives that elevate the investment experience for shareholders.“This agreement with QIIB is a model of fruitful cooperation between national institutions, and we will continue to develop similar strategic partnerships to enhance market efficiency and deliver greater value to investors.”Dr al-Shaibei said: “We are pleased to sign this agreement with Edaa, which represents an important step towards enhancing financial services offered to investors in the Qatari market.“At QIIB, we place the development of digital solutions and the adoption of modern technologies at the core of our strategy. We consider this partnership a key milestone that will simplify the dividend distribution process and provide a more efficient and seamless experience for shareholders of listed companies.”“We believe that expanding digital solutions and integrating with advanced platforms such as Edaa reflects our strong commitment to supporting the national economy and strengthening investor confidence.“We will continue to invest in innovation to ensure advanced banking services that meet the aspirations of our clients and partners, while reinforcing Qatar’s position as a leading regional and international financial hub.”Al-Shaibei concluded, “QIIB is committed to supporting the ambitions of the Qatari market through pioneering financial and banking solutions, keeping pace with digital advancements, and reinforcing our standing as a leading Islamic financial institution in Qatar and the region.”