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Monday, January 19, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "QCB" (10 articles)

Basic earnings per share amounted to QR1.95 in 2025 compared to QR1.86 in 2024. The QIB board proposed an additional cash dividend of 50% of the paid-up share capital worth QR0.50 per share, taking the total cash dividend during the year to 90% of the paid-up share capital of QR0.90 per share, subject to the approval of the Qatar Central Bank and the QIB General Assembly.
Business

QIB net profit grows 5% to QR4.83bn in 2025

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) reported a net profit of QR4.83bn in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, registering a 5% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase from QR4.60bn.Basic earnings per share amounted to QR1.95 in 2025 compared to QR1.86 in 2024. The QIB board proposed an additional cash dividend of 50% of the paid-up share capital worth QR0.50 per share, taking the total cash dividend during the year to 90% of the paid-up share capital of QR0.90 per share, subject to the approval of the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) and the QIB General Assembly.The bank’s total assets during the same period stood at QR221.1bn, representing a y-o-y 10.1% growth compared to QR200.8bn. Financing and investing activities were the primary drivers for the asset growth.Financing activities reached QR138.5bn, a 10.5% jump compared to December 2024, while Investment Securities reached QR60.2bn as of December 31, 2025, higher by 13.7% against December 2024.Customer deposits stood at QR142.7bn in 2025, up by 14.2% against December 2024, with a financing to deposit ratio of 90% during the same period last year, compared to the QCB requirement of a maximum 100%, reflecting the bank’s strong liquidity position.The total income for the year ended December 31, 2025, reached QR11.4bn. Net income from financing and investing activities was QR10.3bn. Net fee and commission income reached QR904mn, reflecting the bank’s healthy core operating and banking services activities.The total general and administrative expenses of the bank were reduced to QR1.08bn in 2025, 6% lower than the previous year, primarily from the impact of the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Strict cost management measures helped the bank in lowering the cost-to-income ratio to 16.3%, which is the lowest in the Qatari banking sector.QIB was able to bring down the ratio of non-performing financing assets to total financing assets to 1.65% in 2025 from 1.86% at the end of the previous year and continues to be one of the lowest in the industry, reflecting the quality of the bank’s financing assets portfolio and its effective risk management framework.The bank continues to pursue the conservative impairment policy by building precautionary impairment charge for financing assets, other assets and other provisions and maintains a healthy coverage ratio for non-performing financing assets to 95% as of December 31, 2025.Total shareholders’ equity of the bank reached QR29.6bn, an increase of 9.1% compared to QR27.2bn as of December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2025, the total capital adequacy of the bank under Basel III guidelines is 22.2%, well above the regulatory minimum requirements prescribed by the QCB and Basel Committee.QIB chairman Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani said: “Our continued investments in technology and digital capabilities have enabled us to maintain our leadership in digital banking, enhance customer experiences, and operate with greater efficiency and agility. At the same time, our customer-centric approach remains at the core of everything we do—guiding how we design products, deliver services, and build long-term relationships.“Throughout the year, we have also advanced the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles across our operations, ensuring responsible growth that aligns with national priorities and global best practices.” 

Gulf Times
Business

Celebrating National Day renews belonging, loyalty to homeland, leadership: QCB Governor

His Excellency the Governor of Qatar Central Bank (QCB) Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud al-Thani said that Qatar's National Day, which falls on December 18 of every year, is an opportunity to renew belonging, loyalty and allegiance to the homeland and the wise leadership, and to express pride in the national identity.In exclusive statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of Qatar National Day, HE the QCB Governor said that celebrating this day embodies the spirit of national unity and commemorates the state's founding, as well as those who shaped Qatar's renaissance, pointing out that it is also an affirmation of the country's commitment to the fundamental principles and values upon which it was founded.HE the QCB Governor highlighted the outstanding achievements that have been accomplished under the wise leadership and vision of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, which enabled Qatar to occupy an advanced position on the regional and global level. This has been proved by international organisations and institutions that praised the humanitarian and civilisational role played by the State of Qatar in the region and the world as a whole, which is considered a true source of pride.His Excellency praised the noble meanings reflected in Qatar National Day's 2025 slogan 'With You It Rises, From You It Awaits,' drawn from a speech delivered by His Highness the Amir during his 2016 visit to Qatar University, during which His Highness indicated that Qatar prospers through its people and relies on them to continue growing. His Excellency noted that the slogan affirms the value of Qatari citizens and their role in building the country, encouraging them to continue their journey towards development by giving and serving the community.He pointed out that QCB's achievements are in line with the National Day slogan, which affirms that the State of Qatar's renaissance is built by its people, expecting more creativity and innovation from them. He highlighted the bank's keenness to invest in Qatari talents, recognising the value of human resources in achieving economic development, noting that Qatari talents and competencies constitute one of the supporting pillars of the third strategy for the financial sector, and are given the highest priority to create a banking generation of citizens capable of creativity, innovation, and leading the banking and financial sector.He stressed that celebrating Qatar's National Day reflects the country's connection to its past and its historical and cultural identity, as recalls the sacrifices made by its founder, Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani, the honourable people of Qatar and the leaders who followed the founder, noting that it is they who laid the foundations of the modern state, and achieved accomplishments that link the past with the present, which are commemorated on Qatar National Day.Regarding QCB's achievements for this year, HE the QCB Governor said that 2025 was full of accomplishments that brought about a qualitative leap in the financial sector, in line with the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030). Significant progress has been made in implementing the strategic objectives outlined in the Third Financial Sector Strategy, QCB's 2024-2030 Strategy, the FinTech Strategy, and the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Strategy for the Financial Sector, he added.HE the Governor of QCB indicated that several pioneering initiatives were implemented, including the issuance of instructions for the establishment and operation of a real estate development escrow account, as well as instructions for data processing and protection, the issuance of a sustainable finance framework, and the issuance of a circular on financial services for customers with disabilities and the elderly, in addition to the issuance of a circular announcing a change in the fifth issue of the Riyal banknotes in accordance with the laws in force in the State of Qatar.The first auction within the distributors framework was successfully executed, resulting in the issuance of government bonds and sukuk denominated in local currency on behalf of the Ministry of Finance, he continued, adding that the second phase of the primary distributors framework was also successfully implemented through secondary market trading and the listing of Ijara sukuk, following the highly successful launch of the first phase in January 2025.As part of the bank's commitment to supporting emerging national companies in the field of financial technology, which contributes to building an advanced digital financial and banking system, QCB continued to grant licenses to financial technology companies to conduct their services. By the end of September 2025, the number of licensed companies in this field reached 14 companies subject to the supervision and control of QCB in the financial technology sector, in addition to granting approval to several companies to join the regulatory sandbox and the accelerated regulatory sandbox, he added.His Excellency also pointed out that, as part of the bank's commitment to providing effective initiatives that utilise modern technologies such as digitalisation and artificial intelligence, QCB has worked to facilitate transactions and bring basic financial services closer to all segments of society, thereby enhancing financial inclusion in the country. For example, the Apple Pay service was launched for 'Himyan' cardholders, in addition to collaborating with Qatar Airways' Privilege Club to provide a more distinctive experience for Himyan cardholders, enabling them to benefit from the club's advantages, such as earning 'Avios' points when using Himyan cards for their daily purchases, he further explained.He noted the continued growth of international reserves and foreign currency liquidity at QCB, which reached approximately QR261.1bn in September 2025, registering a growth rate of 3.1% compared to September 2024.QCB's total official reserves also reached approximately QR201.5bn in September 2025, with a growth rate of 3.7% compared to September 2024, while the total assets of commercial banks reached approximately QR2.15tn in September 2025, representing a growth rate of 6.2% compared to September 2024, he added.He concluded his statements to QNA by emphasising that the bank continues its work in accordance with the strategies and objectives set to enhance the sustainability of the financial sector, increase its resilience, and support stability, thereby contributing to diversification and innovation, supporting financial inclusion, and excellence in banking and financial practices through pioneering future initiatives and projects that will contribute to supporting the digital transformation of the financial sector. 

The move strengthens the country's financial infrastructure and supports digital transformation of the financial sector, according to the QCB
Business

QCB activates Qatari riyal, foreign currency transfers via QA-RTGS system

The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has announced the activation of Qatari Riyal and foreign-currency transfer services through the Real-Time Gross Settlement System (QA-RTGS) between local banks.This, the QCB said, is in line with the Third Financial Sector Strategy, and as part of its efforts to enhance national payment systems.In a release, the QCB said the “activation enables both Qatari riyal and foreign-currency transactions to be processed and settled locally with greater efficiency and flexibility.”“It also improves transaction speed, enhances security, and supports a more advanced digital banking environment aligned with international best practices,” the central bank noted.The QCB added that the move strengthens the country's financial infrastructure and supports digital transformation of the financial sector, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. 

QCB
Business

Qatar Central Bank launches mobile app

The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) yesterday launched its mobile application, enabling users to access data, reports, and all updates instantly and efficiently.This initiative is aimed at enhancing the user experience and keeping pace with technological advancements and the requirements of digital transformation within the financial sector.This launch aligns with the Third Financial Sector Strategy and supports Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks to build a knowledge-based digital economy.The mobile application has been designed according to the latest technical standards, with a user-friendly interface that allows for easy browsing and searching.The mobile application can be downloaded through the App Store.

The QCB's initiative is aimed at enhancing the user experience and keeping pace with technological advancements and the requirements of digital transformation within the financial sector
Business

QCB launches mobile app enabling users to access data, reports and updates instantly and efficiently

The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) Sunday launched its mobile application, enabling users to access data, reports, and all updates instantly and efficiently. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the user experience and keeping pace with technological advancements and the requirements of digital transformation within the financial sector.This launch aligns with the Third Financial Sector Strategy and supports Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks to build a knowledge-based digital economy. The mobile application has been designed according to the latest technical standards, with a user-friendly interface that allows for easy browsing and searching. The mobile application can be downloaded through the App Store.

The domestic real time payment service Fawran reported a robust double-digit growth in volumes and value, according to the Qatar Central Bank data
Business

Qatar records 59.95mn payment system transactions valued at QR18.47bn in October: QCB

Indicating the increased use of electronic means in the financial sector, Qatar saw a total of 59.95mn transactions valued at QR18.47bn through the country's payment system in October 2025 as the domestic real time payment service Fawran reported a robust double-digit growth in volumes and value, according to the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) data.The number of transactions and total value grew 8.84% and 10.73% month-on-month respectively in October 2025, the QCB said in its social media handle X.The Qatar Payment System (QPS) is designed on the concept of real-time gross settlement (RTGS) and electronic straight through processing (e-STP).The point-of-sales constituted 50% of the payment system transaction, followed by e-commerce 25%, Fawran or instant payment system at 24% and QMP at 1% in the review period.There were 46.03mn card transactions through point-of-sales – which enables merchants to process payments and log transactions – valued at QR9.19bn in October 2025. The card transactions increased 8.48% and 8.63% month-on-month in volume and value respectively.The e-commerce transactions witnessed as many as 10.82mn transactions valued at QR4.44bn in the review period. The number of transactions and their total value jumped 7.23% and 4.96% respectively compared with September 2025.The point-of-sales and e-commerce together amounted to QR13.63bn through 56.85mn transactions this October, which showed 8.24% and 7.41% surge in volume and value respectively on a monthly basis.Fawran – a real-time payment service in Qatar, allowing users to send and receive money instantly and securely within the country – registered as many as 2.68mn transactions valued at QR4.56bn in October 2025, shooting up 21.27% and 23.58% month-on-month respectively.The total number of Fawran accounts registered a 1.77% month-on-month growth to 3.45mn in the review period.Fawran was launched in 2024 and system members are QNB, Commercial Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, Ahli Bank, Dukhan Bank, Doha Bank, QIIB and AlRayan Bank.QMP – which allows immediate transfer of funds between registered customers through any registered payment service providers – saw as many as 421,491 transactions valued at QR289.42mn in October 2025. While total number of transactions zoomed 17.26%, total value was down 1.77% against September 2025 levels.There has been a total of 1.22mn registered wallets in the review period, registering a marginal 0.83% increase on a monthly basis.The QMP is a centralised payment system that was launched in 2020, to enable individuals and corporates to perform instant fund transfers between e-wallets within payment service providers in Qatar.The system members are QNB, Commercial Bank, Doha Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, Ahli Bank, QIIB, Arab Bank, HSBC Qatar, AlRayan Bank, Dukhan Bank, i-pay and Ooredoo Money.The QPS is based on the SWIFT network and messages standards and utilises the SWIFT messages to reconcile and settle the local payments and securities ownership transfers.Qatar's retail payment system comprise electronic cheque clearing system; national network system for ATMS and Points of Sales (NAPS); QMP; direct deposit and debit (QATCH); electronic payment gateway (QPay); wage protection system (WPS); and Fawran.

Gulf Times
Business

QCB foreign reserves up 3.08% in September

Qatar Central Bank's (QCB) foreign currency reserves and liquidity rose by 3.08% year-on-year in September 2025, reaching QR 261.050 billion, up from QR 253.242 billion a year earlier, according to data released by the Bank on Tuesday. Official international reserves increased by 3.73%, or QR 7.262 billion, to QR 201.548 billion at the end of September, compared with QR 194.286 billion in September 2024. Holdings of foreign bonds and treasury bills, however, declined by around QR 3.947 billion to QR 132.879 billion. The Bank noted that official reserves mainly comprise foreign bonds and treasury bills, cash balances with foreign banks, gold holdings, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), and Qatar's quota at the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Additional liquid assets such as foreign currency deposits are also included in the total international reserves. Meanwhile, gold reserves surged by nearly QR 17.953 billion to QR 52.030 billion at the end of September, compared with QR 34.077 billion in September 2024. Qatar's SDR deposits with the IMF edged down by QR 38 million to QR 5.248 billion, while cash balances at foreign banks decreased by about QR 6.706 billion to QR 11.390 billion over the same period.

Gulf Times
Business

QCB Governor meets Ambassador of Egypt

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.

Gulf Times
Business

Second phase of primary dealer framework sees 29 deals valued at QR2.8bn: QCB

Qatar Central Bank (QCB) has achieved significant milestone with the launch of the second phase of primary dealer (PD) framework, recording 29 deals with a total value exceeding QR2.8bn to date.About 16% of the primary dealers' share was redistributed to investors on the first day of issuance, the QCB said."This activity marks one of the strongest trading performances in the Qatari secondary market, demonstrating strong investor confidence and high demand for Qatari riyal-denominated financial instruments," QCB said.This was accomplished through the development of an advanced infrastructure for trading outside the stock market, significantly enhancing efficiency and transparency in the secondary market under the supervision and oversight of the QCB.As part of its ongoing commitment to developing the local debt market and promoting Islamic finance instruments, the QCB introduced ljarah sukuk as an alternative to Murabaha sukuk.This initiative aligns with international standards and enables these instruments to be traded, the QCB said.Ijarah sukuk have witnessed widespread demand from both Islamic and non-Islamic banks, and have been traded alongside conventional bonds, reflecting growing confidence in Islamic financial instruments and the effectiveness of the new regulatory framework.The PD frameworks seeks to strengthen the government securities issuance, enhance secondary market liquidity, and build investor confidence with further opportunities for participantion in future isduances.

An increase in the country's bank assets, deposits, and credit indicates a growing banking sector, which clearly suggests an expansion of the money supply and increased economic activity.
Business

Qatari banks’ assets scale up 6.5% to QR2.12tn in July

The total assets of commercial banks in Qatar scaled up 6.5% to QR2.12tn in July this year compared to the same period in 2024, according to latest data issued by the Qatar Central Bank (QCB).Total domestic deposits with local banks rose 2.3% to QR852.3bn in July compared to the same period last year. Total credit disbursed by the local banks totalled QR1.34tn in July, up 5.5% on the same period in 2024. Broad money supply (M2) increased by 1.7% to QR739.5bn in July, compared to the same period in 2024, the QCB noted. M2 is an estimate of liquid assets, including cash on hand, money deposited in checking accounts, savings accounts, and other short-term saving vehicles such as money market funds and certificates of deposit.An increase in the country's bank assets, deposits, and credit indicates a growing banking sector, which clearly suggests an expansion of the money supply and increased economic activity. A healthy banking sector with growing assets and credit improve access to capital for businesses and households, facilitating their growth and development.