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The Qatar Central Bank (QCB) Thursday issued the "Sustainability Reporting Framework" for financial institutions, in accordance with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards, which will be effective from January 1, 2026.The move is in line with the Third Financial Sector Strategy and the ESG (environmental, social and governance) and Sustainability Strategy for the Financial Sector, and is aimed at enhancing transparency in sustainability disclosures within the financial sector.The standards will be implemented gradually through a series of transitional reliefs to ensure the readiness of financial institutions to adopt them efficiently and effectively.Implementation will commence on January 1, 2026, the QCB said.The standards require disclosures across four core pillars as governance (processes, controls, and procedures used to oversee and manage sustainability and climate-related risks and opportunities); and strategy (the impact of sustainability and climate-related risks and opportunities on the financial institution's strategy and decision-making).The strategy also include other pillars as risk management (how sustainability and climate-related risks and opportunities have been identified, assessed, monitored, and integrated into the overall risk management system); and metrics and targets (the financial institution's performance toward sustainability and climate-related targets, whether set internally or required by relevant laws or regulations. 

His Excellency the Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari participated in the meeting of Finance Ministers, Central Bank Governors, and Heads of Regional Financial Institutions from the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. The meeting was chaired by Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and was held on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings, now being held in Washington, DC. The meeting discussed key strategic issues related to economic growth in the region, in addition to future outlooks and fiscal policy requirements to combat inflation. It also addressed sustainable financing strategies, ways to stimulate economic growth, and the promotion of innovation in financial development.Regional and global challenges were also reviewed, particularly the risks of rising inflation rates and food insecurity. The participants stressed the importance of continuing efforts to adapt to the current financial and economic developments.The meeting was held within the framework of enhancing regional cooperation and the exchange of insights among financial and economic policymakers, with the aim of supporting economic stability and achieving sustainable development across the region.

QNB Group, one of the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, has posted a nine-month net profit of QR12.8bn, up 1% on the same period last year.Net profit before ‘Pillar Two Taxes’ reached QR13.9bn in nine months that ended on September 30, which is an increase of 9% compared to September 2024.Operating income increased by 9% to reach QR33.3bn, which reflects QNB Group’s “ability to maintain successful growth” across a range of revenue sources.Total assets (as on September 30, 2025) reached QR1,389bn, an increase of 9% on September 30, 2024, mainly driven by growth in loans and advances (by 11%) to reach QR1,001bn.Customer deposits increased by 6% to reach QR963bn (as on September 30, 2025) from the same period last year.QNB Group’s efficiency (cost to income) ratio stood at 23.3%, which is considered “one of the best ratios” among large financial institutions in the MEA region.The ratio of non-performing loans to gross loans stood at 2.9% (as on September 30, 2025), which is “one of the lowest” amongst financial institutions in the MEA region.This, QNB noted, reflects the “high quality” of the Group’s loan book and the effective management of credit risk.In addition, loan loss coverage ratio stood at 100%, which reflects the “prudent approach” adopted by QNB Group towards non-performing loans.Total equity (at the end of September this year) increased to QR121bn, up 7% on September 2024.Earnings per share reached QR1.31 in September this year.QNB Group’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) (as on September 30, 2025), amounted to 19.5%. Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR - as on September 30, 2025), amounted to 151% and 105% respectively.These ratios are higher than the regulatory minimum requirements of the QCB and Basel III reforms requirements.Group statistics: QNB Group’s presence spans some 28 countries across three continents operating from approximately 900 locations, over 5,000 ATMs supported by more than 31,000 staff.

The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) signed 13 new agreements with United Nations agencies, international financial institutions, and humanitarian organizations, with a total value exceeding US$133 million. The agreements reflect the State of Qatar's steadfast commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation as indispensable pillars for achieving sustainable development and shared prosperity worldwide. According to QFFD, these commitments are expected to benefit more than 8.3 million people globally, advancing progress in health, education, youth empowerment, food security, climate resilience, and economic development. The signing took place on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), held under the theme "Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development, and human rights." The agreements encompass both long-standing and new partners, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Gates Foundation, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO), the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNICEF in support of the Generation Unlimited (GenU) initiative, the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UNOHRLLS), the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Inter-American Investment Corporation. The signing ceremonies were attended by HE Chairperson of the Board of Directors of QFFD, Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al-Thani, and HE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Vice-Chairperson of QFFD's Board of Directors Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, alongside senior representatives from partner organizations. Through these agreements, QFFD reiterated its firm belief that international solidarity represents the most effective path to addressing pressing global challenges. By providing flexible contributions, QFFD strengthens the institutional capacities of leading UN agencies and expands their reach to the most vulnerable. At the same time, targeted programs supported by innovative financing mechanisms will enhance women's health, strengthen food stockholding systems, sustain essential public services in conflict-affected countries, rehabilitate critical infrastructure for displaced communities, and create new opportunities for young people through education, skills development, and entrepreneurship. QFFD also prioritizes the needs of Least Developed Countries (LDCs), in line with the Doha Programme of Action (2022-2031), focusing on resilience-building and strengthening systems in communities most exposed to fragility. On the sidelines of UNGA80, HE Sheikh Thani bin Hamad Al-Thani met with HE Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group Amina J. Mohammed. The meeting reaffirmed the strong partnership between the State of Qatar and the United Nations and their shared commitment to advancing a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. A series of additional high-level meetings were also held with development leaders to explore ways of enhancing cooperation in addressing global priorities. Speaking on the occasion, Director General of QFFD Fahad Hamad Al Sulaiti stated: "QFFD believes that transformative change can only be achieved through collective action. These agreements reaffirm our commitment to work hand-in-hand with governments, the private sector, and international partners to build a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. They also underscore the importance of high-impact partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms in addressing persistent gaps and global challenges, ensuring solutions that are locally driven, scalable, and sustainable." These efforts align with the State of Qatar's strategy for international cooperation, whereby QFFD aims to address urgent humanitarian needs while simultaneously promoting long-term resilience, guided by the principles of multilateralism, solidarity, and shared responsibility.