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QIIB has announced the launch of its dedicated financing campaign for the holy month of Ramadan, as part of the bank’s ongoing commitment to providing integrated banking solutions that meet customers’ financing needs and aspirations. This year’s offer features a range of distinctive advantages covering various types of financing, with competitive profit rates starting from 3.50%. The campaign includes a feature that gives customers who obtain financing during the campaign period the opportunity to enter a draw, where the winner will have the chance to receive a full cashback of the financing they received, offering real and tangible added value to customers during the blessed month. The campaign runs until March 18, 2026, and is available to all existing bank customers and new customers who wish to transfer their salaries and financing obligations to QIIB to benefit from the bank’s advantages and facilities. The offer covers personal finance, vehicle finance, and real estate finance. Each category has been designed to provide customers with a high degree of flexibility. With regard to real estate financing, the bank offers competitive facilities and benefits that make real estate financing from QIIB an ideal choice for customers. “We are pleased at QIIB to extend our sincere congratulations to our valued customers on the holy month of Ramadan, and to present this offer as an expression of our appreciation for their loyalty and our commitment to delivering the best banking services that align with their needs during this time of year,” said QIIB head of Banking Products Talal al-Jaidah. “In designing this year’s Ramadan campaign, we focused on achieving a balance between competitive profit rates and flexible terms that ensure customers can obtain the financing they need with ease and convenience,” he said. “We also wanted this year’s reward to carry a special character by offering the opportunity to win a full cashback of the financing amount through the draw – an initiative aimed at delivering a banking experience defined by appreciation and reward,” al-Jaidah added. He noted that the bank continues to enhance its operational efficiency. “Providing this offer through digital channels, such as mobile banking and internet banking, enables our customers to obtain personal financing instantly without the need to visit a branch,” al-Jaidah said. “This aligns with the significant digital advancement achieved by QIIB, while our branches remain ready to welcome customers who prefer to obtain financing in accordance with the offer.” “At QIIB, our commitment goes beyond providing financial services,” he stated. “We always strive to be partners in our customers’ aspirations by building long-term relationships founded on trust and innovation, in a way that supports their ambitions and aligns with the rapid development of banking services locally and globally.” 

Experts and specialists in combating financial crimes and terrorist financing underscored the vital role of accountants and local regulatory authorities in enhancing compliance, governance, and safeguarding Qatar's economy during the national conference on combating money laundering and terrorist financing.The conference held Thursday also addressed emerging trends in financial crimes and best practices that organisations can adopt to mitigate related risks.The event, organised by the Qatar Association of Certified Public Accountants (QACPA) under the auspices of the Ministry of Justice and the Public Prosecution, was attended by Administrative Control and Transparency Authority (ACTA) His Excellency chairman Hamad bin Nasser al-Misnad, His Excellency the Assistant Undersecretary for Shared Services Affairs the Ministry of Justice Khamis Mohammed al-Kuwari, His Excellency the Assistant Undersecretary for Commercial Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) Saleh Abdullah al-Mana, and QACPA chairman Dr Sultan bin Hassan al-Dhabet al-Dosari.With more than 230 participants, the conference featured two panel discussions covering key topics, including money laundering and terrorist financing crimes, their patterns and associated offences, their legal foundations and impact on economic stability.The discussions also covered risk assessment using a risk-based approach across various sectors and highlighted customer due diligence measures.Furthermore, the conference addressed the role of effective compliance in combating financial crimes, banking principles in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, banking secrecy, international legislation and efforts in combating these crimes, the role of digital tools in monitoring and detecting financial crimes.Participants reviewed Qatar's efforts in combating money laundering and terrorist financing, key local and international developments in this area, and indicators of suspicious activity in different sectors and their related developments.In his remarks, QACPA chairman Dr al-Dosari said the conference reflects growing institutional awareness of the importance of strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CFT) frameworks.He stressed that addressing these risks requires continuous co-ordination among regulatory, professional, and relevant institutions.Dr al-Dosari said that the accounting and auditing profession is a fundamental pillar in supporting compliance and governance systems, enhancing transparency, and protecting the financial system.He emphasised the association's continued role in unifying professional and institutional efforts, advancing collaborative work, and raising the efficiency of practitioners through specialised training and disseminating awareness of relevant standards and legislation.Dr al-Dosari added that the conference's outcomes and recommendations mark an important step toward developing regulatory frameworks and building qualified national cadres, contributing to a secure and sustainable financial environment and reinforcing Qatar's regional and international standing.In her opening remarks, QACPA vice-chair Mariam Mohammed Almalek said that the conference reflects growing national recognition of the need to address challenges related to money laundering and terrorist financing, particularly given the increasing complexity of the financial and technological tools used in this field.She affirmed that accountants and auditors represent the first line of defence in protecting the financial system by promoting transparency, governance, and compliance, implementing due diligence requirements, and reporting suspicious transactions in line with national legislation and international standards.Almalek added that the association is committed to supporting this system by organising specialised training and professional development programmes, raising awareness of the latest legislation and regulations, and strengthening co-operation with regulatory bodies and financial institutions, and keeping pace with digital transformation.She highlighted the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance compliance systems and enable early risk detection, stressing that technology complements and strengthens professional judgement rather than replacing it.Speakers from the Ministry of Justice, the Financial Information Unit, the MoCI, the Economic Crimes and Money Laundering Prosecution Office, the Qatar Fund for Development, and Qatar Chamber contributed to the conference's discussions.Representatives from these entities also reviewed the most significant legislative and regulatory developments and explained the mechanisms for national and international co-operation in combating financial crimes, focusing on the importance of compliance and governance in protecting the national economy.Their presentations also addressed the role of institutions in promoting transparency, developing internal control tools, and adopting global best practices in AML/CFT efforts.The speakers emphasised that combating these crimes requires more than just oversight; it necessitates the active participation of various economic and professional sectors, including accountants, auditors, and the private sector, to ensure the development of an integrated system capable of early risk detection and effective management.They agreed that the conference serves as a vital platform for exchanging expertise, developing regulatory frameworks, and strengthening co-operation between national and international entities, thereby contributing to safeguarding Qatar's reputation and supporting its economic stability.  

Dukhan Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Teyseer Group on the sidelines of Web Summit Qatar, establishing a structured framework to explore potential areas of collaboration aimed at supporting startups, SMEs, and employee segments through integrated banking, technology, and financing solutions, subject to regulatory approvals and internal governance requirements.Under the MoU, the parties will explore joint onboarding propositions for startups and SMEs, including bundled offerings that combine Dukhan Bank’s startup and SME banking solutions with technology products and services provided by Teyseer Group entities, including Computer Arabia. These initiatives may include curated ‘Startup Packs’ featuring essential hardware, software, point-of-sale systems, and IT infrastructure for newly established businesses.The collaboration will also assess tailored product bundles for Teyseer Group employees, integrating Dukhan Bank’s banking solutions, such as accounts, cards, and payment services, with value-added offerings, subject to eligibility criteria and applicable regulations.In addition, Dukhan Bank and Teyseer Group will explore Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) and embedded financing propositions for SME and retail customers, including point-of-sale financing models to support SME capital expenditure requirements in a Shariah-compliant manner.The MoU further provides for joint marketing and lead generation initiatives, including cross-referrals of qualified startup and SME leads, alongside collaborative campaigns, events, and digital activations aimed at driving awareness and customer acquisition.The MoU reflects the shared intent of Dukhan Bank and Teyseer Group to explore potential areas of cooperation in a structured and non-committal manner, with any future engagements subject to further evaluation and formal agreement. 

Funding agencies including the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) are transitioning from traditional mode of donors to innovative and inclusive financing bodies, QFFD director-general Fahad bin Hamad al-Sulaiti noted Monday. “I think that not only the QFFD is moving this way, transforming our mandate but most funds are transitioning,” he said. “We are moving from a traditional way to a new way of innovative financing. I think the issue really is scaling, and what we need is how we can have very innovative solutions that have the scaling to move forward.” Al-Sulaiti was speaking during a panel discussion on “Innovative Financing for Development: Scaling Impact and Driving Inclusive, Sustainable Growth” at the Doha Forum 2025.He noted that as per the data, the global inequality gap is increasing and not decreasing. “Education and health, economic empowerment among others, the gap in Africa is increasing,” al-Sulaiti said. “A large number of people in Africa still do not have electricity. This will never bring peace back, will never bring security back, and will never bring a good impact.” “The GDP always will be very low because they are not utilising their natural resources well,” he added. To overcome such challenges, the official suggested the involvement of private sector. “I have been meeting with a number of ministers and presidents during the Doha Forum and everyone is really taking this approach now,” al-Sulaiti said. “We have seen most of countries are now moving from government schooling,” he continued. “Now we can see a lot of private sectors have big investment on schooling and hospitals and other areas. So what we need is, the new way of supporting the least developed countries.” Al-Sulaiti was joined by AFD (French Development Agency) chief executive Remy Rioux, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) administrator Alexander De Croo, and Interpeace president Itonde Kakoma at the session moderated by International Finance Corporation division director Khawaja Aftab Ahmed. De Croo said in a video message that developing countries face an annual $4.3tn gap to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “In almost 60 developing countries, more than 10% of government revenues go to debt interest payments, leaving less money for schools, hospitals and sustainable growth,” he said “This is not a story of scarcity. It is a story of misalignment between capital and need.” Rioux noted that the institutions have become an enabler for the mobilisation of private finance while Kakoma highlighted the need for peace for economic prosperity and how leadership on innovative finance links to or is inextricably linked to peace diplomacy. “Peace is a de-risking mechanism by reducing the barriers that impede private sector investment and market formation,” Kakoma said. “So, investors are looking for predictability, enforceable contracts, functioning institutions and social cohesions, the very things that I see investing.” “However, conflict erodes all of these basic things, making capital more expensive, short-term and extractive, rather than productive and sustained,” he added. “We look at peace as risk mitigating rather than a parallel sector, enabling economic transformation.” 

Legal Perspective One of the major reasons that promoters select the corporate form of business is the variety of funding sources available to the business they incorporate. The initial funds and property may come directly from the promoters or it may come from many investors. An important source of financing is the sale of corporate securities in the form of shares, debentures, bonds, and long-term notes. Other sources of funding are also prevalent. Short-term bank loans may provide at least part of the operating capital of the company. Frequently, the promoters and major shareholders will be required to co-sign these notes. Often, this short-term funding will come in the form of accounts receivable financing and inventory financing. Of course, once the company is operating profitably, retained earnings may generate an important source of funds. With reference to stocks, if a company has only one class of stock, it is common stock. If there is more than one class, the common shareholders usually bear the major risks of the business and will benefit most from success. They receive what is left-over after the preference of other classes have been satisfied. This is usually true for both income available for dividends and for net assets on liquidation. Common stock usually carries voting rights. There may be more than one class of common stock, however, such as Class A and Class B. One class may have no right to vote. Herein, any stock that has a preference over another class of stock is called preferred stock or “preference shares”. Usually, preferred shareholders have a preference as to dividends and the distribution of assets when the company is dissolved. The rights of preferred shareholders may vary from company to company. In some instances, preferred stock may be made convertible into common stock. And sometimes preferred stockholders will be given voting rights. However, usually the right to vote is granted only in the event that dividends due are not paid. Preferred stock can be redeemed, that is, paid off and cancelled by the company if the articles permit. Shares of stock are generally issued in exchange for money, property, or services already performed for the company. The board of directors is entrusted with the authority to decide what is the proper amount and form of consideration for the shares. Company articles, however, will frequently place some limitations on the discretion of the board in order to protect the rights of creditors and other shareholders. The law requires that shares be issued only for money, tangible or intangible property and services already performed for the company. Most of the laws do not permit the promoter’s pre-incorporation services to be proper consideration for shares because the services were not technically rendered to the company. The company was not in existence at the time of these services. Likewise, the laws do not consider promissory notes or pledges of future services to be acceptable forms of consideration for shares. This is because such promises may overstate the value of the company since they may never be performed. The law permits promises of future services and promissory notes to be exchanged for shares since they do have value to a company. Of course, because of the risk of nonperformance, the value may not be as great as the value of services that have already been rendered to the company. Further, the law allows the company to issue shares to the promoters in exchange for their pre-incorporation efforts because the company has benefited from such services. Without these services, the company would probably not exist.Dr AbdelGadir Warsama Ghalib is a corporate legal counsel. Email: [email protected]