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The past decade has transformed access to financial markets. Online brokerages now offer global exposure at a scale and speed that would have been difficult to imagine only a generation ago. Retail and professional investors alike can trade currencies, equities, commodities, and indices from a single screen, often with minimal onboarding requirements.Yet as the number of platforms has grown, so has scrutiny around how those platforms operate. For many investors, the question is no longer whether markets are accessible, but whether the systems supporting that access are built for durability, transparency, and disciplined participation.This shift is becoming more pronounced as global markets face persistent uncertainty. Interest rate policy, geopolitical risk, and uneven economic growth have contributed to sharp price movements across asset classes. In such an environment, execution quality, clear trading conditions, and risk controls have taken on greater importance.Against this backdrop, some brokerages are reorienting their offerings away from high engagement models toward more structured trading environments. RandEdgeFX, a global CFD brokerage, is one example of this approach. The firm provides access to multiple asset classes through a single trading account, with an emphasis on clearly defined contract terms and consistent execution rather than frequent product innovation.The platform’s design reflects a broader reassessment of what traders value. Rather than relying on complexity or constant feature expansion, brokerages are increasingly judged on system reliability, pricing transparency, and the ability to manage exposure efficiently across different market conditions.Regulation has also become a central consideration. In recent years, regulatory authorities across jurisdictions have increased oversight of trading platforms, particularly those offering leveraged products. Investors, in turn, are paying closer attention to where and how brokers are regulated, and what safeguards are in place around client funds and data.RandEdgeFX operates under the oversight of South Africa’s Financial Sector Conduct Authority, aligning its operations with established financial conduct standards. The company positions regulatory compliance and internal controls as integral to its operating model, rather than as peripheral requirements.Another notable development is the diversification of trading participants. Beyond individual retail traders, platforms are seeing greater participation from joint account holders, high capital traders, and corporate entities seeking direct exposure to global markets. This has increased demand for platforms that can support varied trading strategies without sacrificing stability or oversight.Technology remains central to the trading experience, but expectations have shifted. Investors increasingly expect platforms to function reliably across web and mobile environments, with real time data and consistent order handling, rather than prioritising visual novelty or constant user prompts.As global trading continues to evolve, the competitive landscape for brokerages is likely to be shaped less by who offers the most markets and more by who provides the most dependable framework for participating in them. For investors navigating volatile conditions, confidence in the platform itself has become a critical part of the investment equation.

Alvarez & Marsal (A&M), the leading global professional services firm, Sunday opened a new office in Doha to support the country's accelerated transformation and diversification ambitions under Qatar National Vision 2030.The expansion reinforces A&M’s role as a challenger to traditional consulting models by bringing hands-on execution capabilities directly into the Qatari market.The announcement was made during the Web Summit Qatar 2026 taking place in Doha on February 1-4, where A&M is participating as a leading partner.A&M’s Doha office enhances the firm’s ability to support government ministries, public sector entities and sovereign institutions, alongside family offices, private equity firms and high-growth companies.“Our decision to establish a presence, and invest, in Qatar reflects our conviction in one of the region’s most exciting and dynamic markets. We are building a local team to help our local partners realise their full potential - both at home and abroad - and to better support our international corporate and private equity clients, who are increasingly enthusiastic about investment and partnership opportunities associated with Qatar’s Vision 2030 transformation agenda” said Colie Spink, A&M Middle East Regional Leader.The expert team will deliver A&M’s operator-led approach, focusing on the practical implementation of national mandates to help organisations secure growth, accelerate performance, improve resilience and deliver measurable results.Unlike traditional advisory firms, A&M deploys senior operators, industry experts and former C-Suite corporate leaders who work side-by-side with clients to translate strategy into impact and return on investment. This operator mindset has become A&M’s hallmark across the region - delivering the pace, precision and accountability required by national-scale transformation agendas.The expansion to Qatar is a milestone and reflects A&M’s commitment to meeting global market demands with region-specific expertise, according to Marcos Ganut, A&M Global Head of Infrastructure and Capital Projects.“As Qatar advances strategic connectivity, sustainable and smart infrastructure and large-scale diversification projects, we bring deep operational expertise and a results-driven approach focused on maximising value and delivering transformative change,” he said.A&M’s presence in Qatar aims to build strategic partnerships across the oil and gas sector, the public sector, semi-government entities, and the private sector - aligning with Qatar’s National Development Strategy. 

The Regional Network for Social Responsibility honoured Qatar Chamber acting general manager Ali Saeed Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri Tuesday for his efforts and active role in supporting corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Qatar.Dr Mohammed Saif al-Kuwari, international ambassador for the Regional Network for Social Responsibility, presented al-Mansouri with the International Certificate of Excellence in CSR.The recognition follows the announcement of the ‘Most Influential Arab Personalities in CSR for 2025’ during the launch of the seventh edition of the ‘Arab Professional Ranking’ last month, in which al-Mansouri was included in the honorary category.The recognition highlights Qatar Chamber’s efforts and its notable contribution to adopting CSR programmes, as well as its continued support for initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable development and strengthening partnerships between Qatari businesses and the community.Al-Mansouri expressed his appreciation for receiving the honour, stressing the chamber’s keenness to promote a culture of social responsibility within the business community and to encourage companies to adopt constructive practices that achieve economic, social, and environmental development, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. 

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Doha Chapter, conducted a guest session on 'Mastering Your Future – CA Career Counselling' at MIE-SPPU Institute of Higher Education.The session witnessed participation from over 50 commerce and aspiring CA students, reflecting strong interest in professional career guidance and mentorship, a statement said.The session was led by chartered accountants Kishore Alex, Arun Somanath and Dinesh Babu. MIE -SPPU president and director (academics) Yasir Nainar, head of operations Dr Bimalendu B Nath, and other officials Dinesh Bakshi and Dr Saidia Jeelani extended support and encouragement to the students.The session provided deep insights into the CA qualification pathway; career opportunities in audit, finance, taxation, consulting, and industry; skill development and strategic career planning; and real-world professional expectations and global opportunities for CAs.The speakers also engaged in an interactive Q&A segment, addressing students’ queries on exam strategies, internships, work-life balance, and emerging career domains.Addressing the gathering, Alex highlighted the Doha Chapter’s continuous efforts in nurturing young talent and bridging academia with the professional world. Somanath and Babu shared practical insights from their professional journeys, inspiring students with real-life experiences.The MIE-SPPU officials appreciated ICAI Doha Chapter’s initiative in bringing industry-relevant guidance directly to students, reinforcing the importance of professional education in today’s competitive environment.The session concluded with a vote of thanks and group interactions, leaving students highly motivated and better informed about their future career paths in Chartered Accountancy, the statement added. 

The Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA), in partnership with the QFC Authority (QFCA), recently held a workshop to support the QFC fund managers and service providers in understanding the QFC fund registration framework.The workshops covered the regulatory landscape, COLL (collective investment schemes) vs. PROF (professional investor funds) regimes, the registration process, governance requirements, and post-registration obligations. Experts from both the QFCRA and QFCA addressed questions from the audience during the interactive sessions, and the workshop concluded with a practical case study led by the QFCRA.

The Qatar Chamber has concluded a training program titled 'CSR Project Management Professional', with the participation of trainees from Qatar and several Arab countries. Organised in cooperation with the Regional Consulting Network, a member of the Regional CSR Network, the four-day program focused on enhancing participants' skills in managing CSR projects, drawing on the latest methodologies endorsed by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Held in Arabic for the first time in the Arab region, the program was delivered by Dr Ali Al Ibrahim, a prominent CSR expert, who highlighted global best practices and effective approaches for implementing community projects that generate sustainable impact for organisations and society. For her part, Head of the Training Department at Qatar Chamber, Fatima Al Kuwari, said the program reflects the Chamber's commitment to developing national and Arab human capital and supporting the adoption of international best practices in CSR. She also noted that the specialised programs organised by the Chamber contribute to developing qualified human capital capable of supporting sustainable development and advancing community initiatives in Qatar and across the region.

The Ministry of Sports and Youth, in cooperation with the Qatar Career Development Center (QCDC), launched the third edition of the Get Ready program, which will run until Sept. 18, 2025, with the participation of high school students.The program aims to provide young people with the academic and professional guidance necessary to help them choose university majors and future paths that align with their interests, abilities, and labor market needs.It also provides a platform to introduce students to local and international universities and scholarship opportunities, develop professional networking skills, and ensure a smooth transition from high school to university and the job market.In this context, Director of the Youth Affairs Department at the Ministry of Sports and Youth Fawaz Al Musaifri said Get Ready empowers Qatari youth and builds their capabilities in line with the Ministry's vision to nurture a responsible, engaged generation with a strong national ethos.The program raises awareness about choosing the right university major, introduces national and international universities and scholarship opportunities, and develops practical skills, such as crafting CVs and personal statements, that help young people participate effectively in society and the workforce.For his part, the Executive Director of QCDC, Saad Al Kharji, emphasized that facilitating the transition from high school to university is a key factor in the success and comprehensive development of our youth, indicating that the Get Ready program is a strategic step that enables students to navigate this critical stage with confidence and awareness, and to make informed academic decisions that take into account their interests, abilities, and future aspirations.The program's training sessions are held daily at Multaqa (Education City Student Center), under the supervision of the Youth Development and Affairs Department at the Ministry of Sports and Youth, and with the participation of specialized trainers from QCDC.The program focuses on spreading professional awareness and serving the local community, in addition to supporting students in linking their academic interests with their future aspirations.The launch of the Get Ready program comes as part of the Ministry of Sports and Youth's efforts to support the country's efforts to build a pioneering education system that enhances Qatar's regional and international standing, as it embodies the Ministry and the Center's commitment to investing in the energies of young people, enabling them to acquire the academic and professional skills necessary to choose appropriate specializations and capitalize on available opportunities to serve their future and contribute to the nation's progress.The training program includes key topics, most notably self-knowledge and personal skills, work values and ethics, writing a CV and personal statement, learning about international universities and scholarship programs, and building a professional network.