Banking

Banking in Qatar has long been a robust business. The sector weathered the international credit crunch well and has since achieved double-digit asset growth, and leading players are establishing strong overseas positions as they grow out of a highly competitive local market. According to the Qatar Central Bank (QCB), in April 2012 the sector’s total assets stood at QR727.2bn ($199.7bn), up from QR587.6bn ($161.4bn) a year earlier, equivalent to 23.8% growth. Moreover, strong government backing means secure capital adequacy ratios are sometimes triple the Basel II requirements. The sector’s huge potential and focus on development projects provide the promise of continued business; indeed, most banks are bullish that assets, profits, loans and deposits will keep growing in 2013. The chapter includes interviews with Sheikh Abdullah Saud Al Thani, Governor of QC); Sheikh Bandar bin Mohamed bin Saud Al Thani, CEO of Qatar Credit Bureau (Qatar CB); Abdul Hakeem Mostafawi, CEO of HSBC; and Sheikh Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Jassem Al Thani, Chairman of Ahli Bank.