Banking

Tightening liquidity conditions and a squeeze on profit growth proved to be the hallmarks for Qatar’s banking sector in 2016, as financial institutions across the Gulf were forced to respond to the effects of weak oil prices on the local economy. Despite tougher operating conditions, however, the sector remains resilient, with strong underlying fundamentals marked by high capital adequacy ratios and one of the world’s highest savings rates. Even though the diplomatic fallout within the GCC had ramifications for the sector in 2017, the authorities are implementing mitigation strategies. Looking ahead, Qatar’s lenders are considering overseas expansion and domestic consolidation as strategies to drive future growth.

This chapter contains an interview with Sheikh Abdulla bin Saoud Al Thani, Governor, Qatar Central Bank; Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari, CEO, Qatar National Bank; Abdul Hakeem Mostafawi, CEO, HSBC Qatar; and Sheikh Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Jassem Al Thani, Chairman and Managing Director, Ahli Bank.