The period of easily raising funds from abroad seems to be coming to an end for emerging markets around the world. Amid rising interest rates in the US and increased competition for capital flows, portfolio managers are becoming more selective with where they invest. One way for developing nations to ensure that their financial markets can...
Once reserved for ambitious start-ups and industry-leading tech operators, financial technology (fintech) has more recently caught the attention of major private sector firms and government planners alike, becoming a regular feature in budget speeches and strategic development plans. As fintech progressively plays a larger part in the lives of...
Qatari banks seeking to build their home loan portfolios have faced a challenging environment in recent years. According to the IMF, Qatar’s real estate price index fell by 11% in 2017, reversing a positive trend that had seen a 53% cumulative increase between 2013 and 2016. The market continued to decline in 2018, with the transacted value of...
Over the course of 2018 Qatar’s banking industry has demonstrated its resilience in the face of the economic blockade placed upon the country by a number of governments. Credit ratings agencies Moody’s and Fitch both upgraded Qatar’s sovereign credit ratings outlook to stable in the summer of 2018, recognising the improving macroeconomic...
When Qatar found itself subject to an economic blockade in 2017, a number of financial data points were of immediate interest to economic observers. The sudden withdrawal of foreign deposits was an early concern, and one which the government quickly overcame by pouring capital from public bodies into the system (see Banking chapter).
A number of significant developments related to foreign direct investment (FDI) set to be implemented by the end of 2019 will further strengthen Qatar’s appeal as a destination for international investors. Expected developments include the opening of two special economic zones (SEZs), changes to foreign investment legislation and the launch of...
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