Capital Markets Development Key Aspect Of Qatar's Overall Financial Strategy

Doha: The Qatar Financial Markets Authority's (QFMA) annual conference was inaugurated yesterday, under the patronage of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani.

Addressing the conference, Governor of Qatar Central Bank (QCB) and Chairman of Qatar Financial Markets Authority and Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority H E Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani said, the development of Qatar's capital market is a key aspect of the country's overall financial strategy. Strengthening market infrastructure and broadening investment opportunities aim to attract global capital and support the private sector.

Governor of QCB and Chairman of Qatar Financial Markets Authority and Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority H E Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al-Thani with other officials during the conference, yesterday.

He noted that hosting this prestigious gathering of specialists constitutes a great responsibility.“As we meet today at a critical juncture during which we are witnessing clear and continuous developments that will contribute to enhancing the progress of global financial markets and keeping pace with all developments in the financial sector.”

The QFMA conference is an opportunity to exchange visions and cooperate to find solutions to address challenges and shape a resilient future for financial markets.

Developing Qatar's financial markets is an essential part of the country's comprehensive financial strategy. Effective markets help stimulate savings, allocate capital effectively, and facilitate innovation by connecting investors with pioneering initiatives, he added.

Sheikh Bandar also noted that strengthening market structures and expanding investment opportunities contributes to attracting global capital, supporting the private sector, and reducing reliance on traditional industries.“This accelerates our transition to a diversified, knowledge-based economy, supported by resilient, sustainable, and inclusive financial systems capable of facing future challenges.”

The conference follows the QFMA's hosting of the 50th Annual Meeting of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), which took place from May 12 to 14.

Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani further highlighted that establishing a resilient financial sector is a critical goal for long-term growth,“as we recognise that markets with depth and liquidity are essential to achieving this.” He emphasised that QCB cooperates closely with the QFMA to promote future policies that support growth, capital formation, and innovation through effective regulatory rules.

He emphasized that Qatar has, over the past two decades, significantly strengthened the structure of its financial markets, and that the upgrade of the Qatar Stock Exchange to emerging market status was a significant achievement, contributing to enhancing liquidity, attracting global investors, and elevating the status of our market globally.

He noted that with the acceleration of digital transformation, financial technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning are reshaping capital markets by increasing efficiency, enhancing market oversight, facilitating access, and better managing risks.

These technologies can enhance liquidity, reduce costs, and increase investment opportunities, but they also pose new and complex risks. Qatar is committed to strengthening regulatory capacity to address these challenges and ensure a dynamic and secure financial future, he added.

His Excellency stated that QFMA is entering a new era, during which we will intensify our efforts to strengthen our domestic and cross-border financial systems and ensure that Qatar remains at the forefront of governance, innovation, and sustainable growth.

The conference discussed empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and connecting markets, highlighting the importance of supporting these companies and how to connect them to financial markets to foster innovation and economic growth.

The Secretary General of IOSCO, Rodrigo Buenaventura, also delivered the welcoming remarks. The keynote address was given by Chairman of the Board of Directors of IOSCO, Chairman of the Financial Services and Markets Authority of Belgium, Jean-Paul Servais.

Meanwhile Secretary of the IFRS Foundation and Senior Advisor to MUFG Bank, Masamichi Kono gave a keynote address during the event on the topic entitled 'Investing in the Future and Accelerating Digital Transformation in Capital Markets'.

On the sidelines of the conference the accompanying exhibition was inaugurated which featured the participation of several local financial and educational institutions.

The event also saw several panel discussions. The first entitled 'Value proposition of Islamic finance and its role in the growth of capital markets' which discussed the alignment of Islamic finance principles with sustainable development goals.

It also explored the role of green sukuk and its impact on capital markets. The second panel discussion was 'Empowering SMEs and Bridging Markets' addressing the credit gap for SMEs and strategies to improve capital deployment. It also discussed attracting foreign investors and key fundamentals for market development.

The third session was 'Market Conduct and Investor Protection' which focused on market conduct standards, financial literacy and capacity building drivers to instill investor confidence, and the unique challenges and opportunities presented by innovations, AI and virtual assets.

The closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Tamy Al Binali, CEO, Qatar Financial Markets Authority and Tajinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General, IOSCO.

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