Banking

Sixteen banks operate in Qatar, including nine Qatari institutions and seven foreign bank branches.  Out of the nine Qatari banks, five are commercial institutions (Qatar National Bank, Commercial Bank of Qatar, Doha Bank, Al Ahli Bank, and Qatar Development Bank, the state-run bank for small and medium sized enterprises). The other four are shariah-compliant banking institutions (Masraf Al Rayan, Qatar International Islamic Bank, Qatar Islamic Bank, and Dukhan Bank).  Qatari shariah-compliant banks were poised to see their market share grow further in 2021, particularly after two mergers had been approved by the regulator to create larger Islamic lenders.  In 2019, the International Bank of Qatar merged with Barwa Bank in the country’s first bank consolidation, rebranded as Dukhan Bank, followed by another merger between Al Khaliji Bank Commercial and Masraf Al Rayan which has been completed.  Qatar National Bank represents almost 50 percent of the local banking market share.

Foreign Banks established in Qatar are licensed by Qatar Central Bank or Qatar Financial Center Regulatory Authority (QFCRA).

The seven foreign banks regulated by Qatar Central Bank include Arab Bank, Bank Saderat Iran, BNP Paribas, HSBC, Mashreq Bank, Standard Chartered, and United Bank. Although the Qatari Government permits foreign banks licensed by QFCRA to establish a physical presence and conduct most types of banking business in the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), including the provision of shariah-compliant banking services, these foreign banks are not allowed to offer stand-alone retail banking services outside the QFC.

It should be noted that while there is no restriction on the flow of capital, tightened liquidity within the local banking market exists.  Bank loans are based on market terms with priority given to local organizations for the purpose of public development projects.

For more information about the methods of payment or other trade finance options, please read the Trade Finance Guide.  To access Qatar’s ICS section on financing, visit the U.S. Department of State Investment Climate Statement website.

Qatari Banks

Conventional Banks

• Qatar National Bank
• Commercial Bank of Qatar
• Doha Bank
• Al Ahli Bank
• Qatar Development Bank

 Islamic Banks

• Dukhan Bank
• Masraf Al Rayan
• Qatar International Islamic Bank
• Qatar Islamic Bank

Foreign Banks with Branches

• Arab Bank
• Bank Saderat Iran
• B.N.P. Paribas
• HSBC
• Mashreq Bank
• Standard Chartered Bank
• United Bank

For more information about the methods of payment or other trade finance options, please read the Trade Finance Guide.  To access Qatar’s ICS section on financing, visit the U.S. Department of State Investment Climate Statement website.