Interview: Yousef Al Jaida, CEO of Qatar Financial Centre, on laying the groundwork for sustainable growth through financial innovation and global partnerships
How have regulatory reforms influenced the ease of doing business for foreign investors in financial technology (fintech) and asset management?
YOUSEF AL JAIDA: Streamlined licensing procedures, expanded foreign ownership rights and the establishment of specialised commercial courts improve legal certainty. The launch of the Qatar Fintech Strategy has been pivotal in outlining a national roadmap to position Qatar as a regional fintech leader, focusing on innovation, talent development and regulatory modernisation. Complementing this, the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Digital Assets Framework of 2024 provides a comprehensive legal and regulatory structure for digital assets. It covers tokenisation, smart contracts, custody and legal recognition of digital property rights – creating a secure and transparent environment for digital finance. These reforms have significantly lowered entry barriers, increased investor confidence and accelerated the growth of high-potential sectors in the financial ecosystem.
Where do you see the greatest opportunities for foreign institutional investors?
AL JAIDA: Qatar Investment Authority’s (QIA) $1bn Fund of Funds initiative is designed to catalyse the local venture capital (VC) ecosystem by attracting top-tier international VC firms and start-ups, particularly in financial, health and educational technology. The initiative offers co-investment potential, regulatory incentives and a strategic gateway to the wider GCC market, signalling Qatar’s commitment to positioning itself as an innovation leader. Foreign investors can benefit from access to high-growth sectors and a supportive investment environment.
In what ways has the demand for specialised financial services evolved in Qatar?
AL JAIDA: Economic diversification, digital transformation and the rise of high net-worth individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises have reshaped the financial landscape, prompting a shift in the demand for specialised services. International firms are adapting by localising their offerings – introducing sharia-compliant investment vehicles, expanding digital platforms and partnering with local institutions to deliver tailored advisory and structured finance solutions. The Third Financial Sector Strategy of Qatar Central Bank (QCB) emphasizes innovation, regulatory modernisation and talent development, creating a supportive environment for global players to align with national priorities. Additionally, advancements in business infrastructure and regulatory modernisation – led by QFC and QCB – are enabling global firms to operate more efficiently and tailor services to local needs.
What impact has the expansion of bilateral trade agreements had on inbound investment?
AL JAIDA: The expanded network of trade agreements is directly fuelling growth in sectors such as professional services, legal advisory and private equity. Over 60 bilateral agreements have improved investor protections, streamlined dispute resolution and reduced regulatory barriers. In professional services and legal advisory, global firms are increasingly establishing regional offices in Doha to support cross-border transactions and compliance with evolving local regulations. The demand for legal expertise in areas such as arbitration, intellectual property and corporate structuring has grown in tandem with foreign direct investment. Private equity firms are capitalising on these agreements by leveraging improved market access and co-investment opportunities – especially in sectors prioritised by the diversification agenda – such as health care, logistics and technology. The legal and regulatory reforms accompanying these trade deals have further enhanced transparency and investor confidence.
Read More from OBG
