Interview: Sheikha Maryam bint Khalifa Al Thani, CEO, Qatar Credit Bureau, on building trust through data, expanding financial inclusion and creating a more resilient investment environment
How can credit bureaus play a role in addressing financial challenges in emerging economies?
AL THANI: Credit bureaus can play an important role in addressing financial challenges in emerging economies because they reduce information asymmetries between lenders, borrowers, regulators and investors. In many developing or fast-growing markets, access to finance is often limited not because individuals or small businesses lack potential, but because their financial history is not sufficiently visible or reliable. A strong credit bureau helps create transparency, supports better risk assessment and allows lenders to make decisions based on data rather than assumptions. This becomes increasingly important as economies embrace digital financial services and alternative lending models. Broader, higher-quality credit information can help bring first-time borrowers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into the formal financial system while supporting financial stability and expanding access to responsible credit.
Where can credit bureaus enhance the investment climate and the ease of doing business?
AL THANI: Credit bureaus enhance the investment climate by strengthening confidence in the financial system. When investors see that a country has reliable credit information, strong data governance and transparent lending practices, they are more confident that risks can be measured and managed. This improves the ease of doing business by allowing credit decisions to be made faster, reducing uncertainty, supporting access to finance for SMEs, and encouraging responsible market participation.
As financial services become increasingly interconnected, greater collaboration between financial institutions, regulators and financial tech companies will be essential to maximise the value of credit information while maintaining robust consumer protections. Continued investment in digital infrastructure and data quality will strengthen market confidence and support economic growth.
Which behavioural shifts are key to fostering financial literacy and responsible borrowing?
AL THANI: From a cultural and behavioural perspective, the most important shift is moving from a borrowing culture focused primarily on access to credit to one based on responsibility, planning and awareness. The development of financial literacy should begin early throughout society. Individuals and businesses need to understand that repayment behaviour, debt levels and financial discipline directly affect their future access to finance and their long-term financial wellbeing. Responsible borrowing should be seen not as a restriction, but as a tool for long-term stability and opportunity.
What is your long-term vision for how Qatar’s credit ecosystem can strengthen resilience and investor confidence during 2025-35?
AL THANI: Looking over the 2025-35 period, I foresee Qatar’s credit ecosystem becoming more predictable, inclusive and resilient. This means expanding the role of data, digital solutions and advanced analytics while maintaining strong governance, privacy and trust. Qatar’s credit ecosystem should support individuals, SMEs, banks, regulators and investors by providing accurate insights that strengthen financial resilience and confidence.
Ultimately, credit bureaus are more than data repositories. They should be the strategic national infrastructure that supports sustainable growth, responsible lending, financial inclusion and investor confidence. By 2035, Qatar can have a credit ecosystem that is not only aligned with international best practice but is also tailored to the needs of our economy and our national development goals.
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