The MENA Fintech & Insurtech Festival is the region’s expanded premier platform for innovation, collaboration and transformation in the financial & insurance technology sector. The 2025 edition will focus on “Driving the Future of Finance & Insurance: Innovation, Inclusion, and Sustainability”, bringing together industry professionals to explore the latest trends and opportunities…
Interview: Abdulla Mohammed Al Ansari, CEO, Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE), on fostering a more attractive market environment What role do environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations play in shaping investment strategies in Qatar’s capital markets? ABDULLA MOHAMMED AL ANSARI: Sustainability remains an essential factor for financial markets, which are beginning to perceive ESG not…
Interview: Jassim Al Moftah, CEO, Doha Insurance Group (DIG), on helping companies increase their resilience to economic shocks To what extent will the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics influence risk assessment and underwriting practices? JASSIM AL MOFTAH: AI and big data analytics are poised to have a significant impact on the Qatari insurance market. We have already…
Interview: Joseph Abraham, Group CEO, Commercial Bank of Qatar, on enhanced opportunities in trade finance and advanced technology How is the rapid adoption of digital banking reshaping customer expectations and influencing the competitive landscape in the financial sector? JOSEPH ABRAHAM: The shift towards digital banking in Qatar is fundamentally changing customer expectations. Today’s customers…
Interview: Abdul Hakeem Mostafawi, CEO, HSBC Middle East, on trends towards digitalisation and the resilience of the sector In what ways has the banking sector responded to recent changes in the global economy, and what strategies are being used to navigate these changes? ABDUL HAKEEM MOSTAFAWI: The global economy is inherently dynamic, presenting both challenges and opportunities. The Qatari banking…
Interview: Abdulla Mubarak Al Khalifa, Group CEO, Qatar National Bank Group, on enabling sustainable financing and innovation How do you see the banking sector’s role evolving to support long-term economic diversification efforts? ABDULLA MUBARAK AL KHALIFA: Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030 aims to transition the country into a knowledge-based economy with greater private sector participation and…
Interview: Bassel Gamal, Group CEO, Qatar Islamic Bank, on the role of the sector in advancing corporate awareness of a sustainable development agenda How is the growth of Islamic banking in Qatar influenced by the increasing demand for sharia-compliant services and digital transformation? BASSEL GAMAL: Islamic banking has seen significant domestic growth, an evolution reflecting both alignment with…
Interview: Soumaya Ben Beya Dridje, Partner, Rasmal Ventures, on how government backing and emerging technologies are energising the country’s start-up ecosystem To what extent is the venture capital (VC) ecosystem equipped to support tech-driven start-ups? SOUMAYA BEN BEYA DRIDJE: Qatar provides a supportive environment for start-ups through strong government backing, including initiatives like…
Interview: Hussein Fakhreddine, Acting CEO, QInvest, on deepening investment and sustainability momentum What trends are shaping investment opportunities and how do you see capital markets supporting economic diversification? HUSSEIN FAKHREDDINE: Policy-led efforts to diversify Qatar’s economy are opening up new avenues for investment, guided by Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National…
Interview: Mohsin Pirzada, Head of Funds, Qatar Investment Authority, on how international venture capital firms (VC) are fuelling growth in the country’s start-up ecosystem How has the arrival of international VC firms in Doha contributed to building a more mature investment ecosystem in Qatar? MOHSIN PIRZADA: The presence of international VC firms in Doha is playing a transformative role across…
