Sheikh Ahmed bin Khaled al-Thani, Assistant Governor for Financial Instruments and Payment Systems at the Qatar Central Bank, addresses Network Forum for the Middle East Region, being held in Qatar for the first time.
“The future of capital markets in Qatar and the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) is incredibly bright. By embracing DLT, AI (artificial intelligence), and other innovative technologies, we are setting the stage for a more efficient, secure, and globally integrated financial system,” Sheikh Ahmed, who is also the chairman of Edaa, told the Network Forum Middle East, organised by Edaa for the first time in Qatar.
Recognising the immense potential of DLT and digital assets in driving the future of the financial industry, he said since the launch of the fintech strategy, Qatar has made tremendous strides in advancing digital transformation across various sectors.
“As part of our fintech strategy, we have made tremendous strides in advancing digital transformation across various sectors, positioning ourselves as a key player in the adoption of innovative financial technologies,” he said, adding the country has introduced regulatory guidelines for innovative solutions such as Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), crowdfunding, and e-KYC, creating a strong regulatory foundation for new digital products and services.
Highlighting that the goal is to cultivate a thriving fintech ecosystem, attracting startups and established players alike to innovate and grow in the Qatari market; he said “we are all aware that international investors are increasingly focusing on our region, drawn by the stability, strategic opportunities, and commitment to innovation that the GCC offers.”
Stressing that Edaa has been working diligently to ensure that its financial infrastructure meets the highest global standards, particularly by shortening the settlement cycle; he said Edaa has been at the forefront of this transformation, successfully modernising its systems to bring settlement times in line with global norms, ensuring that Qatar remains an attractive and competitive market.
Innovation is central to the future of capital markets, and CSDs (central securities depositories) play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of financial systems, he said.
“As part of the capital markets platform, we are constantly leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI to enhance our post-trade infrastructure. AI can revolutionise our operations by improving trade monitoring, detecting fraud, and optimising regulatory compliance,” he added.
These technological advances will not only streamline services but also significantly improve risk management, delivering faster and more reliable outcomes for both local and international investors. Besides, the growing interest in securities lending and digital custody further highlights the need for strong frameworks to manage risk and ensure the security of digital assets, according to him.
Highlighting the need to strike a balance between trust and ease of use; Qatar Stock Exchange acting chief executive officer Abdulaziz Nasser al-Emadi said “regulation should not restrict innovation, but regulators should play a key role in the way market behaviours and practices are regulated.”
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