Networking event for financial professionals launched

Notes and media contacts

Amwal
Founded in 1998, Amwal is the first investment firm to be licensed by the Central Bank of Qatar operating in three lines of business; investment banking, asset management and financial planning. The firm has launched the first investment portfolio and the first mutual fund investing in the Doha Securities Market and under-wrote the first non-Qatari Initial Public Offering in the country. Amwal has one of the largest investment teams in Qatar, employing more than 50 talented professionals. The firm benefits from a strong shareholder base comprising of Abraaj Capital and SHUAA Capital from the UAE, Qatar Foundation, Qatar National Bank and Qatar Navigation.

Qatar Financial Centre
The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) is a financial and business centre established by the Government of Qatar and located in Doha. It has been designed to attract international financial services institutions and major multi-national corporations and to encourage participation in the growing market for financial services in Qatar and elsewhere in the region. The QFC operates to international standards and provides a first class legal and business infrastructure for those licensed to operate by the Centre. The QFC was created by Qatar Law No.(7) and has been open for business since 1 May 2005.

QFC Regulatory Authority
The QFC Regulatory Authority is an independent regulatory body established by Article 8 of the QFC Law. It regulates firms that conduct financial services in or from the QFC. It has a broad range of regulatory powers to authorize, supervise and, when necessary, discipline firms and individuals. The QFC Regulatory Authority regulates firms using principle-based legislation of international standard, modeled closely on that used in London and other major financial centers. The Regulatory Authority is currently receiving applications and granting authorisations.

QFC Authority
The QFC Authority is the commercial, administrative and legislative body responsible for driving the commercial strategy of the QFC and for developing relationships with the global corporate community and other key institutions both within and outside of Qatar.

Qatari Businessmen Association
Under the auspices and progressive guidance of H.H. the Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) was founded by the ministerial decree no. 14 for the year 2002 as a non-governmental, non-profitable organization. The founding members and all other members of QBA share the same vision of H.H. the Emir in creating a diversified, sustainable and resilient economy. Knowing that the private sector is a main pillar for a robust economy our association serves as a strong catalyst that offers a solid foundation for the economic development of Qatar's private sector and provides a forum for idea exchange. Together, we aim to be a major vehicle, consensus builder and advocate for a thriving economic climate in the State of Qatar.

For more information please contact:
QFC
Steve Martin
Head of Corporate Communications & Marketing
Tel +974 496 7755
Fax f+974 483 0928
www.qfc.com.qa

Amwal
Sanaa Boutayeb
Head of Corporate Communications
Tel +974 467 7990
Fax +974 467 7994
www.amwal.com.qa

Hala Kassab
Tel +974 4351 113

QBA
Bassam Massouh
General Manager
Tel +974 435 3120
Fax +974 435 3834
www.qataribusinessmen.org