Doha,22  July 2012

Qatar National Bank (QNB), the largest financial institution in the State of Qatar and in the MENA region, received its Custody License from The Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) on the 13th of June, thus enabling QNB to act as intermediary between the Qatar Exchange (QE) depository and its investors.  

In line with the requirements imposed by the QFMA, the Bank received approval from the Qatar Exchange in connection with its intended role as a QE Depository Participant. The QE is the country's principal stock market and, in recent years, the Bank has enjoyed close co-operation with it.

As a QE Depository Participant, QNB will perform custody of QE-listed securities, covering both equities and T-Bills. This in addition to QNB's suite of products and services implies a major opportunity and a further enhancement of shareholder value.

Custodians are responsible for settlement and safe-keeping of clients' financial assets (including equities and bonds), together with collection and processing of corporate information and income receivable (including dividends and coupons) in respect of the assets held. In addition, custodian institutions provide up-to-date information to investors in connection with listed companies and their respective annual general meetings and corporate actions.

With the QFMA license, QNB becomes a Depository Participant with the QE. The license also provides the platform from which QNB will offer international custody services internationally, via the bank's sub-custodian network.

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About QNB Group
Qatar National Bank (QNB), established in 1964 as the country's first Qatari-owned commercial bank, has an ownership structure split between the Qatar Investment Authority (50%) and the private sector (50%). QNB Group has steadily grown to be among the largest banks in the Middle East and North Africa Region and is by far the leading financial institution in the country with a market share exceeding 45% of banking sector assets.

QNB Group has witnessed rapid international expansion in the past few years and operates in 24 countries around the world through its network, subsidiaries and associate companies employing about 7,000 staff from 334 branch and offices that are supported by an ATM network that exceeds 600 machines. The Group has also extended its regional reach by acquiring stakes in various financial institutions including 35% stake in the Jordan-based, The Housing Bank for Trade and Finance (HBTF), 24% in Commercial Bank International (CBI) based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), 50% of the Tunisian-Qatari Bank, 51% in the Iraqi-based Mansour Bank, 49% in the Libyan Bank of Commerce and Development and 20% stake in Al Jazeera Finance Company in Doha. QNB Group also retains 51% stake in QNB-Syria, a private stock company established jointly with other Syrian private and public sector institutions which started operations mid November 2009 and operates today more than 15 branches in the Syrian Republic.

QNB Capital, a subsidiary of QNB Group, was established in 2008 providing an array of investment banking services to corporate, government and institutional clients within Qatar and globally. These include one of the best corporate finance teams in the GCC region offering extensive transaction experience, in depth advisory services - including mergers and acquisitions, equity, debt and project advisory, as well as first-class research capabilities.

QNB Financial Services (QNB FS) commenced trading on the Qatar Exchange in May 2011 and is the first independently regulated, licensed brokerage unit launched by a bank in Qatar.  QNB FS brokerage offers a multi-market, multi-currency trading platform with access to several GCC markets including Qatar, UAE, and Oman.  It also provides a trading solution for buying and selling securities on the US and European markets.  QNB FS' technology platform is enhanced by its in-house research team who provide fundamental research and analysis, sector reviews, and daily commentary on QE listed equities.  Its advisory and brokerage teams are structured to service institutional investors, mutual funds, high-net worth individuals, retail and corporate clients locally, regionally, and globally. 

QNB Group is among the highest rated regional banks from leading credit rating agencies including Standard & Poor's, Moody's, Fitch, and Capital Intelligence. The Bank has also been the recipient of many awards from leading international specialized financial publications.

QNB Group has an active community support program and sponsors various social, educational, and sporting events

For further information, please contact
QNB's Public Relations Department
(+974) 44252477
Fax (+974) 44252589
email: PR@qnb.com.qa 
website www.qnb.com.qa

© Press Release 2012