Qatar National Bank (QNB) has steadily grown to be the largest bank in the Middle East and North Africa Region, and is by far the leading financial institution in the country with a market share around 45 per cent of banking sector assets. It was established in 1964 as the country’s first Qatari-owned commercial bank, has an ownership structure split between the Qatar Investment Authority (50 per cent) and the private sector (50 per cent). QNB, ranked World’s Strongest Bank by Bloomberg Markets in 2012, is present through subsidiaries and associative companies in more than 26 countries spread across 3 continents providing a comprehensive range of advanced products and services. The total number of employees is more than 14,000 operating through more than 610 locations, with an ATM network of more than 1,300 machines.
A MASSIVE MARKET SHARE
QNB, ranked as “One of The Top 50 Safest Banks in the World” in 2013 by The Global Finance Magazine has undergone a robust international expansion scheme, successfully completing the acquisition of a controlling stake of the second largest private bank in Egypt, QNB ALAHLI (previously known as NSGB), amounting to 97.12 per cent during Q1, 2013. The Group has also extended its regional reach by acquiring stakes in various financial institutions including 35 per cent stake in the Jordan-based, the Housing Bank for Trade and Finance, 40 per cent in Commercial Bank International based in the United Arab Emirates, 99.96 per cent of QNB Tunisia, 51 per cent in the Iraqi-based Mansour Bank, 49 per cent of the Libyan based Bank of Commerce & Development and 20 per cent stake in Al Jazeera Finance Company in Doha. QNB Group also retains 51 per cent stake in QNB Syria and a 79 per cent stake in QNB Kesawan in Indonesia. QNB Group opened a representative office in China and established a fully owned subsidiary in India under the name of “QNB India Private Limited”. In September 2014, QNB acquired a 23.5 per cent stake (both ordinary and QNB convertible preference shares) in Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (Ecobank), the leading pan-African bank.
STRONG INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE
QNB continues to grow geographically and financially recording highest ever Total Assets (TA) increase in 2014. The group recorded net profit of QR 8 billion (US $2.2 billion), up by 12.6 per cent compared to 2013. Total assets increased by 8.8 per cent from September 2013 to reach QR 475 billion (US $130.6 billion). In 1976, QNB announced its presence in international market with the opening of a branch in London, UK. This was complemented two years later with a branch opening in Paris, France. In 2006, it began implementing an intensive and ambitious international expansion plan, enabling it to extend its presence into more than 26 countries today, comprised of associates, subsidiaries, branches and representative offices. In 2009 QNB Geneva was opened, providing a third European presence for the QNB brand. Around the same time, the Group launched QNB-Syria, which now has 15 strategically located branches, strengthening its presence in the Middle East. QNB was also given the recognition of “The Best Bank in The Middle East” by Euromoney. QNB Group is among the highest rated regional banks from leading credit rating agencies including Standard & Poor’s (A+), Moody’s (Aa3), Fitch (A+), and Capital Intelligence (AA-). The Bank has also been the recipient of many awards from leading international specialised financial publications. The group has a vision to be a “MEA Icon” by 2017. QNB Group provides an array of investment banking services through its subsidiary, QNB Capital, to corporate, government and institutional clients within Qatar and globally. QNB Capital has one of the best corporate finance teams in the GCC region offering extensive transaction experience and in depth advisory – including mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt capital markets, and project financing advisory. The Group also offers brokerage services through its subsidiary, QNB Financial Services, the first independently regulated, licensed brokerage company launched by a bank in Qatar. QNB FS offers a multi-market, multi-currency trading platform with access to several markets.
SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF QATAR
Since its formation in 1964, QNB has undergone a huge transformation over the decades, but one value has remained – supporting the development of Qatar. QNB has never lost sight of its principle aim which is to help Qatar reach its potential. In 1966, QNB played a key role in financing the construction of Doha’s International Airport. QNB has also played major role in successful construction projects over the decades such as industrial plants and expansions (Al Shamal Gas Field Project, RasLaffan) to support the extraction of its vast liquid natural gas resources; iconic towers, such as the Al Shard Tower in London; world-class educational facilities – including Qatar Education City; leading health facilities and extensive residential and commercial developments. It was also instrumental in developing the towers that house the Qatar Financial Centre. QNB played a key role in the country’s successful bid to host the Asian Games in 2006 and its forthcoming hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
HIGHLIGHTS
- QNB Group has steadily grown to be the biggest bank in Qatar and leading financial institution in the Middle East and North Africa Region with a market share around 45% of banking sector assets.
- Bloomberg Markets, the leading provider of Business, Financial and Economic news ranked QNB as “One of the World’s Strongest Banks” again in 2014.
- The Global Finance Magazine ranked QNB as “One of The Top 50 Safest Banks in the World” in 2013, and the following year, it was recognized as “The Best Bank in The Middle East” by Euromoney Magazine.
