The Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) received five acquisition and merger requests worth QR1.322bn ($363m) in 2025, according to its annual report, as the regulator highlighted growing activity across the country’s capital markets and continued efforts to strengthen Qatar’s investment environment.
The QFMA’s 2025 Annual Report, issued on Wednesday, also reported a significant increase in securities listing requests and outlined a series of regulatory, legislative and digital transformation initiatives aimed at enhancing market efficiency, competitiveness and investor confidence.
According to the report, the QFMA received five acquisition and merger requests during 2025 with a combined value of QAR1.322bn ($363m).
The regulator said the year also saw a significant increase in securities listing requests.
A total of 55 government debt instruments were listed during the year, comprising:
- 36 sukuk
- 18 treasury bills
- One bond
Qatar Financial Markets Authority M&A activity
The annual report noted a Qatarisation rate of 72 per cent within the QFMA and outlined continuing regulatory and legislative developments designed to improve market performance.
The regulator’s Disciplinary Committee ruled on 11 violations during 2025, with total penalties amounting to QAR11.7m ($3.2m).
According to the report, the authority continued to focus on promoting transparency and stability in the financial market while protecting investors’ rights and building confidence in the investment environment.
The report said the QFMA maintained its supervisory and oversight responsibilities throughout the year through the adoption of international standards and best practices, helping to support a resilient and well-regulated market environment.
Qatar’s long-term economic goals
The QFMA said its activities remain aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030 and support broader economic development objectives.
The report reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to developing the legislative and investment environment while supporting the digital transformation of market infrastructure under its 2023–2027 strategic plan.
The strategy aims to strengthen Qatar’s position as a regional hub for attracting foreign investment and supporting capital growth.
According to the report, the authority continues to work on:
- Developing the capital market sector
- Enhancing market performance and stability
- Protecting market participants
- Supporting investor confidence
- Improving competitiveness across the financial sector
The report said the Qatari capital market remains a key pillar supporting the country’s economic, human, social and environmental development goals under Qatar National Vision 2030.
It also highlighted the market’s contribution to the Third National Development Strategy and the Third Financial Sector Strategy.
Focus on investment attraction and market competitiveness
The QFMA said it remains committed to providing advanced and competitive financial services to investors and market participants.
Its efforts are intended to support both local and foreign investment flows, contribute to economic diversification and enhance state revenues.
The report added that the authority continues to pursue initiatives aimed at elevating the Qatari capital market’s position among leading global financial markets through improved flexibility, competitiveness and investment appeal.
The regulator also highlighted its work to improve investor education, market awareness and professional skills development across different investor segments.
QFMA marks 20 years
The annual report also commemorated the QFMA’s 20th anniversary.
As part of the publication, the authority included a special profile titled: “QFMA and Qatari Capital Markets… A 20-year Journey of Development and Modernization.”
The report highlighted the regulator’s role over the past two decades in supporting the development and modernisation of Qatar’s capital markets while reinforcing the country’s position as a regional financial centre.
