Best bank 2025: Qatar National Bank
Qatar National Bank (QNB) had a successful year in its domestic market, showcasing tangible achievements over the review period.
The bank’s total assets increased 5% to QR1.298 trillion ($350 billion), while loans and advances, and customer deposits grew 7% and 3%, respectively. QNB sustained an exemplary efficiency ratio of 22.3% and kept its non-performing loans ratio at 2.8%.
Net profit rose 8% to QR16.7 billion, supported by a 6% uptick in operating income and a 6% reduction in loan loss charges.
Beyond its solid financial results, QNB accelerated its digital transformation agenda, enhancing customer interactions through upgraded digital banking and a strengthened cybersecurity framework.
On the sustainability front, the bank helped arrange Qatar’s first sovereign green bond and introduced green residential mortgages, expanding its sustainable finance portfolio and cutting its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 45%.
Best bank for ESG 2025: Qatar National Bank
Qatar National Bank (QNB) has established itself as a leader in sustainable finance, earning the title of Qatar’s best bank for ESG.
This recognition comes on the heels of QNB’s strategic initiatives in a range of sustainable financial products and the enhancement of its environmental, social and governance (ESG) frameworks aligned with global standards.
The bank was instrumental in Qatar’s inaugural sovereign green bond issuance, a dual-tranche US$2.5 billion deal, which was at the time the first green issuance by a sovereign issuer from the GCC region.
QNB introduced a suite of 39 innovative sustainable financial products, including sustainability-linked loans and ESG-linked deposits that promote eco-conscious banking behaviours among clients. Additionally, it also launched Qatar’s first green residential mortgage and electric-vehicle loan products.
On the policy front, QNB has robustly expanded its environmental social risk management (ESRM) framework, ensuring alignment with international yardsticks such as the EU Taxonomy and the Climate Bonds Initiative. The bank has also made significant strides in bolstering human-rights policies and integrating sustainability considerations into its risk-management practices, underlined by an updated third-party supplier code of conduct (TPSCC).
QNB’s approach to ESG extends beyond policy enhancement to tangible impacts. The bank’s sustainable financing portfolio swelled to US$9.6 billion, mainly through direct lending, which shows a substantial commitment to financing projects with a positive environmental and social impact.
The bank also showcases remarkable environmental achievements, having cut its own carbon emissions by 45% and sourced nearly half of its energy from renewable resources.
These efforts align with stringent international standards, including those set by the IFRS International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF), and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), providing strong foundations to its holistic ESG strategy.
Best bank for large corporates 2025: HSBC
HSBC has been recognised as Qatar’s best bank for large corporates, showcasing innovative financial solutions and digital transformation excellence in the corporate banking sector.
HSBC’s leading position in the market is demonstrated through its unparalleled market share among international banks for multinational clients.
The bank is the preferred lender for international corporations, managing an impressive $23 billion in assets under custody. This includes a significant concentration of funds from international asset managers, highlighting HSBC’s adeptness in handling large-scale, complex corporate financial needs.
In 2024 alone, HSBC launched several pioneering initiatives, further consolidating its reputation as a leader in innovative financing solutions and sustainable finance. Qatar’s US$2.5 billion green bond issuance and the country’s first Islamic ESG KPI-linked repo were among some of its deal highlights.
HSBC also stands at the forefront of digitalisation in finance. Its introduction of a straight through processing (STP) solution revolutionises the digital trade finance landscape by enabling real-time transactions.
Coupled with its robust digital platforms – HSBCnet and HSBC Connect – HSBC enhances efficiency in treasury management and cross-border transactions. These tools exemplify HSBC’s drive towards leveraging technology to improve customer experience and operational agility for corporate clients in the region.
Best bank for SMEs 2025: Commercial Bank of Qatar
The Commercial Bank of Qatar has distinguished itself as a stalwart partner to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the nation, earning it the title of Qatar’s best bank for SMEs. This recognition stems not only from its impressive 63% growth in SME clientele over the past two years but also from its forward-thinking embrace of digital innovation specifically designed to meet the unique needs of this sector.
Commercial Bank of Qatar has demonstrated a pioneering stance in digital banking, becoming the first in the region to launch mobile banking solutions tailored for SMEs. This move, coupled with the introduction of remote cheque deposits and an interactive trade portal, underscores the bank’s commitment to embedding cutting-edge technology in its service delivery. These digital platforms empower SME owners with convenience and operational efficiency, allowing them to manage their financial activities seamlessly.
In addition to technological advancements, the bank has exhibited an innovative approach to financial solutions aimed at SMEs. It has rolled out flexible financing models such as point-of-sale (POS) based lending and invoice discounting, which provide SMEs with much-needed liquidity, enhancing their ability to operate and scale effectively. Moreover, the bank has crafted specialized services such as the Corporate Premium Services (CPS) and CB Merchant Pay. These initiatives are designed not only to enhance the customer experience but also to provide SMEs with a competitive edge in the marketplace.
Support for SMEs at Commercial Bank of Qatar goes beyond financial products and services. The institution has put in place a robust system of relationship management tailored to the distinct needs of this segment. Each SME at the bank benefits from dedicated relationship managers and access to SME-specific service centres, ensuring customised support. Furthermore, in collaboration with partners such as DHL4SMEs, the bank offers valuable non-financial services such as training and mentoring, which are crucial for the growth and development of SMEs.
Best digital bank 2025: Qatar National Bank
Qatar National Bank (QNB) takes the country’s best digital bank award, thanks to its formidable commitment to digital transformation, groundbreaking banking solutions and enhanced customer engagement and education.
QNB executed a comprehensive digital shift by implementing an Agile Delivery Framework. This adaptation was pivotal in refining the customer banking journey, facilitating the experience from service discovery to transaction completion.
QNB’s leadership in pioneering digital services includes its hassle-free digital account opening, which has significantly demystified and sped up new customer integration.
The bank launched the Fawran real-time payment service and introduced multi-functional self-service machines that consolidate numerous transactions, embodying the bank’s commitment to technology-driven customer convenience.
QNB has also heavily invested in cybersecurity, acknowledging the importance of robust security mechanisms in the digital age. The bank’s integration of AI-driven fraud detection systems and advanced mobile banking security protocols has set new industry benchmarks in protecting client data and transactions.
The introduction of a financial education programme has underscored QNB’s commitment to enhancing financial literacy and inclusion. This initiative not only educates its clientele on financial principles but also cements QNB’s role as a leader in fostering a more informed and precautionary banking community.
Best digital bank for SMEs 2025: Qatar Islamic Bank
Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) has redefined the banking experience for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Qatar, positioning itself as the nation’s premier digital financial institution for this vital sector. Through its innovative digital solutions and proactive partnerships, QIB has demonstrated an impressive understanding of the ever-evolving needs of SMEs, affirming its standing as Qatar’s best digital bank for SMEs.
At the core of QIB’s digital transformation lies the Fawran digital platform, which has revolutionised the way they service SMEs, allowing businesses to manage their accounts, process transactions and access financing entirely online. This platform is complemented by the QIB Corporate Mobile App, which boasts more than 300 functionalities tailored to improve business operations. The app includes features such as real-time cash flow monitoring and digital finance applications, which have significantly improved the operational efficiency and financial management capabilities of SMEs.
One of the standout innovations is QIB’s AI-powered Next Best Offer (NBO) Recommender System, which harnesses advanced analytics to provide SMEs with tailored financial product recommendations. This system embodies the bank’s commitment to delivering personalized, strategic solutions that meet the unique needs and aspirations of each business.
QIB’s approach to SME onboarding and financing further highlights its role as a facilitator of business empowerment. By providing a fully digital account-opening process that includes AI-driven profiling and biometric authentication, QIB has made banking more accessible for SMEs. The process is seamless and secure, allowing businesses to get started quickly and with minimal hassle. Equally transformative is QIB’s instant digital financing approval process, which not only simplifies but also speeds up the access to necessary capital, thereby significantly reducing approval times and enhancing business agility.
Moreover, QIB’s robust partnerships with fintech providers Qatar Development Bank and TASMU Smart Qatar have been instrumental in enhancing its digital offerings. These collaborations have fostered a strong digital ecosystem that supports SME growth through advanced features such as automated account reconciliation, real-time payment tracking and digital invoicing.
Best for independent advisory 2025: Lesha Bank
Lesha Bank has distinguished itself in the realm of independent advisory in Qatar, with the expansion of its services across M&A, private debt, DCM and ECM, and restructuring advisory.
Last year’s innovative issuance of the first QAR-denominated corporate sukuk in Qatar was at the core of its achievements. The bank raised QAR500 million for Estithmar Holding, showcasing its capabilities within the sukuk market and its position as a trailblazer in Qatar’s financial landscape. The bank also acted as joint lead manager for QIIB’s US$300 million AT1 sukuk issuance, which was eight-times oversubscribed.
Lesha Bank has been proactive in expanding its portfolio through noteworthy engagements in private equity and real-estate investments. The bank facilitates investment opportunities in aircraft through a Sharia-compliant leasing platform. It has also completed co-investments in UK/EU education and in a payment integrity technology provider, diversifying its investment portfolio.
The bank’s real-estate investments further exemplify this adaptability and strategic foresight. Lesha Bank’s stakes in the Alta Federal Hill in Baltimore and AP21 in Qatar demonstrate its global and regional market penetration and understanding.
Its performance translates into financial results, with the bank recording a net profit of QAR128.2 million attributable to its equity holders, marking a 36% year-on-year growth rate. The bank’s diversified investment portfolio grew by 39% in assets under management (AUM), reaching QAR8.6 billion.
Best investment bank 2025: QNB Capital
QNB Capital has firmly positioned itself at the forefront of the investment banking industry in Qatar, clinching the title of best investment bank in the Middle East.
The bank secured third place in Qatar’s DCM league table, managing nine significant deals and accumulating QR3.02 billion ($830 million), which resulted in a solid 7.87% market share. The bank also secured second place in a muted M&A market.
A deep dive into QNB Capital’s transactional activity reveals its adept handling in some of the most impactful transactions of the year. The bank’s involvement in Qatar Islamic Bank’s $750 million sukuk was notable, as the deal garnered a 3x oversubscribed order book and achieved the lowest rate by a GCC lender at that time.
QNB Capital’s roles in conventional bond issues were equally impressive. The bank advised on prominent transactions such as Qatar’s $2.5 billion sovereign green bond issuance, Qatar National Bank’s $1 billion bond issuance and Qatar International Islamic Bank’s $300 million tier 1 capital sukuk.
The contribution to such high-stake, innovative financing deals underscores QNB Capital’s innovative approach and execution across capital markets.
Best bank for consumers 2025: Dukhan Bank
Dukhan Bank has distinguished itself as Qatar’s best bank for consumers, showcasing remarkable achievements in financial performance, digital innovation and accessibility in retail services.
This past year, Dukhan Bank recorded a healthy 12% rise in total income, complemented by an 11% increase in net income from financing activities. A 3% year-on-year increase in net profit reflects the bank’s efficient operational and financial strategies.
In keeping with the digital age, Dukhan Bank has taken significant strides in augmenting its digital banking footprint. The overhaul of the Dukhan Mobile App to feature a more intuitive interface significantly enhances user experience by simplifying financial and card application processes.
The bank’s dedication to customer convenience and technological integration is further evidenced by its launch of Smart Kiosks, designed for expedient card issuance and the integration of major digital wallets, including Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Wallet.
The Digital First Card Program and the innovative Request to Pay feature through its Fawran service underscore the bank’s pioneering approach to digital banking solutions.
The introduction of Himyan Cards also delivers greater financial security and convenience, allowing for secure transactions across the nation.
By consistently enhancing user experiences and access to services, the bank demonstrates a committed evolution toward a modernised banking ecosystem tailored to meet the needs of modern consumers.
Best bank for homeowners 2025: Doha Bank
Doha Bank has been honoured as Qatar’s best bank for homeowners, thanks to its exceptional strategies and services catering to today’s dynamic real-estate market.
Doha Bank’s commitment to competitive interest rates has positioned it as a preferred bank among potential homeowners looking for financial products that provide value and simplicity. The bank has invested in education programmes, empowering customers with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their mortgages and overall financial health.
The robust and accessible customer support services at Doha Bank have set a high standard, as evidenced by its proactive engagement strategies and responsiveness. The institution has streamlined the mortgage application processes, reducing processing times significantly and improving overall customer satisfaction. The ease of access to these services, coupled with transparent communication, underscores Doha Bank’s dedication to its clientele.
Doha Bank’s approach extends beyond conventional banking activities, as it partakes in community engagement initiatives aimed at elevating financial literacy in the real-estate domain. This not only enriches potential homeowners’ understanding but also strengthens community ties and reinforces the bank’s role in supporting sustainable homeownership.
