Qatar’s Banking Assets Rise 2.3% to QR2.194 Trn in Aug

Qatar’s banking sector maintained a strong financial position in August 2026, with total assets reaching QR2.194 trillion, up 2.3 percent from year-end 2025, according to the latest banking data. Liquid assets accounted for 30 percent of total assets, matching the levels recorded in December 2025 and May, June and July.

The overall loan book remained stable at QR1.486 trillion, up 3.5 percent from year-end 2025. Total deposits declined 0.8 percent month-on-month to QR1.0614 trillion but remained 1.6 percent higher than at the end of 2025.

The loan-to-deposit ratio rose to 140 percent in August from 139 percent in July and 137 percent in December 2025. However, the ratio calculated under Qatar Central Bank guidelines, which account for stable funding sources, remained below the regulatory limit of 100 percent.

International credit emerged as a key growth driver, increasing 4.6 percent month-on-month and 63.1 percent from year-end 2025, helping offset weaker public sector lending and supporting the overall loan portfolio.

Public sector loans fell 0.8 percent during August and 4.6 percent from year-end 2025. Government loans declined 0.8 percent month-on-month but remained 14.9 percent higher than at year-end 2025. Loans to government institutions fell 1.8 percent during the month and 19.4 percent from year-end, while lending to semi-government institutions rose 4.6 percent month-on-month and 25.5 percent from year-end 2025.

Private sector loans remained broadly stable, up 1.4 percent from year-end 2025. Retail lending was unchanged month-on-month but increased 2.6 percent from December 2025. Real estate loans also remained flat during August but were 2.4 percent below their year-end level, while lending to other private sector segments was generally stable.

Total public sector deposits fell 1.3 percent month-on-month and 0.7 percent from year-end 2025. Government deposits, accounting for approximately 30 percent of public sector deposits, rose 2.7 percent during August but remained 8.8 percent below year-end 2025.

 Government institution deposits, representing around 54 percent of the segment, declined 3.2 percent month-on-month but were broadly unchanged from year-end. Semi-government deposits, accounting for approximately 17 percent, fell 1.8 percent during the month but remained 15 percent higher than at the end of 2025.

Non-resident deposits declined 2.1 percent month-on-month but increased 2.1 percent from year-end 2025. Their share of total deposits remained broadly stable at 18.9 percent, compared with 18.8 percent in December 2025.

Private sector deposits were broadly stable during August. Deposits from companies and institutions rose 1.5 percent month-on-month and 3.3 percent from year-end 2025, while consumer deposits declined 1 percent during the month but remained 3.1 percent higher than at the end of last year.

Asset quality indicators remained stable, with loan provisions at 3.8 percent of gross loans, unchanged month-on-month and improved from 4 percent at year-end 2025. Loan-loss provisions increased 0.7 percent during August but remained 1.1 percent below their December 2025 level.

The sector’s 30 percent liquid-asset ratio continued to provide a substantial buffer to meet funding requirements and support banking operations amid changing market conditions.

The overall performance highlights the resilience of Qatar’s banking system, with total assets and loans recording growth since the end of 2025, while international credit and corporate deposits provided important support. Stable private sector lending, a substantial liquid-asset base and improved loan-provision coverage further underline the sector’s capacity to sustain financial stability and support economic activity.