QSE Invests in Sophisticated Platforms, Investment Tools To Reinforce Competitiveness: HSBC Qatar CEO

Over 300 global institutional investors met with all bourses from the GCC and more than 100 GCC corporates at HSBC’s GCC Exchanges Conference in London recently as investors explore the Gulf's reform-driven growth and maturing capital markets.

Now in its fourth year, conversations at the conference focused on the GCC’s record IPO pipeline, deep sovereign and corporate bond markets, and expanding private credit platforms – which have been underpinned by strong fiscal buffers and multi-year economic transformation agendas.

The continued liberalisation of GCC financial markets and the introduction of privatisation programmes by GCC governments are converging at a time when investors are seeking diversification from global volatility.

GCC capital markets were resilient in the first quarter of the year with IPO proceeds 33% higher compared to the first quarter of 2024, despite a slowdown in issuances globally.

The Qatar Stock Exchange-listed companies reported QR13.22bn net profits for Q1-2025, which showed continues growth year on year.

Abdul Hakeem Mostafawi, CEO, HSBC Qatar said: “Global investors are recalibrating for resilience and the GCC’s balance sheet strength and robust financial markets ecosystem has positioned the region as an increasingly credible alternative.

“Qatar Stock Exchange continues to invest in sophisticated platforms and investment tools to reinforce its competitiveness and strengthen investors’ confidence.”

Senior officials who also attended the event included Abdullah Mohammed al-Ansari, CEO, QSE; Dr Tamy bin Ahmed al-Binali, CEO, Qatar Financial Market Authority; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim al-Thani, CEO, Edaa.

Al-Ansari stated: “We commend HSBC’s continued commitment to convening key stakeholders and global investors around the Gulf’s evolving capital markets.

“At Qatar Stock Exchange, we remain focused on enhancing our market infrastructure and broadening access to sustainable investment opportunities that support both regional growth and investor diversification.”

This year, for the first time, HSBC brought together emerging market macro strategists with GCC attendees, as EM investors dial-up their exposure to the Gulf’s capital markets driven by strong GDP projections relative to the broader EM pool.