Qatar Financial Centre Authority

The QFC Authority drives the commercial strategy of the QFC. It has as its primary role to establish, develop and promote the QFC as a leading location for international finance and business designed to attract international banking, financial services, insurance businesses, corporate head office functions, as well as other business. The QFC Authority is governed by the QFC Authority Board, which is chaired by the Minister of Economy and Commerce. Stuart Pearce is CEO and Director General of the QFC Authority. The principal objectives of the QFC Authority are:

• To develop and promote the Qatar Financial Centre as a leading location for international finance, financial services and business

• to promote and act in accordance with international best practice and eliminate bureaucracy to the maximum extent

• to ensure the financial stability of the QFC

• to participate in consultation with the QFC Regulatory Authority and the QFC Appeals Body in the establishment and maintenance of the QFC legal and regulatory environment

One of the QFC Authority's most important roles is to approve and issue licenses to individuals, businesses and other entities that wish to incorporate or establish in the Centre. Businesses wishing to undertake financial services will also require authorisation from the Regulatory Authority.