DOHA, 02 March 2009

The Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) is targeting Qatar University as one of the first key audiences in a new engagement and outreach strategy which will see its regulatory experts working alongside senior academic staff at the University to devise a series of specialist lectures and workshops for students.

Shankar Garigiparthy, a Director in the QFCRA’s Supervision team, provided a guest lecture in December on the application of risk management in insurance. The lecture was designed to supplement the students' learning with some practical insights into risk management strategies. "I would like to thank Qatar University and its students for providing me with an opportunity to present to them on the practical applications of risk management in Insurance. The lectures were interactive and whilst we focused on some of the basics of risk management, the practical examples gave students an insight into the practical issues that arise with this subject. I look forward to more such opportunities for interaction in the near future". Shankar Garigiparthy said.

Razzaq Busari, an Associate Director in the QFCRA’s Authorisation team, followed this with two further guest lectures looking at Islamic Banks and the current financial crisis. Mr. Busari touched on the causes of the current financial crisis and the likely impact on Islamic banking. He also discussed the unique features of Islamic banking, future opportunities, key challenges and the regulatory framework for Islamic banking.

Commenting on the scheme Dr. Mohammed Najdawi, the Dean of the Business and Economy College in Qatar University said:

"The students certainly felt that these guest lecturers are useful supplements to their ongoing learning, providing them with examples of real life applications. We welcome this opportunity to work with some of Qatar’s regulatory practitioners and we encourage and endorse this new approach from the QFCRA".

The lectures were well attended and the students were very positive about the approach taken by Qatar University and the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA).

Media Contacts:
Mark Morley – QFCRA
Telephone: +974 495 6702
Mobile: +974 562 0461
Fax: +974 483 0894
Email: m.morley@qfcra.com

About the QFC Regulatory Authority
The QFC Regulatory Authority is an independent regulatory body established by Article 8 of the QFC Law. It regulates firms that conduct financial services in or from the QFC. It has a broad range of regulatory powers to authorise, supervise and, when necessary, discipline firms and individuals. The QFC Regulatory Authority regulates firms using principle-based legislation of international standard, modeled closely on that used in London and other major financial centres. Further details are available on the website, www.qfcra.com

About the Qatar Financial Centre
The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) is a financial and business centre established by the Government of Qatar and located in Doha. It has been designed to attract international financial services institutions and major multinational corporations and to encourage participation in the growing market for financial services in Qatar and elsewhere in the region. The QFC operates to international standards and provides a first class legal and business infrastructure for those doing business within the QFC. The QFC was created by QFC Law No.(7) of Qatar and has been open for business since 1 May 2005.

About the QFC Authority
The QFC Authority is the commercial, administrative and legislative body responsible for driving the commercial strategy of the QFC and for developing relationships with the global corporate community and other key institutions both within and outside of Qatar. More information on the QFC Authority is available at www.qfc.com.qa.

About Qatar
In 2005 a nationwide referendum overwhelmingly approved a new constitution providing for Qatar’s first legislative election and an independent judiciary. Qatar is currently a member of the UN Security Council. It has one of the world’s fastest growing economies, is on course to be the world’s leading exporter of liquefied natural gas and has an active programme of infrastructure investment and economic diversification.