Doha, 15 February 2010


The Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA) has granted a license to Allen & Overy LLP, QFC Branch, and has been allocated QFC Licence No. 00120.

Welcoming Allen & Overy to the QFC, Shashank Srivastava, Acting CEO of the QFC Authority commented:
“We are delighted to see that the QFC legal and regulatory environment continues to attract the most renowned international and regional institutions to Qatar. Allen & Overy’s decision to open an office is both a testament to their impressive global reach and the Qatar’s appeal as a leading business destination.”

Allen & Overy partner Robert Porter, who will head the office in Doha added:
"This move underlines Allen & Overy's long-term commitment to the Middle East and to meeting the needs of our clients both regionally and globally. This is an exciting time to be in Qatar, and we are looking forward to contributing to its economic development while growing alongside our clients in one of the most promising centres in the Gulf."


For media queries please contact Caroline Livesey,caroline.livesey@allenovery.com, in London on +44 (0)20 3088 4380 or Matthew Harries,matthew.harries@allenovery.com in Dubai on +97 14 426 7123

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