Euroclear opens Qatar bonds to global investors

International investors will now benefit from secure, streamlined access to the domestic market through Euroclear’s trusted infrastructure, while issuers gain access to a broader and more diversified pool of capital. The initiative is expected to boost liquidity, improve market efficiency and deepen international capital flows into Qatar.

This strategic initiative is in line with Qatar’s Third Financial Sector Strategy and the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030 which seek to create a more innovative, efficient and globally connected capital market underpinned by modern market infrastructure and strong investor protection. The initiative also forms part of Qatar’s broader efforts to enhance the competitiveness of its financial markets, develop its market infrastructure, and further integrate its financial markets into the global financial system.

The link will enable investors worldwide to access and settle eligible Qatari riyal-denominated conventional government bonds and sukuk through Euroclear’s International Central Securities Depository - Euroclear Bank, significantly enhancing access to Qatar’s domestic capital market. Euroclear Bank will act as issuer CSD, Edaa, the Qatar Central Securities Depository, will serve as investor CSD for local investors, and Qatar Central Bank will act as issuer and paying agent.

Commenting on the announcement, H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Khalid bin Ahmed Al Thani, Deputy Governor of the Qatar Central Bank, stated: “Qatar’s continued development of the government securities market reflects our commitment to fostering a deeper, more efficient and resilient capital market. By enhancing the infrastructure and mechanisms that support the issuance and trading of government bonds and sukuk, we are creating greater opportunities for investors, encouraging broader participation, and strengthening the foundations for sustainable growth in the financial market. These efforts will further reinforce Qatar’s position as an attractive and internationally connected investment destination, as our collaboration with Euroclear is a practical step towards expanding international access to Qatari government debt instruments and strengthening the presence and visibility of the Qatari market among global investors.”

Valérie Urbain, Chief Executive Officer of Euroclear, said: “By making Qatari government bonds and sukuk Euroclearable, we are helping to simplify market access, enhance liquidity and strengthen Qatar’s appeal to global investors. This collaboration builds on our long-standing partnerships across the Middle East and reflects our commitment to supporting the development of resilient, efficient and globally connected capital markets. We are delighted to work alongside our partners in Qatar to support the country’s long-term capital market ambitions.”

Euroclear group is the financial industry’s trusted provider of post trade services. Guided by its purpose, Euroclear innovates to bring safety, efficiency and connections to financial markets for sustainable economic growth. Euroclear provides settlement and custody of domestic and cross-border securities for bonds, equities and derivatives and investment funds. As a proven, resilient capital market infrastructure, Euroclear is committed to delivering risk-mitigation, automation and efficiency at scale for its global client franchise. The Euroclear group comprises Euroclear Bank, the International CSD, as well as Euroclear Belgium, Euroclear Finland, Euroclear France, Euroclear Nederland, Euroclear Sweden, Euroclear UK & International.