Interview: Bassel Gamal, Group CEO QIB

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Interview: Bassel Gamal, Group CEO QIB

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How does the bank see its role in bridging the gap between traditional industries and emerging sectors like tech, logistics and green infrastructure?

QIB has been proud to play a central role in supporting Qatar’s economic transformation, particularly during the unprecedented phase of growth leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2022.

We have partnered across all major sectors — from energy and infrastructure to logistics, tourism, education and manufacturing — by providing tailored financial solutions that enabled both national projects and private initiatives to scale successfully. This period was a testament to the bank’s role as a trusted financial partner in advancing Qatar’s development.

Looking ahead, our commitment continues in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. We are focused on bridging traditional industries with emerging growth sectors such as technology, logistics, tourism, education and green infrastructure.

By integrating digital innovation, ESG-aligned finance and sector-specific products, we enable businesses to embrace diversification and long-term sustainability. Initiatives such as the QIB Auto Marketplace, Green Car Finance, Sustainable Corporate Deposits and collaborations with fintechs demonstrate how we are building the ecosystems needed for future growth.

Through these efforts, QIB supports the country’s transition towards a diversified, knowledge-based economy, while contributing to national priorities in sustainability and economic resilience.

What initiatives has the bank launched to develop Qatari talent and strengthen the future leadership of the banking sector?

QIB recognises that human capital development is essential for long-term national growth. It has implemented comprehensive leadership development and upskilling programmes designed to prepare employees for the future of banking.

In 2024, QIB delivered over 46,000 hours of training and expanded Qatarisation efforts through internships, student sponsorships and leadership development programmes. The Emerging Banker Programme grew to 32 interns, while student sponsorships increased to 44. These initiatives are designed to build a skilled, agile workforce and prepare Qatari nationals for leadership roles in banking. By investing in local talent, we contribute to national development and ensure the sustainability of the financial sector.

How is Islamic finance evolving at the bank, and what new opportunities are emerging locally or internationally?

Islamic finance is evolving in alignment with global banking trends, customer expectations and fast technological innovation. At QIB, we are embedding Shari’a-compliant solutions into digital platforms to reimagine Islamic banking through technology, inclusivity and global relevance.

New opportunities are emerging in areas such as digital Islamic wealth platforms for younger, tech-savvy investors; SME financing through fintech models like crowdfunding and embedded finance; and innovative Takaful solutions including micro and digital insurance.

What progress has QIB made in offering sustainable finance products or integrating climate-related risks into its operations?

Sustainability is a core pillar of our strategy and a natural extension of our Islamic values. We are proud to be the only bank headquartered in Qatar to adopt the Equator Principles, which has enabled us to embed a robust ESG Risk Assessment process into our credit review for all new finance requests.

ESG considerations are now fully integrated into all corporate finance decisions, guided by international standards and our proprietary ESG Due Diligence Toolkit.

In 2024, we launched the Sustainable Corporate Deposit, allowing institutional and corporate clients to invest in green and social assets within our portfolio, underpinned by QIB’s Sustainable Products Framework.

Meanwhile, we continue to embed climate risk assessments into our enterprise-wide risk management architecture, evaluating the impact of both physical and transition risks on our portfolio.

On the retail side, we’ve introduced Qatar’s first Carbon Emissions Tracker within the QIB Mobile App — developed in collaboration with Visa and Clarity AI — to help customers monitor the carbon footprint of their card transactions and make informed, eco-conscious purchasing decisions. We’ve complemented this with a range of eco-friendly cards made from recycled plastic, and accelerated our transition to paperless banking through digital onboarding, e-statements and smart printing.

Our Green Auto Finance offering has also expanded to include newer electric vehicle models, supporting the shift toward sustainable mobility. Our partnership with DHL under the GoGreen Plus initiative further demonstrates our commitment to reducing logistics-related emissions. These integrated efforts reflect our dedication to building a resilient, responsible and future-ready financial institution.

How is the bank enhancing the customer experience, and what technologies or services are you excited about introducing in the near future?

Customer experience is at the heart of QIB’s strategy. Our mobile app, now the primary banking channel, offers over 320 features and sees more than four million logins monthly, with 99% of transactions completed digitally.

We have introduced QIB Lite for low-income earners and the QIB Junior programme for youth engagement.

Artificial intelligence-powered features such as product recommendations and optical character recognition-based document verification enhance personalisation and speed. Looking ahead, QIB plans to expand its AI-driven services and automation to deliver more personalised advice and seamless engagement. At the same time, it will uphold its reputation for secure, Shari’a-compliant banking with excellent service.

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