QATAR'S ISLAMIC FINANCIAL AND INSURANCE SERVICES

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 DOHA 001216

SIPDIS

FOR NEA/ARP SHAWN THORNE
USDOC FOR 3131/USFCS/OIO/RD/ANESA RACHEL KREISSL
STATE PLEASE PASS TO TREASURY
STATE PLEASE PASS TO USTR JASON BUNTIN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON EFIN EINV BMGT BEXP QA

SUBJECT: QATAR'S ISLAMIC FINANCIAL AND INSURANCE SERVICES

REF: DOHA 241


1. SUMMARY. Qatar's four main Islamic banks comprise up to 20% of
the financial sector. The Islamic banks continue to grow rapidly,
from $2.6 billion in assets in 2003 to $4.5 billion in 2005,
attributing their success to ethical banking and due diligence.
Islamic banking is in such demand that the traditional banks in Doha
have opened Islamic finance units to provide these services. Qatar's
Islamic banks are exploring international expansion but successes
have been limited so far. Paragraphs 21-22 define important terms
and principles in Islamic banking. END SUMMARY.

Islamic Financial Institutions in Qatar
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2. Islamic Financial Institutions in Qatar include both banking and
insurance institutions that provide client services marketed as
being both moral and ethical. Accordingly, each institution employs
a Sharia Compliance Committee, composed of Islamic scholars, that
serves in an advisory role. The committee, consulted before new
products and ventures are offered, states which are lawful and
suggests methods to yield lawful projects out of unlawful ventures
and services. Following suggestions of the advisory board,
institutions can guarantee that services offered by Islamic
financing institutions comply with Sharia (Islamic) law. Clients are
guaranteed that the institutions do not charge interest (instead
Islamic financial companies use the prevailing interest rate as an
index for service fees) nor do they undertake unlawful projects.


3. There are four main Islamic financial institutions in the banking
and insurance sectors in Qatar that together control 15% - 20% of
the capital in the system; Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB),International
Islamic, formerly Qatar International Islamic Bank, (QIIB),
Al-Rayyan Bank, newly established (Reftel A),and Qatar Islamic
Insurance Company (QIIC).


4. QIB and QIIB operate under the Qatar Central Bank, QCB, umbrella,
while QIIC is the only Islamic insurance company in the system.


5. QIB, a large Islamic banking institution that is competing with
conventional banks in Qatar, attributes its success to ethical
banking and due diligence. Its managers are committed to avoiding
unlawful ventures and services and even refrain from undertaking
controversial projects. QIB also takes an active role in preventing
client misconduct and cooperating with QCB in cases of suspicious
activity. Client accounts, including individuals, non-profit
organizations, and private companies are monitored frequently, and
frontline officers (Customer Service Representatives) are trained to
identify suspicious transactions. Such practices have contributed to
QIB's continued success and growth.


6. QIIB has a short and successful fifteen years of achievements
that can be credited to ethical and efficient practices. It provides
banking services to both corporate and retail customers in
accordance to Islamic Sharia law, and is dedicated to expanding and
improving these services to ensure customer satisfaction. Recently,
QIIB implemented "The Millennium Initiative" emphasizing efficiency,
risk management, and marketing. After efficiency, employees are
dedicated to averting client misconduct and also cooperating with
QCB to prevent suspicious activity. The combination of practices has
led to average annual growth of at least 20%.


7. QIIC is strictly dedicated to offering an alternative to
conventional insurance services. The institution implemented the
practice of cooperative institutions through the principle of
Takaful, whereby policyholders and shareholders are differentiated.
Shareholders act as agents incurring costs and profits until their
funds are repaid, while policyholders own the businesses. QIIC
offers comprehensive products to small and medium sized businesses
while keeping the risk of underwriting low.

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PERFORMANCE AND EXPANSION PLANS
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8. Over the past three years from 2003-2005, Islamic banking
institutions in Qatar have operated successfully and displayed
steady growth rates. The two Islamic banks that operate under the
Qatar Central Bank umbrella, International Islamic and Qatar Islamic
Bank, offer competitive services and increased business activities
to accommodate Qatar's growing economy. Combined, the two Islamic
banking institutions in Qatar make up about 15% of capital in
Qatar's banking sector, a percentage that has been relatively steady
since 2000.


9. (SBU) International Islamic (QIIB) has managed to remain a
competitive company in the banking industry. QIIB's growth has been
propelled through its focus on the local Qatari market and its
interests in expansion. Domestically, QIIB has increased activities
by expanding human resources, IT services, and customer services,
translating into increased assets, liabilities, equities, and
profits. This expansion lent itself to general growth rates between
15%-20% annually and Islamic banking growth rates between 15%-18%
annually over this period.


10. (SBU) Internationally, QIIB has interests in Syria and Pakistan,
and hopes to invest in Islamic banking institutions in both
countries. The institutions, however, would not be international
branches of QIIB, instead, they will operate as independent Islamic
banking institutions with Qatari investors. The bank in Syria is
planned to open with QR 100 million (USD 27.3 million) of capital,
49% from Qatari investors and 51% from Syrian investors. In
Pakistan, QIIB intends to invest in two Islamic banks, each opening
with QR 5 million (USD 1.3 million) of capital.


11. (SBU) Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB),the larger of the two Islamic
banking institutions in Qatar, has also remained competitive. It has
witnessed growth as assets in Qatar rise and shift from conventional
to Islamic banking. Currently, QIB commands a large portion of the
Islamic banking market, 70% - 75%, and a moderate portion of the
banking sector in general, 15% - 20%. It has International interests
in Asia, North Africa and Europe. It plans to open an Islamic bank
in Malaysia with USD 100 million capital base (a joint venture with
Saudi and Kuwaiti founders) and in London with GBP 25 million (USD
47.3 million) capital base (a joint venture with European founders).
The company is currently investigating opportunities in Sudan and
Egypt; prospects look more hopeful in Sudan. Managers have cautioned
that they are not looking to become a case solution for small
communities; rather they want to offer services to all and become a
functional part of the business society.


12. (SBU) Qatar Islamic Insurance Company (QIIC) is the only Islamic
insurance company incorporated into Qatar's Banking and Financial
System. Recently, the company witnessed 33% growth as the economy
expands and presents ample opportunities in the financing industry.
QIIC currently controls 10% of Qatar's insurance market and its paid
up capital is USD 15 million. The company also has investments and
interests abroad. QIIC owns 2% of the largest re-Takaful company in
Dubai, Dubai Finance Center; a company with a USD 500 million
capital base. It is also contemplating business opportunities in
Syria, Pakistan, Egypt, and the Emirates.

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FINANCIAL FIGURES AND BANKING RATIOS
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13. The Islamic banking and insurance services sector in Qatar saw
its assets grow from USD 2.6 billion in 2003 to USD 3.5 billion in
2004 to finally reach USD 4.5 billion in 2005. The net profit grew
from USD 62 million in 2003, to USD 116 million in 2004, to finally
reach USD 315 million.


14. During 2003, the two Islamic banking institutions in Qatar, QIB
and QIIB, were operating under similar conditions. Although returns
on assets were only 3% for both banks, returns on equity, measuring
profitability, were higher much higher, 27% for QIB and 21% for
QIIB. The data also showed that both QIB and QIIB carried more than
50% long term debt with respect to liabilities and equity, QIIB
carrying a slightly higher percentage than QIB. High long-term
debt-to-liabilities and equity ratios indicate that the banks are
financing growth with debt; QIB and QIIB utilized 59% and 52%
respectively of assets for loans. Financial ratios, the current
ratio in particular, imply that QIIB has more liquid assets,
displaying a 69% current ratio, than QIB, a 27% current ratio, in

2003. Both indicate that excess liquidity is channeled into US
assets. QIIB and QIB showed relatively low debt ratios, indicating
that assets were greater than debts. QIIB total assets reached USD 1
billion and QIB's USD 1.5 billion. The net profit, however, reached
USD 17.6 million for QIIB and USD 39.7 million for QIB.


15. The following year, 2004, witnessed growth of all financial
figures (assets, liabilities, equities, and profits) for both QIB
and QIIB, although banking and financial ratios implied moderate
improvement with respect to financial health. Returns on assets and
equity remained relatively stable with small increases and
decreases, indicating that as increased business opportunities were
capitalized on the companies' assets and liabilities also grew, thus
maintaining stable profitability and efficiency. Long term
debt-to-liabilities and equity dropped, indicating that both banks
are using less and less debt to finance growth. Financial ratios
indicate that assets exceed liabilities, liquidity has risen, and
that profitability of capital investments remained relatively
stable. QIIB assets totaled USD 1 billion and QIB assets totaled USD
2 billion. The net profit, however, reached $24 million in QIIB and
$80 million in QIB, a growth rate of 38% and 103% from the previous
year, respectively.


16. Upward trends of Islamic banking institutions were witnessed
during 2005. Returns on assets and equity increased, showing more
profitability and efficiency of QIIB and QIB. Long term debt to
equity and liabilities dropped slightly for QIIB, showing that
growth is being financed less and less by debt, and rose slightly
for QIB indicating that growth is being financed more by debt this
year than last year. Financial ratios indicate that liquidity rose,
assets remained greater than liabilities, and the profitability of
capital investment also rose. QIIB assets totaled USD 1 billion and
QIB assets totaled USD 2 billion. Both banks control 12% of the
banking sector's total assets. The net profit, however, reached USD
127 million in QIIB and USD 140 million in QIB, a growth rate of
424% and 74% from 2004, respectively.

17. QIIC, the Islamic insurance institution, has also displayed
growth and progress from 2003-2005 as it capitalizes on the growing
economy. Returns on assets and equity have increased from 2003 to
2005, indicating that QIIC's profitability and efficiency have
risen. Its long term debt to liabilities and assets fell; financing
growth with debt is fading. More importantly, financial ratios show
that assets exceed debt and that capital investments have become
more profitable. Total assets were $36 million in 2003, grew by 76%
to reach $64 million in 2004 and by 70% in 2005 to reach USD 108
million. Net profit of QIIC was USD 5 million in 2003, grew by 118%
to reach $11 million in 2004 and by 327% to total USD 47 million in

2005.

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GROWING POPULARITY
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18. Islamic banking and insurance services have become so popular
that conventional banks and insurance companies started creating
Islamic business units. Qatar National Bank, Doha Bank and
Commercial bank the three largest conventional banks in Qatar, as
well as Doha Insurance, the fourth largest insurance company, all
offer Islamic services to their clients although they are
conventional banking and insurance companies.


19. There are two major reasons for the success of Islamic banks and
insurances: clients' desire to abide by the principles of the
Shari'a law and the ethical and moral standards of Islamic banking.
Experts mentioned that in Malaysia and Lebanon a large number of
Islamic bank clients are Christians, suggesting a certain
universality of Islamic banking principles.


20. The success of Islamic financial and insurance institutions has
encouraged governments and individuals to expand the sector. The
2005-2006 time frame witnessed at least 5 new IPOs worth nearly USD
10 billion in the gulf region alone related to Islamic companies.
Tens of Islamic consumer credit companies flourished and continue to
grow in the region. Existing Islamic institutions are scoping out
opportunities to introduce Islamic banking and insurance services to
western and Asian markets. So far, these efforts have been achieved
in Great Britain and some MENA countries. All interviewed players
had an interest in the U.S. market but pointed out that U.S.
Department of Treasury and U.S. Federal Reserves need a broader
understanding of Islamic banking before accepting proposals for a
legal framework for it.

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ISLAMIC FINANCE PRINCIPLES AND INSTRUMENTS
--------------


21. The basic principles that underlie Islamic finances are based on
Shari'a law (Islamic law) and emphasize ethical practices. The first
and most important of these principles is the prohibition of
charging and collecting interest either by investors or debtors.
Islamic financing principles also include the notions of risk
sharing, money as potential capital, prohibition of speculative
behavior, sanctity of contracts, and lawful activities. All
principles are extracted from Shari'a laws, which act as a guide for
activities of Muslim business people.


22. The prohibition of interest is based on the idea of social
justice and equality. Islam encourages profit earning, but forbids
interest as it leads to exploitation and increases wealth of one at
the expense of others. The absence of interest prompts capital
owners to become investors, thereby sharing business risks.
Islamically, money becomes actual capital once it is used for
business ventures; until then it is considered potential capital.
Islam encourages Muslims to invest their money in business
activities as a way to increase wealth. Needless to say, within the
context of Islam, it is unwise to hoard large sums of money; it
holds little value if not being used productively. Islam also holds
that contracts and business agreements are treated as legal/lawful
obligations, thereby committing both parties to terms that are
reached. Last but not least, all business activities must steer
clear of entities and/or actions forbidden by Shari'a law - unlawful
ventures are strictly prohibited.


23. Islamic Financial Instruments:

-- Mudharabah (Profit Loss Sharing): An agreement where capital
owners lend money to an entrepreneur for business purposes. While
the loan is being repaid, both parties share in profits of business
at agreed upon ratio, while only capital provider incurs loss. Once
the loan is repaid, the capital owner no longer gains or looses from
business activities.

-- Musharakah (Joint Venture): Profits are shared based on
agreement, while losses are divided based on equity participation
ratios.

-- Murabahah (Cost Plus): The sale of a good at a price that
includes a profit margin agreed upon by both parties. All prices are
clearly stated at the time of agreement. The profit margin is more
or less the fee charged by the bank for its services. The bank
collects nothing more than agreed upon profit even if payments are
late.

-- Bai' Mu'ajjal (Deferred Payment Sale): Similar to murabahah, but
debtor makes single payment on agreed upon maturity date.

-- Qardhul Hasan (Benevolent Loan): A loan that has no interest. The
debtor is required only to pay back what is borrowed.

-- Ijarah thumma al Bai' (Lease/Purchase): A two part agreement
where the debtor rents an item until the leasing period is over,
then enters the second part where he buys the item at the agreed
upon price. Both parts of the contract are agreed upon at the same
time.

-- Takaful (Islamic Insurance): Funds are pooled from many
resources, combining the risk of many thereby reducing the
individual risk of each contributor. It thereby avoids the
uncertainty associated with conventional investment.
UNTERMEYER