Qatar-based investment bank, QInvest, has unveiled its long term growth strategy.
The new strategy involves splitting the bank into three separate divisions; investment banking, principal investments and asset management.
The restructuring is designed to create a greater focus on the firm’s core product and service offers.
QInvest has also strengthened a number of significant operation areas and plans to work more closely with the company’s largest shareholder, Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), in order to access its unique market presence and network, and its strong balance sheet.
Tamim Hamad Al-Kawari, QInvest’s chief executive officer, said: “As investment markets around the world continue to evolve, it is essential that we further develop our strategy to build on our leading regional position and focus the business on the most lucrative market opportunities.
“We want to ensure we are structured to fully support Qatar and the wider region’s international investment plans as well as ensure we are recognised as the gateway for investors looking to access Qatar’s fast growing dynamic economy.”
As part of the strategy, QInvest’s asset management team plans to work more closely with QIB to offer its client base access to QMAP funds and services.
QInvest’s Managed Account Platform (QMAP), launched earlier this year, allows the firm to offer a diverse product range for global Sharia compliant investors.
The platform offers products across multiple asset classes, including sukuk and equity funds, managed by both in-house and third party professionals.
“In 2013, we focused on and have now completed the streamlining of the business,” said Al-Kawari. “Our top-line growth strategy ensures we concentrate on those areas where we have strength and market differentiation. We have brought in a team of proven experts and specialists and scaled specific product and service areas.
“At the same time, we are working closely with QIB to create value for both institutions through our strategic partnership. We are already beginning to see the benefits of the new strategy emerge and I am confident that this will continue to deliver value for clients and shareholders in the months and years ahead,” he said.
The asset management division has already launched a range of funds with major investment managers like GAM, Edgewood Management and Eagle Capital Management.
QInvest’s reorganisation and fresh approach comes after its proposed merger with EFG-Hermes, which would have created the Arab world’s biggest investment bank, collapsed in May after failing to gain approval from the Egyptian regulatory authorities.
