Licensing Types
According to the Financial Services Rulebook and the QFMA's approved licensing framework, any person or entity wishing to conduct financial services activities within the State of Qatar must obtain prior licensing from the QFMA. These licenses aim to ensure that all market participants comply with the QFMA's regulations, thereby enhancing transparency, protecting investors, and maintaining market integrity.
Activities Subject to Licensing
QFMA classifies the following activities as financial services that require prior licensing:
- Execution of securities purchase or sale’s orders for others.
- Securities’ trading for own account.
- Custody services (cash or securities).
- Broker Agent.
- Advice on securities.
- Securities’ investment management.
- Investment trusteeship.
- Underwriting issuance of securities.
- Securities’ issuance management.
- Market maker.
- Liquidity providing.
- Margin trading.
- Securities’ lending and borrowing.
- Securities marketing and promotion.
- Listing advisor in securities.
- Any other activity deemed by the QFMA to be added to these activities.
License Period and Renewal
- Licenses are granted for a period of three years and expire at the end of December of the third year following the date of issuance.
- Renewal applications must be submitted before the license expires, accompanied by all required documents and payment of the prescribed fees.
- The QFMA shall have the right to request any additional information during the licensing or renewal procedures.
Application Procedures
- Applications must be submitted using the official forms approved by the QFMA.
- The application must be complete and attached by all required supporting documents.
- A processing fee of (5,000) QR is charged for license applications.
- The QFMA shall issue its decision on the application within a maximum period of (30) days from the date of submission of the full and complete application.
Strategic Importance
By regulating these activities, the QFMA ensures the following:
- Investor protection through strict licensing standards.
- Promoting market stability and transparency in line with international best practices.
- Aligning market activities with Qatar Financial Sector Strategy and global standards.
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