Qatar’s banking assets rise 2.3% to QR2.194 trn in Aug

In August 2026, Qatar's banking sector reported a 2.3% increase in total assets, reaching QR2.194 trillion, according to recent financial data. Liquid assets constituted 30% of the total assets, staying consistent with levels observed in December 2025, May, June, and July. The loan portfolio remained stable at QR1.486 trillion, marking a 3.5% increase from the end of 2025.

Total deposits declined by 0.8% month-on-month to QR1.0614 trillion, though they were still 1.6% higher compared to the end of 2025. The loan-to-deposit ratio reached 140% in August, up from 139% in July and 137% in December 2025. However, the ratio computed under the guidelines of the Qatar Central Bank, which considers stable funding sources, remained below the regulatory threshold of 100%.

International credit played a significant role in sector growth, surging 4.6% month-on-month and 63.1% from the end of 2025, compensating for weaker public sector lending and bolstering the overall loan portfolio. Public sector loans experienced a 0.8% decline during August and a 4.6% drop from the end of 2025. Government loans also decreased by 0.8% month-on-month but were 14.9% higher than at the end of 2025.

Loans to government institutions fell by 1.8% during the month and 19.4% from the end of 2025, while lending to semi-government institutions rose by 4.6% month-on-month and 25.5% from the end of 2025. Private sector loans remained relatively stable, increasing by 1.4% from the end of 2025. Retail lending remained unchanged month-on-month but grew by 2.6% from December 2025.

Real estate loans stayed flat during August but were 2.4% below their year-end level, while lending to other private sector segments was generally stable. Public sector deposits fell by 1.3% month-on-month and 0.7% from the end of 2025. Government deposits, which account for about 30% of public sector deposits, rose by 2.7% during August but were still 8.8% below the end of 2025.

Government institution deposits, representing around 54% of the segment, declined by 3.2% month-on-month but remained almost unchanged from the end of 2025. Semi-government deposits, comprising approximately 17% of the segment, fell by 1.8% during the month but were 15% higher than at the end of 2025. Non-resident deposits declined by 2.1% month-on-month but increased by 2.1% from the end of 2025, maintaining a stable share of 18.9% in total deposits, compared to 18.8% in December 2025.

Private sector deposits remained broadly stable during August, with deposits from companies and institutions rising by 1.5% month-on-month and 3.3% from the end of 2025, while consumer deposits fell by 1% during the month but remained 3.1% above their level at the end of last year. Asset quality indicators remained steady, with loan provisions at 3.8% of gross loans, unchanged month-on-month and improved from 4% at the end of 2025.

Loan-loss provisions increased by 0.7% during August but remained 1.1% below their December 2025 level. The sector's 30% liquid-asset ratio continued to act as a substantial buffer to meet funding requirements and support banking operations amid changing market conditions. The overall performance underscores the resilience of Qatar's banking system, with total assets and loans expanding since the end of 2025, while international credit and corporate deposits provided crucial support.

Stable private sector lending, a substantial liquid-asset base, and improved loan-provision coverage further illustrate the sector's ability to maintain financial stability and foster economic activity.