QNB Group advances regional capital markets connectivity at The Network Forum Middle East 2026

QNB Group has emphasized its commitment to bolstering regional capital market development at The Network Forum Middle East 2026 held in Oman. The forum gathered financial institutions, exchanges, central asset managers, and other market players to discuss the evolving landscape of the region's capital markets and post-trade environment.

Key areas of focus included enhancing market access, attracting international investment, and advancing digital innovation. Discussions underscored the necessity of ensuring that market reforms deliver tangible benefits for investors.

While strides have been made in improving market access and modernizing systems, challenges persist in streamlining investment processes and facilitating swift, efficient cross-border transactions. These insights underscore the importance of fostering collaboration among financial institutions and market participants to foster regional market expansion.

This mission aligns with QNB Group's institutional banking strategy, which leverages local market insight alongside global capabilities to assist clients operating across various jurisdictions.

QNB Group's custody and securities services cater to global custodians, financial entities, asset managers, and governmental bodies, aiding in the accessibility of regional investment prospects. Oman holds significant strategic value within this regional connectivity. Having maintained a presence in Oman since 2007, QNB Oman offers corporate banking, trade finance, cash management, and treasury services tailored to local businesses and institutional clients.

The forum's emphasis on market modernization proved particularly pertinent to Oman, given its recent shift to a T+2 settlement cycle in September 2026. Leveraging its local footprint and connections to QNB Group's international network, QNB Oman facilitates trade, investment, and financial activities between Oman and neighboring regional and global markets.

QNB Group's strategic partnership with State Street, unveiled earlier this year, further underscores its dedication to advancing custody services and enhancing global investor connectivity. This collaboration aims to devise a novel custody servicing model in Qatar, merging QNB's regional expertise with State Street's global acumen.

This approach mirrors a prevalent industry emphasis discussed during the forum: uniting local market access with international service proficiency to streamline investment flows and bolster market accessibility.

Abdulla Hashim al-Sada, senior executive vice president for Group Asset and Wealth Management at QNB Group, remarked: "As capital markets throughout the region continue to evolve, their ability to attract international investment will increasingly hinge on the strength of the infrastructure and services that link investors to opportunities.

Robust custody infrastructure, efficient post-trade services, and seamless cross-border connectivity are crucial for bolstering confidence in regional markets and enhancing their international competitiveness." At QNB Group, Hashim highlighted, the organization synergizes profound regional market knowledge with institutional banking expertise, a vast international network, and strategic alliances to address the evolving demands of institutional investors.

Through these capacities, QNB Group endeavors to augment cross-border investment, foster capital market growth, and generate enduring value for its clientele.