Commercial Bank of Qatar, established in 1975, is the first private commercial bank in Qatar. It has grown through innovation, strategic acquisitions, and international expansion, becoming a leading financial institution listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange.
Chronological Storyline (31 Milestones)
1975 CE
Commercial Bank of Qatar Founded
Established by a group of Qatari businessmen as the first private commercial bank in the country. #finance #Qatar
Commercial Bank of Qatar Founded By Commercial Bank of Qatar - https://login.cbq.qa/adfs/portal/logo/logo.png?id=6BDDE71C4102124CD84EB0316032D077BD8D89A192B3A13F472E95F820E54DDD, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=127100245
1976 CE
Commencement of Operations
The bank begins its banking operations in Doha, offering commercial banking services to Qatari businesses. #banking #Qatar
1981 CE
First Branch Outside Doha
Opens a branch in Al Khor, expanding its retail network beyond the capital. #expansion #Qatar
1985 CE
Introduction of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
First ATM introduced in Qatar, pioneering self-service banking in the country. #innovation #banking
1990 CE
Launch of Credit Card Services
Introduces first credit card products in Qatar, providing consumer credit solutions. #creditcards #Qatar
1995 CE
Appointment of New CEO
Andrew Waters appointed as CEO, leading modernisation efforts. #leadership #Qatar
1997 CE
Listing on Doha Securities Market
Commercial Bank’s shares are listed on the Doha Securities Market (now Qatar Stock Exchange), increasing capital. #IPO #stockmarket
2000 CE
Launch of Internet Banking
First internet banking platform launched in Qatar, enabling online transactions. #digital #banking
2002 CE
Acquisition of National Bank of Qatar’s Retail Portfolio
Acquires the retail banking portfolio of the National Bank of Qatar, expanding customer base. #acquisition #retail
Jul 1, 2004 CE
Capital Increase and Share Split
Approves capital increase and share split to enhance liquidity and attract investors. #capital #QSE
2005 CE
Strategic Alliance with Credit Agricole
Enters partnership with Credit Agricole for corporate and investment banking services. #partnership #finance
2006 CE
Launch of Wealth Management Services
Introduces dedicated wealth management and private banking for high-net-worth clients. #wealthmanagement #privatebanking
2007 CE
First Sukuk Issuance
Issues the first Islamic bond (sukuk) by a Qatari bank, raising $1 billion. #sukuk #Islamicfinance
2008 CE
Global Financial Crisis Impact
Navigates the financial crisis with government support; maintains strong asset quality. #financialcrisis #resilience
Mar 1, 2009 CE
Acquisition of 49% Stake in Tunisian Bank
Acquires a 49% stake in Banque de l’Habitat de Tunisie, expanding into North Africa. #acquisition #Africa
2010 CE
Launch of Mobile Banking App
First mobile banking app by a Qatari bank, offering customers 24/7 access. #mobilebanking #digital
Dec 1, 2011 CE
Strategic Partnership with Fintech Company
Partners with a fintech startup to enhance payment solutions. #fintech #innovation
2012 CE
Appointment of CEO Abdullah Al-Suwaidi
Abdullah Al-Suwaidi becomes CEO, focusing on digital transformation. #leadership #CEO
Jun 1, 2013 CE
Acquisition of Alternatifbank in Turkey
Acquires 99.99% of Alternatifbank A.Ş. in Turkey, gaining a foothold in the Turkish market. #acquisition #Turkey
2014 CE
Opening of Representative Office in Singapore
Opens a representative office in Singapore to serve Asian clients and support trade finance. #expansion #Asia
Sep 1, 2015 CE
Launch of Islamic Banking Window 'Al Jazari'
Introduces Sharia-compliant banking services under the Al Jazari brand. #Islamicbanking #Sharia
2016 CE
Digital Onboarding and Paperless Account Opening
Pioneers fully digital account opening process in Qatar. #digital #fintech
Jun 5, 2017 CE
Blockade Impact and Business Continuity
Managing operations during the diplomatic blockade of Qatar; ensures uninterrupted service. #resilience #Qatar
2018 CE
Launch of Commercial Bank's Sandbox
Launches a regulatory sandbox to test innovative fintech solutions. #fintech #innovation
May 1, 2019 CE
Partnered with QNB for National Payment System
Collaborates with QNB on Qatar’s national payment system infrastructure. #payments #collaboration
Mar 1, 2020 CE
COVID-19 Response and Digital Acceleration
Implements remote working, payment deferrals, and digital services to support customers during pandemic. #COVID19 #digital
Jul 1, 2021 CE
Acquisition of 40% Stake in UAE’s United Arab Bank
Acquires a 40% stake in United Arab Bank (UAB) to expand in the UAE market. #acquisition #UAE
Nov 1, 2022 CE
World Cup Financing and Event Banking
Provides financing and banking services for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. #WorldCup #Qatar2022
Jan 1, 2023 CE
Launch of Open Banking Platform
Introduces open banking APIs to enable third-party developers and enhance customer experience. #openbanking #API
2024 CE
Record Annual Profit
Reports highest ever net profit of QAR 3.2 billion, driven by digital and international operations. #profit #financialresults
Mar 1, 2025 CE
Appointment of New Chairman
Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Thani appointed as Chairman of the Board. #leadership #chairman