Qatar brings regulatory framework for digital assets

The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) has introduced a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets, aiming to build a secure and transparent ecosystem that adheres to international standards. The new framework aligns with Qatar’s Third Financial Sector Strategy and is expected to attract both domestic and international players, bolstering the country’s financial services sector.

• Regulatory Foundation: The framework establishes legal and regulatory foundations for digital assets, including tokenization processes, property rights recognition, and smart contract validation.
• Market Opportunities: The regulations aim to create significant opportunities within Qatar’s financial sector, fostering a thriving and innovative environment.

The QFC’s framework, developed with input from 37 domestic and international organizations, sets standards for asset tokenization and ensures trust among stakeholders. It was created as part of Qatar’s broader efforts to embrace emerging technologies and accelerate digital transformation. Since the launch of the QFC Digital Assets Lab in October 2023, over 20 startups have been accepted to develop and commercialize their products. This move underscores Qatar’s commitment to establishing a robust regulatory regime that will support the development of a thriving financial services sector. Companies can now apply for licenses to perform token service provider activities under this new regime.