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sdohasntsc  08/27/2006 04:29:42 PM  From  DB/Inbox:  AUG06 Archive

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UNCLAS        DOHA 01216

SIPDIS
CXDOHA:
    ACTION: P/E
    INFO:   DCM RAO PAO AMB

DISSEMINATION: P/E /2
CHARGE: PROG

VZCZCDOI158
RR RUEHC RUCNISL RUCPDOC
DE RUEHDO #1216/01 2261107
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 141107Z AUG 06
FM AMEMBASSY DOHA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5376
INFO RUCNISL/ISLAMIC COLLECTIVE
RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 DOHA 001216 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR NEA/ARP SHAWN THORNE 
USDOC FOR 3131/USFCS/OIO/RD/ANESA RACHEL KREISSL 
STATE PLEASE PASS TO TREASURY 
STATE PLEASE PASS TO USTR JASON BUNTIN 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ECON EFIN EINV BMGT BEXP QA
 
SUBJECT: QATAR'S ISLAMIC FINANCIAL AND INSURANCE SERVICES 
 
REF: DOHA 241 
 
¶1. SUMMARY. Qatar's four main Islamic banks comprise up to 20% of 
the financial sector. The Islamic banks continue to grow rapidly, 
from $2.6 billion in assets in 2003 to $4.5 billion in 2005, 
attributing their success to ethical banking and due diligence. 
Islamic banking is in such demand that the traditional banks in Doha 
have opened Islamic finance units to provide these services. Qatar's 
Islamic banks are exploring international expansion but successes 
have been limited so far. Paragraphs 21-22 define important terms 
and principles in Islamic banking. END SUMMARY. 
 
Islamic Financial Institutions in Qatar 
--------------------------------------- 
 
¶2. Islamic Financial Institutions in Qatar include both banking and 
insurance institutions that provide client services marketed as 
being both moral and ethical. Accordingly, each institution employs 
a Sharia Compliance Committee, composed of Islamic scholars, that 
serves in an advisory role. The committee, consulted before new 
products and ventures are offered, states which are lawful and 
suggests methods to yield lawful projects out of unlawful ventures 
and services. Following suggestions of the advisory board, 
institutions can guarantee that services offered by Islamic 
financing institutions comply with Sharia (Islamic) law. Clients are 
guaranteed that the institutions do not charge interest (instead 
Islamic financial companies use the prevailing interest rate as an 
index for service fees) nor do they undertake unlawful projects. 
 
¶3. There are four main Islamic financial institutions in the banking 
and insurance sectors in Qatar that together control 15% - 20% of 
the capital in the system; Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), International 
Islamic, formerly Qatar International Islamic Bank, (QIIB), 
Al-Rayyan Bank, newly established (Reftel A), and Qatar Islamic 
Insurance Company (QIIC). 
 
¶4. QIB and QIIB operate under the Qatar Central Bank, QCB, umbrella, 
while QIIC is the only Islamic insurance company in the system. 
 
¶5. QIB, a large Islamic banking institution that is competing with 
conventional banks in Qatar, attributes its success to ethical 
banking and due diligence. Its managers are committed to avoiding 
unlawful ventures and services and even refrain from undertaking 
controversial projects. QIB also takes an active role in preventing 
client misconduct and cooperating with QCB in cases of suspicious 
activity. Client accounts, including individuals, non-profit 
organizations, and private companies are monitored frequently, and 
frontline officers (Customer Service Representatives) are trained to 
identify suspicious transactions. Such practices have contributed to 
QIB's continued success and growth. 
 
¶6. QIIB has a short and successful fifteen years of achievements 
that can be credited to ethical and efficient practices. It provides 
banking services to both corporate and retail customers in 
accordance to Islamic Sharia law, and is dedicated to expanding and 
improving these services to ensure customer satisfaction. Recently, 
QIIB implemented "The Millennium Initiative" emphasizing efficiency, 
risk management, and marketing. After efficiency, employees are 
dedicated to averting client misconduct and also cooperating with 
QCB to prevent suspicious activity. The combination of practices has 
led to average annual growth of at least 20%. 
 
¶7. QIIC is strictly dedicated to offering an alternative to 
conventional insurance services. The institution implemented the 
practice of cooperative institutions through the principle of 
Takaful, whereby policyholders and shareholders are differentiated. 
Shareholders act as agents incurring costs and profits until their 
funds are repaid, while policyholders own the businesses. QIIC 
offers comprehensive products to small and medium sized businesses 
while keeping the risk of underwriting low. 
 
------------------------------- 
PERFORMANCE AND EXPANSION PLANS 
------------------------------- 
 
¶8. Over the past three years from 2003-2005, Islamic banking 
institutions in Qatar have operated successfully and displayed 
steady growth rates. The two Islamic banks that operate under the 
Qatar Central Bank umbrella, International Islamic and Qatar Islamic 
Bank, offer competitive services and increased business activities 
to accommodate Qatar's growing economy. Combined, the two Islamic 
banking institutions in Qatar make up about 15% of capital in 
Qatar's banking sector, a percentage that has been relatively steady 
since 2000. 
 
¶9. (SBU) International Islamic (QIIB) has managed to remain a 
competitive company in the banking industry. QIIB's growth has been 
propelled through its focus on the local Qatari market and its 
interests in expansion. Domestically, QIIB has increased activities 
by expanding human resources, IT services, and customer services, 
translating into increased assets, liabilities, equities, and 
profits. This expansion lent itself to general growth rates between 
15%-20% annually and Islamic banking growth rates between 15%-18% 
annually over this period. 
 
¶10. (SBU) Internationally, QIIB has interests in Syria and Pakistan, 
and hopes to invest in Islamic banking institutions in both 
countries. The institutions, however, would not be international 
branches of QIIB, instead, they will operate as independent Islamic 
banking institutions with Qatari investors. The bank in Syria is 
planned to open with QR 100 million (USD 27.3 million) of capital, 
49% from Qatari investors and 51% from Syrian investors. In 
Pakistan, QIIB intends to invest in two Islamic banks, each opening 
with QR 5 million (USD 1.3 million) of capital. 
 
¶11. (SBU) Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB), the larger of the two Islamic 
banking institutions in Qatar, has also remained competitive. It has 
witnessed growth as assets in Qatar rise and shift from conventional 
to Islamic banking. Currently, QIB commands a large portion of the 
Islamic banking market, 70% - 75%, and a moderate portion of the 
banking sector in general, 15% - 20%. It has International interests 
in Asia, North Africa and Europe. It plans to open an Islamic bank 
in Malaysia with USD 100 million capital base (a joint venture with 
Saudi and Kuwaiti founders) and in London with GBP 25 million (USD 
47.3 million) capital base (a joint venture with European founders). 
The company is currently investigating opportunities in Sudan and 
Egypt; prospects look more hopeful in Sudan. Managers have cautioned 
that they are not looking to become a case solution for small 
communities; rather they want to offer services to all and become a 
functional part of the business society. 
 
¶12. (SBU) Qatar Islamic Insurance Company (QIIC) is the only Islamic 
insurance company incorporated into Qatar's Banking and Financial 
System. Recently, the company witnessed 33% growth as the economy 
expands and presents ample opportunities in the financing industry. 
QIIC currently controls 10% of Qatar's insurance market and its paid 
up capital is USD 15 million. The company also has investments and 
interests abroad. QIIC owns 2% of the largest re-Takaful company in 
Dubai, Dubai Finance Center; a company with a USD 500 million 
capital base. It is also contemplating business opportunities in 
Syria, Pakistan, Egypt, and the Emirates. 
 
------------------------------------ 
FINANCIAL FIGURES AND BANKING RATIOS 
------------------------------------ 
 
¶13. The Islamic banking and insurance services sector in Qatar saw 
its assets grow from USD 2.6 billion in 2003 to USD 3.5 billion in 
2004 to finally reach USD 4.5 billion in 2005. The net profit grew 
from USD 62 million in 2003, to USD 116 million in 2004, to finally 
reach USD 315 million. 
 
¶14. During 2003, the two Islamic banking institutions in Qatar, QIB 
and QIIB, were operating under similar conditions. Although returns 
on assets were only 3% for both banks, returns on equity, measuring 
profitability, were higher much higher, 27% for QIB and 21% for 
QIIB. The data also showed that both QIB and QIIB carried more than 
50% long term debt with respect to liabilities and equity, QIIB 
carrying a slightly higher percentage than QIB. High long-term 
debt-to-liabilities and equity ratios indicate that the banks are 
financing growth with debt; QIB and QIIB utilized 59% and 52% 
respectively of assets for loans. Financial ratios, the current 
ratio in particular, imply that QIIB has more liquid assets, 
displaying a 69% current ratio, than QIB, a 27% current ratio, in 
¶2003. Both indicate that excess liquidity is channeled into US 
assets. QIIB and QIB showed relatively low debt ratios, indicating 
that assets were greater than debts. QIIB total assets reached USD 1 
billion and QIB's USD 1.5 billion. The net profit, however, reached 
USD 17.6 million for QIIB and USD 39.7 million for QIB. 
 
¶15. The following year, 2004, witnessed growth of all financial 
figures (assets, liabilities, equities, and profits) for both QIB 
and QIIB, although banking and financial ratios implied moderate 
improvement with respect to financial health. Returns on assets and 
equity remained relatively stable with small increases and 
decreases, indicating that as increased business opportunities were 
capitalized on the companies' assets and liabilities also grew, thus 
maintaining stable profitability and efficiency. Long term 
debt-to-liabilities and equity dropped, indicating that both banks 
are using less and less debt to finance growth. Financial ratios 
indicate that assets exceed liabilities, liquidity has risen, and 
that profitability of capital investments remained relatively 
stable. QIIB assets totaled USD 1 billion and QIB assets totaled USD 
2 billion. The net profit, however, reached $24 million in QIIB and 
$80 million in QIB, a growth rate of 38% and 103% from the previous 
year, respectively. 
 
¶16. Upward trends of Islamic banking institutions were witnessed 
during 2005. Returns on assets and equity increased, showing more 
profitability and efficiency of QIIB and QIB. Long term debt to 
equity and liabilities dropped slightly for QIIB, showing that 
growth is being financed less and less by debt, and rose slightly 
for QIB indicating that growth is being financed more by debt this 
year than last year. Financial ratios indicate that liquidity rose, 
assets remained greater than liabilities, and the profitability of 
capital investment also rose. QIIB assets totaled USD 1 billion and 
QIB assets totaled USD 2 billion. Both banks control 12% of the 
banking sector's total assets. The net profit, however, reached USD 
127 million in QIIB and USD 140 million in QIB, a growth rate of 
424% and 74% from 2004, respectively. 
¶17. QIIC, the Islamic insurance institution, has also displayed 
growth and progress from 2003-2005 as it capitalizes on the growing 
economy. Returns on assets and equity have increased from 2003 to 
2005, indicating that QIIC's profitability and efficiency have 
risen. Its long term debt to liabilities and assets fell; financing 
growth with debt is fading. More importantly, financial ratios show 
that assets exceed debt and that capital investments have become 
more profitable. Total assets were $36 million in 2003, grew by 76% 
to reach $64 million in 2004 and by 70% in 2005 to reach USD 108 
million. Net profit of QIIC was USD 5 million in 2003, grew by 118% 
to reach $11 million in 2004 and by 327% to total USD 47 million in 
¶2005. 
 
------------------ 
GROWING POPULARITY 
------------------ 
 
¶18. Islamic banking and insurance services have become so popular 
that conventional banks and insurance companies started creating 
Islamic business units. Qatar National Bank, Doha Bank and 
Commercial bank the three largest conventional banks in Qatar, as 
well as Doha Insurance, the fourth largest insurance company, all 
offer Islamic services to their clients although they are 
conventional banking and insurance companies. 
 
¶19. There are two major reasons for the success of Islamic banks and 
insurances: clients' desire to abide by the principles of the 
Shari'a law and the ethical and moral standards of Islamic banking. 
Experts mentioned that in Malaysia and Lebanon a large number of 
Islamic bank clients are Christians, suggesting a certain 
universality of Islamic banking principles. 
 
¶20. The success of Islamic financial and insurance institutions has 
encouraged governments and individuals to expand the sector. The 
2005-2006 time frame witnessed at least 5 new IPOs worth nearly USD 
10 billion in the gulf region alone related to Islamic companies. 
Tens of Islamic consumer credit companies flourished and continue to 
grow in the region. Existing Islamic institutions are scoping out 
opportunities to introduce Islamic banking and insurance services to 
western and Asian markets. So far, these efforts have been achieved 
in Great Britain and some MENA countries. All interviewed players 
had an interest in the U.S. market but pointed out that U.S. 
Department of Treasury and U.S. Federal Reserves need a broader 
understanding of Islamic banking before accepting proposals for a 
legal framework for it. 
 
------------------------------------------ 
ISLAMIC FINANCE PRINCIPLES AND INSTRUMENTS 
------------------------------------------ 
 
¶21. The basic principles that underlie Islamic finances are based on 
Shari'a law (Islamic law) and emphasize ethical practices. The first 
and most important of these principles is the prohibition of 
charging and collecting interest either by investors or debtors. 
Islamic financing principles also include the notions of risk 
sharing, money as potential capital, prohibition of speculative 
behavior, sanctity of contracts, and lawful activities. All 
principles are extracted from Shari'a laws, which act as a guide for 
activities of Muslim business people. 
 
¶22. The prohibition of interest is based on the idea of social 
justice and equality. Islam encourages profit earning, but forbids 
interest as it leads to exploitation and increases wealth of one at 
the expense of others. The absence of interest prompts capital 
owners to become investors, thereby sharing business risks. 
Islamically, money becomes actual capital once it is used for 
business ventures; until then it is considered potential capital. 
Islam encourages Muslims to invest their money in business 
activities as a way to increase wealth. Needless to say, within the 
context of Islam, it is unwise to hoard large sums of money; it 
holds little value if not being used productively. Islam also holds 
that contracts and business agreements are treated as legal/lawful 
obligations, thereby committing both parties to terms that are 
reached. Last but not least, all business activities must steer 
clear of entities and/or actions forbidden by Shari'a law - unlawful 
ventures are strictly prohibited. 
 
¶23. Islamic Financial Instruments: 
 
-- Mudharabah (Profit Loss Sharing): An agreement where capital 
owners lend money to an entrepreneur for business purposes. While 
the loan is being repaid, both parties share in profits of business 
at agreed upon ratio, while only capital provider incurs loss. Once 
the loan is repaid, the capital owner no longer gains or looses from 
business activities. 
 
-- Musharakah (Joint Venture): Profits are shared based on 
agreement, while losses are divided based on equity participation 
ratios. 
 
-- Murabahah (Cost Plus): The sale of a good at a price that 
includes a profit margin agreed upon by both parties. All prices are 
clearly stated at the time of agreement. The profit margin is more 
or less the fee charged by the bank for its services. The bank 
collects nothing more than agreed upon profit even if payments are 
late. 
 
-- Bai' Mu'ajjal (Deferred Payment Sale): Similar to murabahah, but 
debtor makes single payment on agreed upon maturity date. 
 
-- Qardhul Hasan (Benevolent Loan): A loan that has no interest. The 
debtor is required only to pay back what is borrowed. 
 
-- Ijarah thumma al Bai' (Lease/Purchase): A two part agreement 
where the debtor rents an item until the leasing period is over, 
then enters the second part where he buys the item at the agreed 
upon price. Both parts of the contract are agreed upon at the same 
time. 
 
-- Takaful (Islamic Insurance): Funds are pooled from many 
resources, combining the risk of many thereby reducing the 
individual risk of each contributor. It thereby avoids the 
uncertainty associated with conventional investment. 
UNTERMEYER