Qatar: Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) announced Thursday its investment in Lesha Bank fund, "Lesha Bank Qatar Equity Fund". In a statement, QIA indicated that the investment is part of its Active Asset Management Initiative, launched in 2024, aimed at establishing partnerships with leading global and local asset managers with GCC expertise. Under this initiative, QIA seed funds are managed by its partners by re-allocating shares in Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) listed companies.
According to Qatar News Agency, the collaboration with local asset managers such as Lesha Bank further reflects QIA's commitment to supporting Qatar's competitive local economy. Through a number of initiatives, QIA seeks to support the continued development and diversification of Qatar's capital markets. In this context, CEO of QIA, Mohammed Saif Al Sowaidi, stated: "We are pleased to expand our Active Asset Management Initiative through this investment in Lesha Bank, the first locally managed fund under the initiative. This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting the development of Qatar's financial sector and broadening opportunities for local asset managers."
Group CEO of Lesha Bank, Mohammed Ismail Al Emadi, also emphasized the significance of QIA's investment, saying: "Having QIA invest in our public equity fund focused on Shari'a compliant listed equities is a powerful endorsement of our investment philosophy and capabilities. We are honored to be the first local asset manager to join the QIA's Active Asset Management Initiative, designed to boost economic growth and enhance liquidity on the QSE. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment between two Qatari institutions to strengthen local capital markets for the long term."
Lesha Bank, a Qatar-based Shari'a compliant investment bank founded in 2008, focuses on achieving capital growth and income by investing in a diversified portfolio of shares included in the QSE Al Rayan Islamic Index or constituents of the QSE All Share Index in accordance with Shari'a guidelines. The bank aspires to become a global leader in Shari'a-compliant investment banking, offering innovative investment solutions across alternative investments, asset management, and investment advisory services. Lesha Bank manages approximately QR 19 billion in assets under management and aims to further expand its asset base as part of its long-term growth strategy.
Being the first local asset manager to join the initiative and the fourth partner overall, Lesha Bank follows previous partnerships which include QIA investments in funds alongside Franklin Templeton, Ashmore, and Fiera Capital. Lesha Bank is also the first independent Shari'a-compliant Investment Bank authorized by the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA), and a listed entity on the Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE: QFBQ).
Lesha Bank enhances its role as a trusted advisor and gateway to opportunities in Qatar, the region, and global markets with a focus on the US, Europe, and the MENA region. The bank offers high-net-worth individuals and corporates a range of innovative, tailor-made Shari'a-compliant financial products and solutions covering alternative investments focused on aviation, global infrastructure, private equity, and real estate along with private wealth, asset management, and investment banking advisory.
Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), established in 2005, is one of the largest and most active sovereign wealth funds globally. It invests across a wide range of asset classes and regions, partnering with leading institutions worldwide to build a global and diversified investment portfolio with a long-term perspective that can deliver sustainable returns, contributing to the prosperity of the State of Qatar.