Doha, November 24 (QNA) - Qatar's capital market marked a significant milestone on Monday with the listing of the country's first ever locally issued corporate bond on the Qatar Stock Exchange.

The bond, issued by Ahli Bank, is valued at QAR 500 million (USD 137 million), carries a fixed 4.45% coupon, and matures in three years.

A bell-ringing ceremony was held at the Qatar Stock Exchange to mark this milestone occasion. The event was attended by Dr. Tamy bin Ahmad Al Binali, CEO of the Qatar Financial Markets Authority; Abdullah Mohammed Al Ansari, CEO of the Qatar Stock Exchange; HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Jassim Al-Thani, CEO of Edaa; and Hassan Ahmed Al Efrangi, CEO of Ahli Bank.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Efrangi said the move offers "new investment options for both domestic and international investors". He said the listing provides a valuable addition to Qatar's financial sector by complementing equities and government debt instruments, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Central Bank's push to expand innovative financing tools.

Hesham Ishaq Hashim, Deputy Director of Product and Market Development at Qatar Stock Exchange, said the listing reflects ongoing efforts to develop Qatar's capital market in line with the Central Bank's strategy. He added that the new bond offers investors an additional tool to boost liquidity and transparency while providing companies with wider financing channels to support long-term growth.

The issuance forms part of Ahli Bank's broader strategy to diversify funding sources and reinforce its capital structure. Officials said the move further strengthens the bank’s role in supporting Qatar’s economic development and in offering more innovative financial solutions.

Qatar's capital-market ecosystem continues to advance new financial products and initiatives aimed at improving liquidity, market access and meeting the evolving needs of issuers and investors in an increasingly sophisticated financial environment. (QNA)