Doha, August 13 (QNA) - Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) announced Thursday its investment in Lesha Bank fund, "Lesha Qatar Opportunities Fund".

In a statement, QIA indicated that the investment is part of its Active Asset Management Initiative, launched in 2024 to establish partnerships with leading global and local asset managers with GCC expertise. Under the initiative, QIA seed funds managed by its partners by re-allocating shares in Qatar Stock Exchange (QSE) listed companies.

The statement added that the collaboration with local asset managers such as Lesha Bank further reflects QIA 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 said Mohammed Saif Al Sowaidi: "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."

In turn, Group CEO of Lesha Bank Mohammed Ismail Al Emadi said: "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 is a Qatar-based Shari'a compliant investment bank founded in 2008. The Fund is focused 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.

Lesha Bank has ambitions to become a global leader in Shari’a-compliant investment banking, offering innovative investment solutions across alternative investments, asset management, and investment advisory service. The bank manages approximately QR 15 billion in assets under management and aims to further expand its asset base as part of its long-term growth strategy.

Lesha Bank is the first local asset manager to join the initiative and the fourth partner overall. Previous partnerships include QIA investments in funds alongside Franklin Templeton, Ashmore, and Fiera Capital.

Lesha Bank is 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 acts as an investment partner in offering attractive, premium investment opportunities and innovative financial solutions with local, regional, and international reach.

Lesha Bank continues to enhance its role as a trusted advisor and gateway to opportunities in Qatar, the region, and global markets with a focus on US, Europe, and the MENA region. Lesha 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) is the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar. QIA was founded in 2005 to invest and manage the state reserve funds. QIA is among the largest and most active sovereign

wealth funds globally. QIA invests across a wide range of asset classes and regions as well as in partnership with leading institutions around the world to build a global and diversified investment portfolio with a long-term perspective that can deliver sustainable returns and contribute to the prosperity of the State of Qatar. (QNA)