Regulations · Banks
QCB Sustainable Finance Framework
The QCB Sustainable Finance Framework sets the rules for what a bank in Qatar may label as green, social or sustainable finance. External review is part of the framework.
What it is
Issued by the Qatar Central Bank in April 2025 under QCB Circular No. 2025/0001546, in line with the Third Financial Sector Strategic Plan and the ESG and sustainability strategy for the financial sector.
It covers conventional and Islamic credit, direct and indirect (such as guarantees and letters of credit). Bonds and sukuk will be regulated by a separate framework.
Labelled finance must use eligible categories, a defined use of proceeds, a process for selecting projects, tracking of proceeds and reporting. Pre-signing external review is recommended. Verification is mandatory for sustainability-linked credit, and a certified external auditor reviews allocation after full drawdown.
Who it applies to
- All banks operating in the State of Qatar.
- Corporate borrowers and issuers that want to raise labelled finance from those banks. They will be asked for the evidence the bank needs.
Key dates
| 20 Apr 2025 | QCB announces the framework. |
|---|---|
| Circular date | Banks are instructed to comply from the date of the circular. |
What to do now
- Banks: map your existing green and sustainable book against the eligible categories and remove labels you cannot evidence.
- Banks: appoint an external reviewer and set the scope of review before new labelled deals close.
- Borrowers: prepare project data, impact metrics and an allocation tracker before you ask for a green loan.
Sources
- Qatar Central Bank, official website (circulars and frameworks)
- Qatar News Agency, QCB issues Sustainable Finance Framework (20 April 2025)
- ICMA, Guidelines for External Reviews
Summary for orientation only, not legal advice. Always check the current text with the issuing authority.