Payments/QA
Qatar
ISO QA · 3 schemes
Summary
- QMP (Qatar Mobile Payment) is the national system (2020)
- Unified QR specifications issued by QCB
- National interoperable switch for mobile payments
- 8.14% CAGR expected 2024-2032
- National Fintech Strategy launched March 2023
Banking landscape
Central Bank
- Name: Qatar Central Bank (QCB)
- Website: https://www.qcb.gov.qa/
- Role: Monetary policy, QMP oversight
Major Banks (2024)
| Rank | Bank Name | Type | Digital Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Qatar National Bank | Private | QNB Mobile |
| 2 | Commercial Bank | Private | CB Mobile |
| 3 | Qatar Islamic Bank | Private | QIB Mobile |
| 4 | Doha Bank | Private | Doha Bank App |
| 5 | Masraf Al Rayan | Private | MAR Mobile |
Market Structure
- QNB: Largest bank in Middle East/Africa
- Islamic banks: QIB, Masraf Al Rayan
- QCB regulation: All mobile payment providers
- Fintech growth: National strategy focus
Payment infrastructure
National Payment Systems
| System | Operator | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMP | QCB | Mobile payment | Active |
| QIPS | QCB | Instant payment | Active |
| RTGS | QCB | Large value | Active |
| ACH | QCB | Clearing | Active |
QMP Features
- National interoperable switch
- Connects all licensed providers
- Digital wallet creation
- Instant money transfers
- QR code payments
QMP User Types
| User Type | Wallets Allowed |
|---|---|
| Citizens | Multiple |
| Residents | Multiple |
| Visitors | One |
QR code standards
QCB Unified QR Specifications
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Issuer | Qatar Central Bank |
| Purpose | Unified payment QR |
| Acceptance | POS, transport |
| Status | Active |
QR Features
- Easy and quick payments
- QCB-issued specifications
- Points of sale
- Public transportation
- Standardized format
QMP QR Payments
- In-store QR scanning
- Mobile device payments
- Instant settlement
- Multiple wallet support
Mobile payment apps
| App | Provider | QMP | QR |
|---|---|---|---|
| QNB Mobile | QNB | Yes | Yes |
| CB Mobile | Commercial Bank | Yes | Yes |
| QIB Mobile | QIB | Yes | Yes |
| Doha Bank | Doha Bank | Yes | Yes |
| E-wallets | Licensed PSPs | Yes | Yes |
Bank Mobile Apps
- All major banks integrated
- QMP connectivity
- QR code payments
- Bill payments
Licensed Payment Service Providers
- Must connect via QMP
- QCB regulated
- Unified QR standards
- Interoperable system
Schemes
| Scheme | Type | Symbology | Adoption | Technical standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QCB QR | Unified QR | QCB | Universal | — |
| QMP | Mobile switch | National | All providers | — |
| QIPS | Instant | QCB | Active | — |
Sources
- QCB - Qatar Mobile Payment
- Trade.gov - Qatar Payment Solutions
- Payments Cards Mobile - QMP Launch
- NFCW - QCB Mobile Payments
- Dibsy - Qatar Online Payments
- Qatar Tribune - QMP Launch
- Peninsula Qatar - QMP Transfers
- Gulf Times - QMP Cashless
- EPI - QMP Launch
- Peachwire - QCB Mobile
Full country report
Schemes
Standards
Mentioned · 2