Qatar Financial Centre Bets Big on Tokenization, Not Crypto

Instead of embracing volatile cryptocurrencies, QFC is zeroing in on tokenization as the key to unlocking liquidity and fueling economic growth, especially in real estate and Islamic finance.

At the Qatar Economic Forum, QFC CEO Yousuf Al-Jaida made it clear: “Crypto is just one vertical in the digital asset world.” His team’s focus, however, is on regulated tokenization of real-world assets, such as property and private securities.

“Tokenization solves a real problem,” Al-Jaida said. “It democratizes access to illiquid assets.”

Qatar’s central bank maintains a tight grip on cryptocurrency, but QFC is carving a parallel path. It launched Digital Asset Regulations in 2024, along with specific rulebooks for investment tokens and security tokens. These frameworks are designed to fast-track licensing for digital asset firms within QFC’s onshore legal environment, governed by English common law.

Key Targets

One of the initiative’s key targets is Qatar’s oversupplied real estate sector. Iconic towers in West Bay and Lusail are often held by a few owners with massive ticket sizes. Tokenizing even a fraction of these properties could unlock value and improve market access.

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To manage risk, QFC is using a controlled “laboratory” model, where assets are tokenized within Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) under QFC’s registry — limiting exposure to the broader economy.

Looking ahead, QFC aims to tokenize other asset classes, including Islamic financial instruments, corporate bonds, and energy infrastructure, supporting Qatar’s broader goal of economic diversification.

“Digital asset activity within QFC is fully regulated,” said Al-Jaida. “That gives confidence to investors — and alignment with national policy.”

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