Lesha Bank LLC: Company Profile

Background

Lesha Bank LLC, formerly known as Qatar First Bank, is an independent Shari’a-compliant financial institution based in Doha, Qatar. Established in 2008, it was the first bank authorized by the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) to operate under Islamic banking principles. The bank is listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol QFBQ. Lesha Bank offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services, including private wealth management, investment banking advisory, real estate investments, and corporate banking solutions. Its mission is to provide innovative, Shari’a-compliant financial solutions to high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients, both locally and internationally. The bank's vision is to be a leading provider of ethical and sustainable financial services, fostering economic growth and prosperity in the region.

Key Strategic Focus

Lesha Bank's strategic focus centers on delivering tailored, Shari’a-compliant financial products and services across several key areas:

Alternative Investments: Engaging in direct investments in real estate and private equity, aiming to generate substantial returns while adhering to Islamic financial principles.

Private Banking & Wealth Management: Offering personalized services to high-net-worth individuals, including advisory, deposit accounts, brokerage, funds and investments, treasury forex products, and financing solutions.

Corporate & Institutional Banking: Providing a range of services such as advisory, deposit accounts, brokerage, funds and investments, treasury forex products, and financing solutions to corporate clients.

Investment Banking Advisory: Delivering services in mergers and acquisitions, debt advisory, debt capital markets, equity capital markets, and restructuring advisory.

Real Estate Investments: Managing investments in real estate properties, including financing, construction, and leasing, to generate income and capital appreciation.

The bank leverages advanced technologies and a deep understanding of regional markets to provide innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its clients.

Financials and Funding

As of September 4, 2025, Lesha Bank's stock price was QAR 1.870, with a market capitalization of QAR 2.09 billion. The bank reported a revenue of QAR 281.19 million for the trailing twelve months, with a net income of QAR 156.47 million. The earnings per share (EPS) stood at QAR 0.14, and the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio was 13.39. The bank offers a dividend of QAR 0.05 per share, yielding 2.67%. In 2024, Lesha Bank's revenue increased by 46.11% compared to the previous year, reflecting strong financial performance.

Pipeline Development

Lesha Bank has been actively expanding its investment portfolio and service offerings:

Acquisition of Bereke Bank: On October 8, 2024, Lesha Bank acquired Bereke Bank in the Republic of Kazakhstan, enhancing its presence in Central Asia and diversifying its investment portfolio.

Real Estate Investments: In August 2024, the bank acquired a residential building in the Pearl Qatar for QAR 48 million, demonstrating its commitment to strategic real estate investments.

Private Equity Exits: The bank successfully exited from David Morris International Limited, a premier international luxury jewelry brand, in August 2024, reflecting its active management of private equity investments.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Lesha Bank distinguishes itself through several technological and innovative initiatives:

Shari’a-Compliant Financial Solutions: The bank offers a range of innovative, tailor-made Shari’a-compliant financial products and solutions, including real estate investments, private banking, and corporate solutions.

Digital Banking Services: Lesha Bank provides an online banking portal for convenient account access and other services, enhancing customer experience and accessibility.

Leadership Team

Lesha Bank's leadership team comprises experienced professionals committed to the bank's mission and strategic objectives:

Mohammed Al-Emadi: Chief Executive Officer since July 10, 2023, and Director/Board Member since May 27, 2024.

Muhammad Tauseef Malik: Chief Financial Officer.

Mirna Naccache: Public Communications Contact since December 31, 2020.

Rita El Helou: Compliance Officer, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary since May 31, 2021.

Mohamad Abu Khalaf: Treasurer since November 30, 2020.

Ahmed Abou El-Ela: Investor Relations Contact since December 31, 2019.

The board of directors includes:

Faisal bin Thani Al-Thani: Executive Committee member.

Hamad Ali Al-Mannai: Director/Board Member.

Mohammed Yousef Abdel Aahman Al-Mana: Director/Board Member since December 31, 2018.

Mohammed Ohmain: Shariah Board Member.

Walid bin Hadi: Shariah Board Member.

Abdoulaziz Khalefa Al Qassar: Shariah Board Member.

Jassim Al-Kaabi: Director/Board Member since December 31, 2021.

These leaders bring a wealth of experience and expertise to guide Lesha Bank's strategic direction and operations.

Competitor Profile

Lesha Bank operates in a competitive landscape with several key players in the regional banking sector:

Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB): A leading Shari’a-compliant bank in Qatar, offering a wide range of Islamic banking products and services.

Al Rayan Bank: Specializes in Shari’a-compliant banking solutions, focusing on retail and corporate banking services.

Doha Bank: Provides a comprehensive suite of banking services, including Islamic banking products.

Barwa Bank: Offers Shari’a-compliant banking services with a focus on retail and corporate banking.

Lesha Bank differentiates itself through its strategic focus on alternative investments, private equity, and real estate, catering to high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients seeking Shari’a-compliant financial solutions.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Lesha Bank has engaged in significant collaborations to enhance its market position and innovation capacity:

Acquisition of Bereke Bank: In October 2024, Lesha Bank acquired Bereke Bank in Kazakhstan, expanding its footprint in Central Asia and diversifying its investment portfolio.

Real Estate Investments: The bank's acquisition of a residential building in the Pearl Qatar for QAR 48 million in August 2024 underscores its commitment to strategic real estate investments.

Operational Insights

Lesha Bank's strategic considerations include:

Market Position: The bank holds a strong position in the Qatari banking sector, focusing on high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients seeking Shari’a-compliant financial solutions.

Competitive Advantages: Lesha Bank's expertise in alternative investments, private equity, and real estate, combined with its Shari’a-compliant offerings, provide a unique value proposition in the market.