Chairman's Statement
In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his family, and companions.
Dear Shareholders,
It is my honor to present to you Lesha Bank’s Annual
Report, marking another year of growth and innovation.
The year 2024 was guided by our theme, “Building Scale,
Creating Value,” which reflects our firm commitment to
strategic expansion, operational excellence, and
creating value for our stakeholders. This theme
underscores our achievements in navigating a dynamic
global financial landscape, focusing on resilience, and
supporting our position as a leader in Shari’a-compliant
investment banking.
Governance and Strategic Oversight
This year, we further strengthened our governance
framework with the election of three new board members,
whose diverse expertise enriches the Bank’s strategic
direction. Transparency, accountability, and regulatory
alignment remain the cornerstones of our governance
practices, ensuring we maintain the trust of our
stakeholders. Notable initiatives, such as addressing
unclaimed dividends, demonstrate our commitment to
protecting shareholder rights and maintaining robust
operational efficiency.
Strategic oversight has been integral to Lesha Bank’s success in 2024. Our focused efforts to potentially capitalize on emerging opportunities in Shari’a-compliant investments, expand into high-growth markets, and strengthen risk management frameworks have positioned the Bank for potential success. Over the past year, our goal has been to fortify our business with strong fundamentals, a forward-looking approach, and strategically diversified investments. These efforts have aided the Bank in targeting profitability, optimizing liquidity, and maintaining a robust balance sheet.
Our business strategy prioritizes developing high-value products tailored to client needs, ensuring the growth of our fee-based income model. Lesha Bank’s 2024 financial results underscore the contributions from different business lines and reflect the successful execution of a long-term strategy off targeting high-growth regional and developed market investments. This approach positions us for further expansion across different sectors and underpins our adaptive nature in navigating evolving market conditions. As we advance, our commitment remains on leveraging core strengths to deliver growth and value for stakeholders.
Advancing Forward: 2024 in Perspective
This year has been a milestone for Lesha Bank, marked by
significant achievements across financial and
operational indicators. For the full year 2024, Lesha
Bank reported a net profit of QAR 128.2 million,
reflecting a 36% year-over-year increase. Total Assets
Under Management (AUM) grew to QAR 8.6 billion,
alongside growth in total assets, total investments, and
total income, demonstrating the success of our
diversified investment strategies and prudent management
practices.
Our business lines continued to perform to expectations, delivering solid results. The exit from David Morris further exemplified our strategic focus on optimizing the portfolio for long-term value creation. The acquisition of Bereke Bank in Kazakhstan diversified our portfolio and solidified our international footprint, reflecting our commitment to geographic and sectoral growth. Similarly, the acquisition of five Boeing 777-300ER aircraft leased to a leading airline highlighted our renewed focus on aviation and aircraft leasing.
Additionally, the introduction of two new business lines—asset management and investment banking advisory—strengthened our product offerings, reinforcing our position as a dynamic, client-focused institution. Our advisory team successfully acted as Joint Lead Manager for two key Sukuk issuances, further establishing our capability to execute meaningful transactions in Shari’a-compliant finance.
On the technological front, Lesha Bank continued to prioritize innovation and operational efficiency. With the implementation of advanced digital tools and process optimizations, we have enhanced client service capabilities and streamlined internal operations. Our sustainability initiatives also took a leap forward, as several of our U.S.-based real estate investments achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications, aligning with global sustainability standards. Furthermore, improved ratings on the Qatar Stock Exchange Sustainability and ESG Dashboard underscored our commitment to responsible investing. along with ISO 14001 accreditation that emphasize our commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
Strategic Direction
Looking forward, Lesha Bank’s strategic priorities are
firmly rooted in diversification, innovation, and
sustainability. We are focused on expanding our
geographic footprint to capitalize on emerging markets,
diversifying our product portfolio to address evolving
client needs, and pursuing asset-light investment
strategies to maximize returns. Our business operations
aim to achieve safe investments supported by robust risk
management and compliance frameworks, ultimately driving
shareholder value.
The achievements of 2024 demonstrate how these strategic goals are embedded in our operations. For instance, the acquisition of Bereke Bank and the addition of two new business lines align with our focus on geographic and product diversification. Similarly, our prudent investment strategies—spanning real estate, aviation, education and hospitality—reflect a balance of maximizing returns while managing risk. By maintaining a client-centric approach and adhering to Shari’a-compliant principles, we continue to position Lesha Bank for growth and success.
Acknowledgment
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend our
deepest gratitude to His Highness, the Amir, Sheikh
Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for his wise leadership and
vision. I also thank our regulators, including the Qatar
Financial Centre (QFC), Qatar Financial Centre
Regulatory Authority (QFCRA), Qatar Stock Exchange
(QSE), and Qatar Financial Market Authority (QFMA), for
their guidance and support. I would also like to express
my heartfelt thanks to our shareholders for their trust
and confidence, our clients and business partners for
their loyalty, and our employees for their dedication
and exceptional contributions in achieving the
milestones of 2024. Together, we will continue driving
Lesha Bank toward a future of growth, innovation, and
value creation.
Sincerely,