Qatar Financial Centre and QFBA Partner to Boost National Financial Talent Pipeline
By Lauren Towner · 27 July 2026

Quick Summary
The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) and Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA) have signed an MoU to develop national financial talent. This partnership provides internships for Northumbria University students and supports the Takween Excellence Award to bridge the gap between academia and the financial industry.
How Does the QFC-QFBA Partnership Strengthen the Financial Talent Pipeline?
The collaboration between the Qatar Financial Centre and QFBA focuses on bridging the gap between theoretical academic learning and real-world industry practice. By establishing a formal framework for knowledge exchange, the two entities aim to equip the next generation of professionals with specialized financial skills required for a modern economy. Key initiatives include:
- Internship opportunities for Northumbria University students at QFC-licensed firms.
- Jointly hosted lectures and seminars featuring industry experts.
- Collaborative career fairs to connect young talent with leading financial institutions.
What is the Impact of the Takween Excellence Award Programme?
A central component of this agreement is the Takween Excellence Award Programme. This flagship initiative is designed to identify and support high-performing Qatari undergraduates who are pursuing degrees critical to the future economy. By incentivizing academic excellence in financial disciplines, the program ensures a steady flow of qualified professionals into the local market. The partnership also expands professional development resources for existing QFC firms, allowing them to upskill their current workforce to meet evolving financial demands. Through these efforts, Qatar is building a knowledge-based economy that can compete on a global scale while maintaining strong local roots.
FF NEWS TAKE:
This MoU is a significant move for Qatar’s regional standing. By formalizing the link between Northumbria University students and the Qatar Financial Centre, the industry is taking direct responsibility for its future workforce. While many hubs talk about "talent," this partnership delivers concrete internship pathways and excellence awards that move the needle from academic theory to market-ready expertise. It is a vital step in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Doha as a financial powerhouse.
Companies in this story: Qatar Finance and Business Academy, Northumbria University, Qatar Financial Centre
People in this story: Dr. Khalifa Al Salahi Al Yafei, Mansoor Rashid Al-Khater