Arabic

Inspired by the moon

The remarkable journey of Commercial Bank, inspired by the founding fathers' vision, embodies the power of a single napkin sketch—a commitment to Qatar's economic growth. The iconic crescent logo symbolizes our belief in the limitless possibilities of dreams, and we proudly continue this legacy, driving innovation and excellence.

  • 1974-1981

    In 1974, Commercial Bank established its Articles of Association. The founding board members included Sheikh Ali bin Jabor Al-Thani (Chairman), Abdul Ghani Abdul Ghani (Deputy Chairman), Hussain Alfardan (Managing Director), Ahmed bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Nasser bin Faleh Al-Thani, Khalifa Abdullah Al-Attiyah, Jassim Mohammad Jabor Al-Mosallam, Jassem bin Mohamed Al-Jaidah, Omar Al-Mana and Salmeem Al-Sowaidi. They invested 10 million riyals of personal funds for the start-up. Commercial Bank’s first official office was opened to the public on 10 April. As Qatar’s first private bank, Commercial Bank began operations under a management services contract with Chase Manhattan Bank. In 1976, Commercial Bank hired Qatar’s first female teller, who went on to become the country’s first female branch manager. By 1978, the Bank had established a foreign exchange and funding division and became an associate member of Visa. Commercial Bank’s the Souq Al Ahmed branch was opened in 1980.

  • 1982-1985

    In 1982, Commercial Bank bought a site in Grand Hamad Avenue for the construction of a new head office and by 1983 the second branch was opened in Al-Wakrah, outside of Doha. Due to the Bank’s constant expansion, staff numbers reached 90 by 1984, and an extension was built into the original head office to accommodate this change. During 1985, the Bank orchestrated a 10% share purchase of the Paris International Bank.

  • 1986-1989

    Commercial Bank made history in Qatar by introducing the state’s first-ever ATMs in 1990. The following year, in 1991, the Bank acquired the Diners Club franchise for Qatar and launched the Crest Card. In 1992, the first point-of-sale machines were introduced in Qatar by Commercial Bank, making in-store card payments faster and more secure. In 1993, the Ladies’ Branch introduced lending against gold, opening up new possibilities for women without access to other assets. Commercial Bank then established itself as a broker in Qatari shares in 1995. The ‘Commercial Bank of Qatari Shares Index’ became the internationally accepted yardstick for the Qatari stock market. The Bank introduced Cirrus Maestro Cards, making international debit payments possible. The first Visa Credit Card for the Qatar market was also launched.

  • 1996-2000

    In 1996 Commercial Bank launched funds services, FX trading and bullion margin trading, as well as a new savings plan, the first of its kind in Qatar, which gave direct access to world equity and bond markets, through an alliance with Fidelity Investments. In 1997, Commercial Bank launched two new customer service channels: a call centre and an online service called PC Direct. It also became the first licensed broker on the Doha Securities Market. Commercial Bank launched its first investment fund, the Tejari Guaranteed Fund, in 1998. It later acquired the Diners Club franchise in Egypt. The Bank then introduced the Tejari Guaranteed Fund 2 in 1999. Futures trading in currency and bullion also began. The same year Commercial Bank launched new loyalty programmes in the shape of Accolades Rewards and the Falconflyer programme for Visa cardholders, in partnership with Gulf Air. Following the success of Tejari Guaranteed Fund 2, the Tejari Guaranteed Funds 3 and 4 were launched in 2000. Commercial Bank also launched several services, including the official websites for both Commercial Bank and Diners Club, as well as Qatar’s first consumer internet banking platform, ‘Bank Key.’ Commercial Bank earned the recognition of “Best Bank in Qatar” by Euromoney in 2000.

  • 2001-2005

    During 2002 and 2003, Commercial Bank focused on enhancing its branch network, becoming the first to establish pavilions, or mini-branches, in three of Doha’s shopping malls. In the same period flagship branches were launched at Al Khor and Mesaieed, renovations were made to the offices at Grand Hammad Street and work commenced on Commercial Bank Plaza. In 2004, Commercial Bank made history by becoming the key sponsor of the MotoGP Commercial Bank Grand Prix of Qatar. Commercial Bank also sponsored the Qatar National Olympic Committee’s new website. That same year, SMS Banking was introduced, offering customers a new level of convenience and accessibility. In 2005, Commercial Bank created a strategic alliance with National Bank of Oman. In the same period, a rights issue raised 2.2 billion riyals, helping to fund regional growth plans.

  • 2006-2010

    Commercial Bank solidified its commitment to the sports industry in the state of Qatar and officially signed an agreement to become title sponsor for Qatar Masters in 2006. The Bank also became the first Qatari bank to have a presence in international capital markets, particularly, in London Stock Exchange. At that time the Bank’s investor base expanded to include foreign shareholders and a senior bond issue was oversubscribed by 120%. Commercial Bank continued to finance The Pearl-Qatar, as the lead bank in partnership with United Development Company. In 2007, Commercial Bank strengthened regional connections by forming a strategic alliance with United Arab Bank in Sharjah, UAE. The Bank also underwrote the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters golf tournament. In 2008, Commercial Bank’s Standard & Poor’s rating reflected stellar performance. That year the Bank announced record profits at the end of the second quarter. Commercial Bank also became the first Qatari company to list shares (in the form of Global Depository Receipts) on the London Stock Exchange. On 13 May 2009, the new headquarters, Commercial Bank Plaza, was opened by H. E. Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar. The 22-storey building demonstrated best practice in design and sustainability.

  • 2011-2013

    In 2011, Commercial Bank won several internationally recognized awards, including the Citi Performance Excellence Award and the JP Morgan Quality Recognition Award. The Bank also launched Commercial Bank Investment Services and its Limited Editions Programme. In 2013, Commercial Bank became the majority shareholder of Alternatif Bank with 74.24% ownership.

  • 2014-2015

    The year 2015 marked a significant milestone for Commercial Bank as it celebrated its 40th anniversary as Qatar’s first private bank. Established in April 1975 by some of the nation’s most esteemed businessmen, their vision, entrepreneurial drive, and innovative spirit continue to shape Commercial Bank’s core values to this day.

  • 2016-2019

    In 2016, Commercial Bank signed a debut USD 166 million 3-year Ninja loan facility, the first Ninja loan for a GCC financial institution, successfully completing the acquisition of the remaining 25% shareholding in Alternatif Bank. In 2017, Commercial Bank incorporated CB Innovation Services LLC as its subsidiary. The Bank was then recognized with the “Best Bank in Qatar” award from Global Finance, “Best Remittance Service”, and “Best Cash Management Bank” in the Middle East from the Asian Banker in 2018. As Commercial Bank expanded its digital infrastructure, it introduced a new era of digitization in 2019 by launching “CB Fawri”, “CB Wallet, and “SWIFT GPI” in its CBQ Mobile App.

  • 2020-2021

    In 2020, Commercial Bank introduced several groundbreaking digital solutions, including the CB Household Worker PayCard, CB Smart Payroll, CB Pay, and CB Pay for Merchants. The Bank’s commitment to innovation and digital excellence was recognized with over 12 prestigious awards from international and regional organizations. Spearheading digital transformation within Qatar’s financial and banking sector, Commercial Bank was honored with the “Best Bank in Qatar” title by both Global Finance and Euromoney in 2021.

  • 2022-2023

    In the year of the World Cup, Commercial Bank earned the prestigious "Bank of the Year" award from The Banker. Additionally, the Bank participated in Ashghal's "Zeena" competition, showcasing its creativity by decorating its buildings for the FIFA World Cup and securing first place in the banking sector. Commercial Bank further solidified its dedication to providing an innovative and convenient banking experience by enabling the first cashierless store in Qatar in 2023.

  • 2024

    Commercial Bank stepped into its golden year in 2024, celebrating its 50th Anniversary. Over the past five decades, the Bank has proudly upheld its identity as a Qatar’s first private bank and played a vital role in the industry’s prosperity by introducing innovative banking solutions in the local market, investing in talented locals and expatriates, and actively supporting the Nation’s vision and goals. Through every challenge, Commercial Bank has stood as One Bank and overcame every obstacle, driving progress in the Nation.