The Legal Department of the Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA), was recently named in the Legal 500 'GC Powerlist Middle East 2018'.

The 'GC Power List Middle East 2018' is the latest publication from 'The Legal 500', which recognises an array of the most influential in-house counsel who are driving the legal industry in the region forward. The list further certifies the QFCA Legal Department's position as a leading, multi-award winning, influential in-house team in the region.  The accolade recognises the contributions of the QFC Legal Department in successfully delivering substantial and innovative legal mandates of strategic importance to Qatar, including its involvement in national level legislative and strategic initiatives, achieving international recognition for the QFC such as the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, adoption of global best practices in compliance, and delivering innovative technology solutions in contract automation resulting in increased efficiencies for the business.

The contributions of all the members of the QFC Legal Department received recognition, including citations for Nasser Al-Taweel, Ishaq Burney, Roscoe Banks, Lauren Djedid and Moza Al-Naeimi.

Nasser Al-Taweel, Chief Legal Officer, QFC Authority said: "We are very honoured to be nominated as a team in '2018 The Legal 500 GC Power List Middle East'.  This is further recognition of the innovation and excellence demonstrated by everyone in the QFCA's Legal Department on a daily basis. We are also incredibly proud of this prestigious accolade as it showcases the technical excellence legal team and Qatar Financial Centre's ongoing commitment to leading the implementation of global best practices."

Earlier this year, Mr Al-Taweel, was named as the General Counsel of the Year at the Qatar Business Law Forum & Awards 2018. This award recognised excellence on the basis of legal expertise; client satisfaction; innovation; strategic vision and leadership.

The QFC is an onshore jurisdiction, allowing companies to operate in and from Qatar within the QFC legal and tax environment. The QFC endeavours to promote Qatar as an attractive business destination. Companies that wish to establish a business in the QFC are guided throughout the process by a dedicated QFC relationship manager who assists in the process of obtaining a licence and offers support in matters related to operating a business in Qatar. QFC firms enjoy competitive benefits, such as working within a legal environment based on English common law, the right to trade in any currency, up to 100% foreign ownership, 100% repatriation of profits, 10% corporate tax on locally sourced profits, and an extensive double tax treaty agreement network with 60+ countries.