QFMA Governance Code 2025 - Board Level Trainings View

The Qatar Financial Markets Authority (QFMA) has issued the

Governance Code for Listed Companies 2025

, a major update from the previous 2016 framework. Among the most significant enhancements is the introduction of

, a shift that signals a broader regulatory push toward stronger governance maturity, accountability, and risk oversight across listed entities.

For clients and corporate leaders, understanding what has changed—and how to prepare—is essential for achieving compliance and demonstrating governance excellence to shareholders, regulators, and stakeholders.

Why Training Has Become a Regulatory Priority

Across global markets, regulators increasingly expect boards to possess the skills and awareness needed to oversee complex, fast-evolving operating environments. Risks today span

digital transformation, cybersecurity, ESG reporting, climate exposure, regulatory compliance, related-party oversight, governance ethics

The QFMA’s 2025 Code aligns with best practices from:

This alignment ensures Qatar’s markets remain competitive, credible, and transparent—and that boards keep pace with international standards of competence.

Key Changes Introduced in the 2025 Code

Below is a breakdown of the enhancements as reflected in the newly published Governance Code.

1. Mandatory Induction Training for New Board Members

for every new director. This must include:

Site visits and engagement with senior executives

Ensure every new director contributes effectively

, closing the competency gap and eliminating passive governance.

2. Annual Board Training is Now Mandatory

Unlike the 2016 Code, which only encouraged continuing development, the 2025 Code requires

to be organized for all board members.

Promote consistent upskilling and ensure decisions made in the boardroom reflect modern governance expectations.

3. The Secretariat Plays an Active Role in Training Delivery

The Board Secretariat (Corporate Governance Office) must now:

Organize training courses, presentations, and briefings

Facilitate attendance at seminars, conferences, and governance workshops

Coordinate with departments and external trainers

This institutionalizes training within the company rather than leaving it as an optional or ad-hoc effort.

4. Oversight by the Nomination, Remuneration & Incentives Committee

The Code assigns oversight responsibilities to the

Nomination, Remuneration & Incentives Committee (NRIC)

This ensures training becomes part of broader

5. Mandatory Disclosure of Training in Annual Governance Reports

For the first time, companies must publicly disclose:

Participation by the Chairman and Board

Development initiatives offered to senior executives

Public disclosure creates a compliance incentive and holds boards accountable for maintaining relevant expertise.

What This Means for Listed Companies

1. Training must become part of the annual governance calendar

Boards will now need a structured yearly training plan approved and monitored by the NRIC.

2. Companies must budget and plan proactively

ESG, audit, risk, and legal experts

3. Documentation and recordkeeping are essential

The QFMA can request evidence of training, meaning companies must maintain:

4. Governance Reports must reflect training efforts

Disclosure is no longer optional; transparency is mandatory.

We have excelled in training different boards with market updates, governance risk mandates, sustainability, M&A, economic update, cyber security and many more

Build annual training calendars aligned to the 2025 Code

Deliver ESG, governance, audit, and risk masterclasses

Ensure full compliance with QFMA Governance Code 2025

This approach strengthens governance maturity and enhances investor confidence.