Learning by Doing: How QSE Is Building an Informed Investor Base

For an exchange, an informed investor base is part of the market's infrastructure. Investors who understand how prices form, how to manage risk and how to recognise misleading offers participate more responsibly. Building this understanding is a core part of QSE's market-development work. 

This October, QSE again joins exchanges worldwide in the WFE's Ring the Bell for Financial Literacy, in support of IOSCO's World Investor Week (5 to 11 October 2026). This year's themes are Investor Resilience, Digital Deception and Scam Alert. They speak to a generation which often meets investment ideas online before it meets a regulated market. Our approach is to reach young people early, make learning practical and sustain it throughout the year. 

Market Awareness in Practice 

QSE's Marketing and Communications Department leads this work. School and university groups visit the exchange to see trading screens, brokerage offices and the investors' hall. Free investment awareness sessions in Arabic and English support these visits. The sessions combine theory with trading simulation competitions. During 2026, QSE had provided 20 financial training sessions to more than 312 participants including students, investors, analysts and members of the financial press. 

A dedicated market awareness expert delivers the student sessions and runs regular training on exchange products, including fixed-income instruments and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), for QSE employees, brokerage firms and other institutions. The role links student outreach with continuing professional education. 

Partnerships Linking Theory and Practice 

Commercial Bank's Young Investors Programme, launched in 2023 for participants aged 18 to 25, combines sessions from the bank's specialists and Qatar University with hands-on trading simulations. QSE provides the local-market simulation on its trading systems. The fourth edition concluded in August 2026. Commercial Bank reports approximately 200 graduates since 2023. Around 30% have since joined the bank or pursued careers in financial services. 

QSE is also a silver sponsor of Kawader Malia, the national programme run by Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA) to prepare recent graduates and early-career professionals for financial services careers. The tenth cohort graduated in January 2026, taking total participation since 2013 to 382. 

Reaching Young People Earlier 

QSE is a strategic partner, alongside Qatar Central Bank, of Future Assets, QFBA's summer programme for high school students and recent school graduates. The programme covers saving, budgeting and investment planning. It includes an educational visit to QSE to see how shares are traded. 

Learning by Doing 

Simulation recurs across QSE's educational programmes because it turns a lesson into a decision. Participants select a stock, observe its price movements and explain the reasoning behind their choice. A strong simulated result is no guarantee of real-world returns. 

Used alongside instruction, simulation opens discussion on checking sources, questioning promises of quick profits and recognising investment risk. These discussions help reinforce the judgement young investors need to deal with the digital deception and scams highlighted by this year's World Investor Week. 

From Campus to Career 

QSE hosts Qatar University students on placements, some lasting more than a month. The relationship includes a 2015 memorandum of understanding covering field training, graduate internships, a purpose-built simulation programme and student visits. Longer placements give students time to connect academic study with a professional environment. 

Similar agreements with institutions including Hamad Bin Khalifa University's College of Islamic Studies, Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar and the Community College of Qatar extend education and practical training across higher education. 

The Road Ahead 

Our experience shows the value of practical learning and partnerships reaching students in different settings. Starting early gives young people time to ask questions and build understanding before a first real investment. 

QSE remains committed to broadening financial literacy with educational and financial-sector partners, reaching citizens and residents alike. 

When QSE rings the bell for financial literacy this October, it marks one week in a year-round commitment: helping the next generation meet the market with knowledge, judgement and confidence.