Rating: On Track
Qatar’s implementation of the AEOI Standard is on track with respect to exchanging the information effectively in practice, including in relation to sorting, preparing and validating the information (SR 2.4), correctly transmitting the information in a timely manner (SRs 2.5 – 2.7) and providing corrections, amendments or additions to the information (SR 2.9). The requirements in relation to the receipt of the information (SR 2.8) have not been assessed as Qatar exchanges information non-reciprocally, so does not receive information. Qatar is encouraged to continue its implementation process accordingly, to ensure its ongoing effectiveness.
SR 2.4 Jurisdictions should sort, prepare and validate the information in accordance with the CRS XML Schema and the associated requirements in the CRS XML Schema User Guide and the File Error and Correction-related validations in the Status Message User Guide (i.e. the 50000 and 80000 range).
Findings:
One exchange partner highlighted a particular issue with respect to preparation and format of the information sent by Qatar. This related to a file error. More generally, three (or 5%) of Qatar’s exchange partners reported rejecting more than 25% of the files received, of which none reported rejecting more than 50% of files received, due to the technical requirements not being met. This is broadly in line with the general experience of other jurisdictions. It was noted that Qatar has already successfully addressed the issue raised.
Based on these findings it was concluded that Qatar is fully meeting expectations in relation to sorting, preparing and validating the information. Qatar is encouraged to continue its implementation process accordingly, to ensure its ongoing effectiveness.
Recommendations:
No recommendations made.
SR 2.5 Jurisdictions should agree and use, with each exchange partner, transmission methods that meet appropriate minimum standards to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the data throughout the transmission, including its encryption to a minimum secure standard.
Findings:
In order to put in place an agreed transmission method that meets appropriate minimum standards in confidentiality, integrity of the data and encryption for use with each of its exchange partners, Qatar linked to the CTS.
Based on these findings it was concluded that Qatar is fully meeting expectations in relation to agreeing and using appropriate transmission methods with each of its partners. Qatar is encouraged to continue to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of its implementation.
Recommendations:
No recommendations made.
SR 2.6 Jurisdictions should carry out all exchanges annually within nine months of the end of the calendar year to which the information relates.
Findings:
Three exchange partners highlighted delays in the sending of information by Qatar (representing 5% of its partners). This represents a relatively high proportion of exchange partners. It was noted that this related to an isolated issue, which Qatar successfully addressed and after which it sent the information as soon as possible thereafter.
Based on these findings it was concluded that, overall, Qatar is meeting expectations in relation to exchanging the information in a timely manner. Qatar is encouraged to continue to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of its implementation including in relation to the area highlighted.
Recommendations:
Qatar should ensure it sends information to all of its exchange partners in a timely manner.
SR 2.7 Jurisdictions should send the information in accordance with the agreed transmission methods and encryption standards.
Findings:
Feedback from Qatar’s exchange partners did not raise any concerns with respect to Qatar’s use of the agreed transmission methods and therefore with Qatar’s implementation of this requirement.
Based on these findings it was concluded that Qatar is fully meeting expectations in relation to sending the information in accordance with the agreed transmission methods and encryption standards. Qatar is encouraged to continue to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of its implementation.
Recommendations:
No recommendations made.
SR 2.8 Jurisdictions should have the systems in place to receive information and, once it has been received, should send a status message to the sending jurisdictions in accordance with the CRS Status Message XML Schema and the related User Guide.
It should be noted that, as Qatar exchanges information on a non-reciprocal basis and does not receive information, it is not required to have in place systems to receive the information and provide status messages. SR 2.8 has therefore not been assessed in this case.
Findings:
Not applicable.
Recommendations:
Not applicable.
SR 2.9 Jurisdictions should respond to a notification from an exchange partner as referred to in Section 4 of the Model CAA (which may include Status Messages) in accordance with the timelines set out in the Commentary to Section 4 of the Model CAA. In all other cases, jurisdictions should send corrected, amended or additional information received from a Reporting Financial Institution as soon as possible after it has been received.
Findings:
Qatar appears ready to respond to notifications and to provide corrected, amended or additional information in a timely manner and no such concerns were raised by Qatar’s exchange partners and therefore with respect to Qatar’s implementation of these requirements.
Based on these findings it was concluded that Qatar appears to be meeting expectations in relation to responding to notifications from exchange partners and the sending of corrected, amended or additional information. Qatar is encouraged to continue to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of its implementation.
Recommendations:
No recommendations made.