The NYSE has bought a 25 percent stake in the Doha Securities Market. Beating out rivals LSE and Deutsche Borse.

The investment is valued at $250 million and is part of the NYSE strategy to link up smaller regional derivatives markets into their global network. The FT quotes Qatar's prime minister saying "Our country's financial markets will be an integral part of a group which links together the world's major trading centres across the US and Europe and now the Middle East."

The Financial Times article reports Qatar's use of oil revenues will be used to modernize its financial system.

The deal with NYSE Euronext is part of Qatar’s master-plan for revamping its financial architecture as it aims to raise the standards of its stock market and banking system in anticipation of windfall from gas exports in the coming years that will double government revenues.

The NYSE's deal comes after negotiating a technical partnership arrangement with Abu Dhabi Securities Market, a competitor in the region.