Barwa Bank, Masraf Al Rayan (Q.S.C.) (DSM:MARK) and International Bank of Qatar Q.S.C. have entered into initial talks for a potential merger, according to a statement said on Monday. This would create the Gulf state's second-largest bank. As per the joint statement from the three banks sent to Reuters, they have started discussions "to create a larger and stronger financial institution with a solid financial position and liquidity to support Qatar’s economic growth".