Factbox: Qatar's sovereign fund plays key anchor role during Gulf rift

(Reuters) - The Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the world's ninth largest sovereign wealth fund, is playing a key role in helping Qatar's financial sector withstand the effects of an economic boycott by its powerful Arab neighbours.

With an estimated $342 billion in assets, according to the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute, QIA began operations in 2005, initially holding stakes in Qatari companies before entering the limelight with global investments in Total , Credit Suisse and Harrods department store. (http://tmsnrt.rs/2tskfub)