Archive | Iraq Banking & Finance News

Iraq Business News brings you the latest Iraq banking & finance news, with information on developments and opportunities.

EQIQ Invests in Iraqi-US Banker's Digital Banking Venture

By John Lee. UAE-based venture capital fund EQIQ has announced a $3-million anchor investment in a new digital banking startup led by Iraqi-American finance veteran Hussain Qaragholi (pictured). The total $15-million funding round will support the launch and early growth of the next-generation, AI-driven platform. The new venture aims to transform Iraq's underdeveloped banking sector […]

Iraqi Bank Lending Increased in Q1 2025

By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has announced that bank lending to the private sector grew by 1.1% in Q1 2025, reaching IQD 44.1 trillion [$24.5 billion]. This was up from IQD 43.6 trillion in Q4 2024, and reflects a gradual expansion in credit access for individuals and private projects. (Source: CBI)

Iraq Reduces Money Supply

By John Lee. Iraqi currency in circulation fell by 0.6 percent in the first quarter of 2025, according to a statement from the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI). It said money supply fell from IQD 100.5 trillion [$76.7 billion] to IQD 99.9 trillion. The reduction is expected to help contain inflation and maintain price stability. […]

Iraq's Gold Reserves Surge in Value

By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq's gold reserves rose sharply in the first quarter of 2025. A statement from the CBI said gold reserves reached IQD 21.2 trillion [$16.2 billion], an increase of 19 percent from the IQD 17.8 trillion held in the previous quarter. It added that gold remains a vital component […]

New Scheme offers Iraqis Affordable Building Materials

By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani inaugurated the new 'Construction Basket' initiative on Wednesday, an innovative programme designed to provide citizens with access to building materials at competitive prices and on convenient instalment terms. The centre, located at the newly-opened Cooperation Center for Construction, is a joint venture between the Ministry of […]

Iraqi Dollar Smuggling 'Turns Regional'

From Amwaj Media. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Iraqi dollar smuggling 'turns regional' amid high Iranian demand for greenbacks Iraq has recently been riled by reports of a multi-billion dollar cash smuggling scheme allegedly orchestrated by Iran and its allies. Apparently […]

CBI Launches Programme to Boost Youth Entrepreneurship

By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has launched the "Knights" [Al Fursan] programme, a locally-developed initiative aimed at fostering youth entrepreneurship and supporting the private sector's role in national economic development. The launch event, held at the CBI's headquarters on 25 June 2025, was attended by Governor Ali Mohsen Al-Allaq, who emphasised […]

Qi and K2 Integrity to Elevate Iraq's Financial Standards

By John Lee. Qi (International Smart Card), Iraq's largest electronic payment platform, has announced that it has entered into a landmark partnership with K2 Integrity (K2i), a US-based global financial integrity and compliance advisory firm. The multi-year collaboration aims to align Iraq's financial infrastructure with international standards in anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing […]