Iraq Business News brings you the latest Iraq banking & finance news, with information on developments and opportunities.
By John Lee. Qi, a leading player in Iraq's fintech sector, has reportedly unveiled its third-generation app, SuperQi, in collaboration with China's Ant International. According to a report in Gulf Business, SuperQi offers a comprehensive suite of services that include scan-to-pay, money transfers, bill payments, loans, mobile recharge and other payment solutions, enabled by by […]
By a Guest Blogger. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Anecdotal evidence, including inquiries to Iraq Business News, seems to suggest that supporters of US President-elect Donald Trump are more likely to believe that the Iraqi currency, the Dinar (IQD), will increase […]
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has announced its strategic focus on enhancing the capabilities of the Loan Guarantee Company [Iraqi Bank Guarantees Company (IBGC)] to support the banking sector and "bolster financial depth." Dr. Ammar Hamad Khalaf, Deputy Governor of the CBI, highlighted this priority during the 8th International Guarantee Conference […]
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) announced an expansion of foreign currency transfer options for local banks, adding the Jordanian Dinar and Saudi Riyal to the list. Iraqi banks are now also permitted to fund trade with Turkey in Euros, previously restricted to transactions with EU countries. These currencies join the existing […]
By John Lee. Iraq Venture Partners (IVP) has identified four main areas as untapped investment opportunities in the Iraqi market: Fintech: Limited access to formal banking creates demand for mobile payment solutions and digital financial products. There is room for growth in areas like peer-to-peer lending, microfinance, and digital banking solutions that enhance financial inclusion, […]
By John Lee. During an official visit to Abu Dhabi, Iraqi Securities Commission (ISC) President Faisal Al-Haimus met with Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange Group (ADX), to explore enhancing collaboration between the Iraqi Stock Exchange (ISX) and ADX. Discussions focused on integrating ISX into the Tabadul Digital Exchange Hub, a cross-border […]
By John Lee. The US State Department issued its 2024 Investment Climate Statement for Iraq earlier this year. The report covers the following key areas: Openness To, and Restrictions Upon, Foreign Investment Bilateral Investment and Taxation Treaties Legal Regime Industrial Policies Protection of Property Rights Financial Sector State-Owned Enterprises Responsible Business Conduct Corruption Political and Security Environment […]
From the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): The Turning Point: Iraq's Leap into the Digital Economy In a world increasingly defined by digital finance, Iraq has taken a transformative step with the Digital Payment Regulation No.2 of 2024. This landmark policy marks more than just regulatory progress; it signifies a realignment of Iraq's financial infrastructure with […]
By John Lee. The Iraqi Private Banks League (IPBL) has reported a significant rise in banking sector deposits over the past two years, crediting the government's focus on digital transformation and electronic payment systems. However, IPBL Executive Director Ali Tariq told the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA) that 75% of Iraq's money supply remains outside […]
By John Lee. Fitch Ratings has affirmed Iraq's Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'B-' with a Stable Outlook.. More details here. (Source: Fitch Ratings)
By John Lee. Karkh Criminal Court in Baghdad has sentenced three defendents in the "tax deposit" scandal, often referred to as the "heist of the century." The case involves the theft of 3.7 trillion Iraqi dinars ($2.5 billion) from the General Tax Authority's account at the state-run Rafidain Bank. According to a brief statement from […]
By John Lee. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a $388-million loan agreement with Iraq on Sunday, to provide Japanese ODA loan for the sixth phase of the Basrah Refinery Upgrading Project. In a statement, JICA said: "This project aims to improve the quality and productivity of petroleum products, reduce the supply-demand gap, decrease […]
