Iraq Business News brings you the latest Iraq banking & finance news, with information on developments and opportunities.
From the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC): IBBC Autumn Conference in Dubai examines: 'Iraq - Building a sustainable future'. For the first time in over 30 years, Iraq is currently experiencing a relatively golden scenario with high oil prices and government surpluses, a stable government, and peaceful borders. A stable economy is also leading to […]
The KRG announced that the National Bank of Iraq (NBI) has formally joined the 'My Account' financial inclusion initiative, bringing the number of participating banks to five: Ashur, BBAC, Cihan, NBI, and RT. This is part of efforts to provide beneficiaries with more banking choices, products, and services and foster healthy competition in the financial […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Prime Minister, Mr. Mohamed Shiaa Al-Sudani, led a meeting on Sunday to discuss the completion of the Unified Treasury Account and monitor the electronic payment system, including electronic card payments (POS). The meeting included the Finance Minister, Central Bank Governor, the head of the Federal Financial Control Bureau, advisors, and directors […]
By John Lee. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has announced that BBAC Bank has joined the 'My Account' financial inclusion initiative, increasing the total number of participating banks to four: Ashur, BBAC, Cihan, and Region Trade Bank (RTB). It said this is part of ongoing efforts to expand the initiative and provide citizens with more […]
By John Lee. In a move to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing, the Iraqi Private Banks League (IPBL) and the Jordanian Association of Banks have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement focuses on areas such as training, consultations, and facilitating the operations of member banks. This partnership aims to strengthen ties between Iraq […]
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has clarified that, from 1st January 2024, it will still be possible to withdraw dollars from a dollar account at an Iraqi bank. This contradicts recent media reports which suggested that all dollar withdrawals would be blocked from this date. In a statement, the CBI said: […]
By Ahmed Tabaqchali, Chief Strategist of AFC Iraq Fund. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Private Sector Loan Growth to Fuel Economic Recovery The market, as measured by the Rabee Securities RSISX USD Index, was up 8.4% in September, and up 79.4% […]
By John Lee. In its 40th regular session, chaired by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, the Iraqi Cabinet agreed to increase the capital of the Agricultural Cooperative Bank by nearly 30 percent. The increase, totaling IQD 29,476,500,000 [$22.6 million], will be added to the bank's current capital of IQD 100,600,000,000. In a statement, the Media […]
By John Lee. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)'s Prime Minister, Masrour Barzani, has launched a new initiative that will provide commercial loans through private banks to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) looking to expand. Full statement from KRG: On Monday, September 25, 2023, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) unveiled Project […]
By John Lee. In its 39th regular session, chaired by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, the Iraqi Cabinet made important decisions concerning the oil sector and infrastructure development for exports: The Ministry of Finance will allocate the total cost of IQD 1,265,444,000,000 [$967 million] for the construction of offshore pipelines (4 and 5) and a […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani has led a meeting to discuss and monitor progress on the implementation of the Unified Treasury Account. The meeting also focused on the continued rollout of electronic payment points (POS) and explored potential incentives for citizens to encourage electronic payments. During the meeting, comprehensive updates were presented […]
By John Lee. Iraq will require that all transactions inside the country are made using the Iraqi dinar from 2024, and not the US dollar. Statement from the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI): In a significant development, the Central Bank of Iraq, under the leadership of Mr. Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, has revealed its plan to […]
