Tag Archives | banking

Iraq Launches Comprehensive Banking Reform Initiative

By John Lee. The Iraqi government, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), has launched a strategic initiative to modernise the country's banking sector. The reforms aim to enhance banking standards, strengthen financial resilience, and improve Iraq's integration with global financial systems. Key pillars of the initiative include: Governance and Ownership: Strengthening transparency […]

Iraqi Central Bank Streamlines International Transfers

By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has announced the successful transition of external transfers from an electronic platform to direct operations by Iraqi banks through their international correspondent banks. According to a CBI statement, this milestone, fully achieved at the end of December, aligns with global best practices, promoting a stable and […]

Chinese Payment Firm enables Iraq's new SuperQi App

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 […]

New Banking System Reforms in Iraq

By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani announced series of banking sector reforms on Friday. The main changes include increasing the number of bank branches, more adoption of new technology, and a campaign to educate the public about banking and financial services. Full statement from the Media Office of the Prime Minister: As […]

60-70 applications for Digital Banking Licences in Iraq

By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) participated in the "Electronic Payments for Financial Stability" conference, hosted by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani and organized by the Iraqi Private Banks League (IPBL). The event focused on Iraq's digital transformation in the banking and financial sectors. Central Bank Governor Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq highlighted the […]

CBI discusses Financial Reforms in US

By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) announced the outcomes of a high-level delegation visit to the United States, led by Governor Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, from August 26 to 29, 2024. The delegation held extensive meetings in New York with the U.S. Treasury, the Federal Reserve, and major financial institutions such as Visa, […]

Progress on Restructuring of Iraq's Rafidain Bank

By John Lee. The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, chaired a supervisory committee meeting on the restructuring of the state-owned Rafidain Bank. Attendees included committee members from the Ministry of Finance, advisors to the Prime Minister, senior Central Bank officials, and representatives from Ernst & Young. The meeting reviewed […]

Stakeholders Discuss MSME Development Policy for Iraq

By John Lee. The International Labour Organization (ILO), Iraq's Ministry of Planning (MOP), and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) have held a two-day conference to discuss the national Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) development Policy for Iraq by bringing together government entities, international organizations, employer and worker groups, and financial institutions to […]