Tag Archives | banking

Illegal Currency Network Dismantled as Dinar Weakens

By John Lee. An unlicensed currency exchange and money transfer network has been dismantled in Baghdad, with five suspects arrested and $240,000 seized. According to Iraq's Ministry of Interior, the operation was carried out by units of the Federal Intelligence and Investigations Agency (FIIA). The suspects were operating in several districts on the Rusafa side […]

World Bank discusses Automation and Financial Reform in Iraq

By John Lee. Iraq's Ministry of Finance has held talks with a World Bank delegation on financial reform, automation projects, and the development of financial management tools. The delegation was led by Dalia Khalifa, Regional Director for the Middle East, and Emmanuel Salinas, World Bank Country Director for Iraq. Finance Minister Faleh Sari said the […]

EBRD and EU Boost Trade Finance in Iraq

By John Lee. A $25 million trade finance facility has been extended to Bank of Baghdad, one of Iraq's leading private-sector banks, under the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)'s Trade Facilitation Programme (TFP). According to the EBRD, the facility will support Bank of Baghdad in increasing its import and export transactions, expanding its […]

Iraq "Considers New Banknote Series"

By John Lee. Iraq is considering replacing its current banknote series with a new issue, aiming to withdraw counterfeit, damaged and stolen notes from circulation and draw hoarded cash back into the banking system. According to 964 Media, discussions within the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) and the parliamentary Finance Committee are focusing on a […]

Rothschild Bank President Meets Iraqi PM in Paris

By John Lee. Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met with Édouard de Rothschild, President of Rothschild & Co, in Paris on Monday to discuss expanding Iraq's cooperation with international banks, developing the banking sector, improving Iraq's credit rating, and the government's targets for building a diversified economy. De Rothschild affirmed the importance of investment opportunities […]

IBBC discusses Investment Partnerships with Iraqi FM

By John Lee. A delegation from the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC), led by Baroness Emma Nicholson, has met with Finance Minister Faleh Sari to discuss investment opportunities in Iraq and the potential for expanding economic partnerships between the two countries. The delegation included a number of Iraqi and British companies. According to the Ministry […]

CBI Revokes Licences of Three Forex Companies

By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has revoked the licences of three exchange companies - Al-Aswar, Al-Qattaf, and Al-Anamel - for falsifying cash-sale records for travellers. Under Decision No. 138 of 2026, the CBI has also required the companies to return the dollar amounts involved in the violating transactions, or the exchange […]

CBI Promises Currency Exchange Program, New Lending Initiatives

By John Lee. Iraq's banking sector reform programme is continuing in coordination with Oliver Wyman, with further positive developments expected in the coming period, including greater integration with the international financial system. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) also plans to launch new lending initiatives to support investment and strengthen the role of the private […]