Tag Archives | banking

CBI Opens Bidding for IT Equipment Contract

By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has announced a public tender for the supply of computer equipment in accordance with the technical specifications outlined in the bank's standard procurement documentation. The tender has an estimated total value of IQD 767,500,000 (approximately USD 586,000) and will be funded from the central bank's 2026 capital […]

CBI Says Foreign Reserves Cover 12 Months of Imports

By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has held an extraordinary board meeting to review recent economic and financial developments and assess macroeconomic indicators and future outlooks in light of regional and global changes. The board conducted a comprehensive review of conditions in the monetary and financial markets, including: Liquidity levels within the banking […]

Central Bank (CBI) Seeks Feedback on Policies and Decisions

By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq has launched a survey to gather feedback on public perceptions of its policies and decisions. The bank said the initiative forms part of its commitment to applying international best practices in institutional excellence and to strengthening confidence, stability and service quality. Respondents have been invited to complete a […]

Central Bank Advances Iraqi Banking Reform, Eases Foreign Transactions

By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has announced completion of the principal phase of its comprehensive reform programme for commercial, Islamic and foreign bank branches operating in Iraq. According to the Bank, all Iraqi banks have submitted the required documentation under the "minimum requirements" framework, selecting one of three pathways: Continuing in […]

IPBL Renews Agreement with Frankfurt School of Finance

By John Lee. The Iraqi Private Banks League (IPBL) has renewed its joint cooperation agreement with the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, in a strategic step aimed at strengthening professional integration between the Iraqi and German banking sectors and supporting institutional development in line with international best practices. The agreement was signed on behalf […]

CBI Clarifies No Distinction Between US Dollar Notes

By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has issued guidance to licensed banks and non-bank financial institutions clarifying that no distinction should be made between old and new US dollar banknote series in exchange transactions. The Bank stressed the need to limit practices involving differential exchange rates between various US dollar print editions, […]

Iraqi e-Govt Collections Reach $642m

By John Lee. Rafidain Bank recorded more than IQD 841 billion (approximately USD 641.98 million) in electronic collection settlements on behalf of government entities during January 2026, reflecting continued expansion of digital payment systems. The bank said a total of 73,226 electronic settlements were processed the month, indicating growing adoption of digital collection services. It […]

Liquidity Shortfall "Freezes Lending at Iraq's State Banks"

From Shafaq. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Liquidity shortfall freezes lending at Iraq's state banks Government lending programs remained suspended on Thursday as Iraq's state-owned banks, most notably Rafidain Bank and Rasheed Bank, continued to halt advances and loans due to […]

Rafidain Bank announces New Funding for SMEs

By John Lee. State-owned Rafidain Bank has announced the launch of the 50th tranche of its Riyada wa Tamayuz (Entrepreneurship and Excellence) initiative to support small and medium-sized enterprises. The tranche totals IQD 1 billion (approximately USD 0.77 million) and will benefit 82 recipients. According to a statement from the bank's media office, the funding is […]

EY Assists Restructuring of Iraqi State Banks and Insurance

By John Lee. Discussions have been held on the restructuring of state-owned banks and the insurance sector as part of Iraq's financial reform programme. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Finance under the chairmanship of Minister of Finance Taif Sami Mohammed, with representatives of Ernst & Young, alongside senior officials from the Ministry […]

Iraq Reviews Measures to Improve Sovereign Credit Rating

By John Lee. Iraq's national team and technical committee for sovereign credit ratings have held a joint meeting to discuss mechanisms for improving the country's sovereign and credit rating. The meeting was chaired by the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, and attended by the Prime Minister's adviser and head […]