By John Lee. S&P Global Ratings has placed its 'B-' long-term sovereign credit ratings on Iraq on CreditWatch with negative implications. It affirmed 'B' short-term foreign and local currency ratings and 'B-' transfer and convertibility assessment. It added: "The CreditWatch negative reflects the risk of a downgrade for Iraq due to a sharp fall in oil […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
By John Lee. S&P Global Ratings has affirmed its 'B-' long-term and 'B' short-term foreign and local currency sovereign credit ratings on Iraq. "The outlook is stable," it added. More details, including economic stats, here. (Source: S&P Global Ratings)
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
