By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) chaired the latest meeting of the Iraqi Payments Council to review progress in adopting electronic payment systems across government institutions and the private sector. The meeting discussed the procedures and mechanisms used by ministries and public sector bodies to implement e-payment technologies, the level of progress […]
By John Lee. Rabee Securities (RS) has announced the launch of two new market indices designed to broaden investment perspectives and enhance sector-focused analysis within the Iraqi market. 1. RS Iraq Halal Companies Index (RSIHX) The RSIHX is a price return index that tracks the performance of companies operating in accordance with Islamic principles. The […]
By John Lee. An Iraqi government spokesman has said Iraq views recent US sanctions against Iraqi enities, including the Muhandis General Company [Sharakat al-Muhandis al-Amma], as "deeply regrettable," describing it as a unilateral action that contradicts the spirit of friendship and mutual respect between the two countries. Basim Alawadi added that the Prime Minister has […]
By John Lee. The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed new sanctions targeting individuals and companies accused of helping the Iranian regime evade US sanctions, smuggle weapons, and engage in corruption through networks operating in Iraq. According to a statement from OFAC, the designations target Iraq-based financial and […]
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) Governor, Ali Mohsen Al-Allaq, met in Baghdad with the Representative of Institutional Clients and International Transaction Banking at Germany's Commerzbank, to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral financial cooperation. Discussions focused on expanding banking relations between Iraqi banks and Commerzbank to support economic activity and deepen financial […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani has received representatives from KPMG, the global auditing and financial advisory firm, to review ongoing cooperation with Iraq's banking sector as part of the government's efforts to enhance transparency and improve the country's financial reputation. The Prime Minister affirmed that Iraq's banking reform programme has become a […]
By Dr Thaer Mahmoud Rashid, for the Al-Bayan Center for Planning and Studies. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Opportunities for Enhancing Access to Hoarded Funds through the Iraq Stock Exchange A substantial proportion of Iraq's financial liquidity, estimated at nearly 20 […]
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has announced the launch of the "Al-Samawal" campaign starting on 1st September 2025, in cooperation with banks and electronic payment service providers, as part of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (2025-2029). The initiative aims to raise financial awareness, provide free bank account openings for traders and […]
By John Lee. International Development Bank (IDB) has announced the opening of Iraq's first smart banking branch, located at its headquarters on Abu Nuwas Street in Baghdad. According to a statement from the bank, the new facility provides customers with a fully digital banking experience, designed to be fast, secure, and integrated, and is available […]
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has announced an increase in the ratio of total credit to total deposits, reflecting stronger lending activity and support for economic growth. The ratio reached 61 percent in the second quarter of 2025, up from 55 percent in the same period of 2024, representing an 11 […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Rafidain Bank has signed a professional partnership agreement with U.S.-based consultancy K2 Integrity (K2i), during a ceremony hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Washington. The agreement is grounded in Iraqi Cabinet Resolution No. (23274) of 2023. K2 Integrity will deliver a wide range of services, including anti-money laundering […]
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has re-issued General Tender No. (2025/1) for the second time, inviting bids for the supply, installation, and operation of 68 currency counting and sorting machines for its branches in Basra (35 machines) and Mosul (33 machines). The tender covers both Iraqi and foreign currencies (USD and […]
