Iraq Business News brings you the latest news from the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI). Subscribe for regular CBI Iraq updates, including Iraqi Dinar Revaluation and Investment news.
By John Lee. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that Iraq's economy is facing considerable headwinds, with non-oil sector growth slowing from 13.8 percent in 2023 to an estimated 2.5 percent in 2024, impacted by reduced public investment, a weaker trade balance, and financing constraints that led to the accumulation of arrears. Real GDP […]
By John Lee. The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a statement on Wednesday (9th July) following the conclusion of its Article IV consultation with Iraq. It projects an average exchange rate (dinar per US$) in each of 2025 and 2026 of 1300, the same as for 2024, adding: "The CBI [Central […]
By John Lee. State-owned Rasheed Bank has launched specialised loans for purchasing renewable energy systems, specifically solar panels, with financing provided directly by the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI). The initiative allows citizens and public sector employees to apply for loans of up to 30 million Iraqi dinars [$21,000], at an interest rate of just 3 […]
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has announced that bank lending to the private sector grew by 1.1% in Q1 2025, reaching IQD 44.1 trillion [$24.5 billion]. This was up from IQD 43.6 trillion in Q4 2024, and reflects a gradual expansion in credit access for individuals and private projects. (Source: CBI)
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) reports that inflation fell in the first quarter of the year. The latest data shows an inflation rate of 2.2 percent in Q1 2025, down from 2.8 percent in Q4 2024. This points to a reduction in the general price level and an improvement in purchasing […]
By John Lee. Iraqi currency in circulation fell by 0.6 percent in the first quarter of 2025, according to a statement from the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI). It said money supply fell from IQD 100.5 trillion [$76.7 billion] to IQD 99.9 trillion. The reduction is expected to help contain inflation and maintain price stability. […]
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq's gold reserves rose sharply in the first quarter of 2025. A statement from the CBI said gold reserves reached IQD 21.2 trillion [$16.2 billion], an increase of 19 percent from the IQD 17.8 trillion held in the previous quarter. It added that gold remains a vital component […]
By Guest Blogger. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Q: Following your recent article on the Dinar Revaluation (RV) and Israeli Airstrikes on Iran, the situation in the region has progressed. What is your current assessment as it relates to the dinar […]
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has issued a press release claiming extensive praise from an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Jean-Guillaume Poulain, following meetings from 4th to 13th of May, 2025. The CBI statement, widely reported in local and international press, cites the post-meeting report from the IMF, which […]
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has launched the "Knights" [Al Fursan] programme, a locally-developed initiative aimed at fostering youth entrepreneurship and supporting the private sector's role in national economic development. The launch event, held at the CBI's headquarters on 25 June 2025, was attended by Governor Ali Mohsen Al-Allaq, who emphasised […]
By John Lee. The Erbil branch of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) held a training workshop on "National and Sectoral Risk Assessment Procedures" in collaboration with the CBI's Banking Studies Centre and the Office of the Compliance Monitor. The event brought together representatives from private banks, non-banking financial institutions, and electronic payment companies operating […]
By Guest Blogger. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Q: What effect will Israel's airstrikes on Iran have on any potential revaluation of the Iraqi dinar? A: This week's Israeli airstrikes on Iran, targeting nuclear and military sites, will likely have a […]
