Tag Archives | currency

CBI Confirms Devaluation of Iraqi Dinar

By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has confirmed the approximately 15-percent devaluation of the Iraqi dinar, which we reported on Wednesday. In an official statement, it said that the new rate is intended to support domestic industry, improve the competitiveness of Iraqi goods against imports, attract investment to non-oil productive sectors, and create […]

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 […]

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 […]

Central Bank Eases Rules on Cash Dollar Withdrawals

By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has reportedly ruled that banks may disburse customers' dollar-denominated deposits in cash, effective 15 July 2026. According to the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA), a CBI circular sets out the following provisions: Banks may continue to open foreign-currency accounts for customers, with customers entitled to withdraw […]

CBI lists Authorised Exchange Firms for Dollar Sales

By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has confirmed that all requests for US dollars from banks and exchange companies have been fully met, covering pilgrims, travellers, and external transfers. The bank stated that authorised exchange companies permitted to sell dollars to travellers and pilgrims are listed on its official website, ensuring regulated […]

Banking Arrangements Expanded to Meet Currency Demand

By John Lee. Iraq's state-owned Rasheed Bank is preparing to facilitate the sale of US dollars to pilgrims ahead of the upcoming Hajj season. The bank has instructed its branches to implement logistical arrangements, including increasing staffing levels, to ensure efficient processing of expected demand. According to the bank, the measures form part of a […]

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 Central Bank Reduces Supply of Dinars

By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) reported a 5.5 percent decline in currency issued during the third quarter of 2025, falling to 99,681 billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $76.1 billion) from 104,127 billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $79.5 billion) in the same period of 2024. The bank said that a reduction in currency in […]