By John Lee. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has announced that the Iraqi Islamic Bank (IIB) has formally joined the 'My Account' financial inclusion initiative, alongside BBAC, Cihan, NBI and RT. In a statement on Tuesday, the KRG said it expects other major banks to join by the end of the month. It continues: "To […]
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has reported an increase in foreign reserves to 148 trillion dinars [$113 billion] and deposits in the banking sector to 131 trillion dinars [$100 billion], which it says indicates a positive trend in monetary stability and financial growth. According to the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA), […]
By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani received Mr. Andrew Torre, the Regional President of Visa for Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, along with his accompanying delegation on Thursday. The Prime Minister emphasized that economic and banking reform is among the government's top priorities, welcoming cooperation in this field. […]
By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has decided to establish the "National Company for Electronic Payment Systems in Iraq," marking a qualitative development in the country's financial infrastructure. The new company will be responsible for efficiently developing, operating, and managing national electronic payment and settlement systems, introducing new elements to enhance the […]
By John Lee. The Iraqi Ministry of Oil and its subsidiary, the Oil Products Distribution Company, have decided to implement electronic payment systems at all fuel stations starting January 1, 2024. The Ministry says it will also suspend cash handling from this date, adding that this move aligns with government guidelines to enhance efficiency, automate […]
By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, led a meeting on Tuesday to monitor the progress of banking reforms. The session, attended by the Finance Minister, Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), and directors of government banks, focused on administrative and banking reforms initiated by the government as part of comprehensive […]
By John Lee. Iraq's Prime Minister, Mr. Mohamed Shiaa Al-Sudani, led a meeting on Sunday to discuss the completion of the Unified Treasury Account and monitor the electronic payment system, including electronic card payments (POS). The meeting included the Finance Minister, Central Bank Governor, the head of the Federal Financial Control Bureau, advisors, and directors […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani has led a meeting to discuss and monitor progress on the implementation of the Unified Treasury Account. The meeting also focused on the continued rollout of electronic payment points (POS) and explored potential incentives for citizens to encourage electronic payments. During the meeting, comprehensive updates were presented […]
By John Lee. Iraq's first digital bank, First Iraqi Bank, has announced the launch of Visa Direct for the first time in the Iraqi market, in partnership with Visa. According to a press release, Visa Direct is a real-time point-to-point payment service that will enable Iraqi consumers to enjoy real time transfers for the first […]
By John Lee. The Iraqi Cabinet has agreed to draft a a law to regulate electronic payments in Iraq. The Legal Department of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers will work together with the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), the Federal Board of Supreme Audit, and the Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mr. Mohammed S. Al-Sudani received a delegation from the international electronic payment company Visa Inc., led by the company's Regional President for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Andrew Torre. During the meeting, His Excellency expressed the government's determination to implement reform and move forward with plans for […]
By Winthrop Rodgers, for Rest of World. Any opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Why cash is still king in Iraq After decades of war, displacement, and sanctions, Iraq remains cut off from the global financial system. Click here to read the […]
