Tag Archives | financial reform

Adam Smith International consults on Iraqi Efficiency Program

By John Lee. The Ministry of Finance has held a meeting with representatives of Adam Smith International to discuss support for the transition towards programme and performance-based budgeting. The meeting examined cooperation mechanisms for training Iraqi financial staff and developing technical capabilities to support the gradual move from line-item budgeting to budgeting linked to government […]

CBI Acts to Address Dollar Restrictions on Banks

By John Lee. The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has announced a series of measures to address issues affecting Iraqi banks restricted from dealing in US dollars. In remarks reported by the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA), Ahmed Dawood Salman, Director of Transfers at the CBI, said the bank is working with international audit firms, […]

Central Bank Advances Iraqi Banking Reform, Eases Foreign Transactions

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 […]

IPBL Renews Agreement with Frankfurt School of Finance

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 […]

Iraq "Moves to Curtail Customs Evasion"

From Amwaj Media. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Beleaguered by low oil prices, Iraq moves to curtail customs evasion A new scheme aimed at combating customs evasion has triggered nationwide protests and strikes in Iraq. Traders say the new regulations have […]

Iraq Sets New Mechanisms for Customs Value Calculation

By John Lee. Iraq's General Customs Authority has approved new mechanisms for calculating the customs value of imported goods. The mechanisms will be applied across all customs centres and include the following measures: Adoption of the customs value stated in duly declared commercial invoices submitted under the advance declaration system, supported by bank transfers, at […]

EY Assists Restructuring of Iraqi State Banks and Insurance

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 […]

Iraq Simplifies Housing Loan Procedures for Public Employees

By John Lee. As part of efforts to expand homeownership opportunities for citizens and activate national initiatives supporting middle- and low-income groups, the Prime Minister of Iraq has directed the relevant authorities to take the necessary steps to implement a proposal to simplify housing loan procedures for government employees. The proposal, jointly prepared by the […]

Iraq announces Major Banking Sector Overhaul

By Padraig O'Hannelly. Iraq is embarking on a comprehensive restructuring of its banking sector with the assistance of leading international consultancy firms, according to Dr Salih Salman, Advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, speaking at the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) Spring Conference in London on Tuesday. The Iraqi government has appointed Ernst & Young […]

World Bank Reaffirms Support for Iraq's Reform Agenda

By John Lee. In a meeting held on Tuesday, Iraq's Minister of Finance, Taif Sami Mohammed, welcomed a delegation from the World Bank's Environment Section, led by Regional Director Ms. Maskeren Bahraini, to discuss closer collaboration on financial reform and sustainable environmental development. The talks covered key World Bank projects focused on environmental protection and […]

Board of Central Bank of Iraq to be Restructured?

By John Lee. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani chaired a meeting on Monday of the High Committee tasked with reassessing and restructuring the boards of directors of state-owned banks and the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI). The committee approved several recommendations focused on evaluating board performance as part of a broader programme of banking […]

EY to Review Iraqi State Insurance Firms

By John Lee. Iraq's Ministry of Finance has commissioned global consultancy firm Ernst & Young (EY) to evaluate the performance of state-owned insurance companies affiliated with the Ministry. Finance Minister Taif Sami (pictured) said in a statement to the state-owned Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the move aligns with directives from the Council of Ministers […]