By John Lee. The Federal Integrity Commission has formally rejected claims that around IQD 2.5 trillion (approximately $1.9 billion) was withdrawn or lost from the Social Protection Fund's accounts, confirming that the full amount remains intact and under official control. The Commission said it formed an emergency investigation team immediately after widespread reports alleged the […]
By John Lee. Iraq's state-owned Rafidain Bank has announced the release of the tenth tranche of its "Entrepreneurship and Excellence" initiative, financing 80 projects with 1 billion Iraqi dinars each. This brings the total number of projects funded since the programme's launch to 1,735, with cumulative financing of 22.94 billion dinars. The initiative, launched under […]
By John Lee. US-based consultancy K2 Integrity (K2i) has announced a strategic partnership with state-owned Rafidain Bank, Iraq's largest financial institution, to establish a comprehensive financial integrity program. According to a press release from K2 Integrity, the program will align with international standards of compliance, governance, and risk management. The three-year collaboration marks the beginning of […]
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. Iraq's state-owned Rafidain Bank has announced that it has "completed" 87 percent of its foreign debt obligations through high-level legal and financial negotiations, significantly reducing the country's external liabilities. As part of Iraq's adherence to the Paris Club Agreement and with direct Cabinet approval, the bank concluded major settlements with Dutch and […]
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 […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani chaired a high-level meeting with the heads of Iraqi banks on Monday, reaffirming his government's commitment to banking reform as a pillar of broader economic revitalisation. He directed all banks to simplify procedures, embrace modern technologies, and encourage public confidence by stimulating deposits. The Prime Minister announced […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani addressed the Conference on Reforming the Iraqi Banking Sector on Monday, outlining an ambitious agenda to modernise Iraq's financial infrastructure and promote sustainable economic development. Key initiatives and achievements highlighted in the Prime Minister's address include: Implementation of a three-year national budget, enabling long-term planning and strategic […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani chaired a meeting on Sunday to review the reform process for Rafidain Bank and Rasheed Bank, with representatives from Ernst & Young (EY) in attendance. The discussions focused on aligning the banks' operations with international standards, addressing debt repayment mechanisms, and enhancing staff training. The Prime Minister […]
By John Lee. In line with directives from the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), Al-Rafidain Bank has announced the launch of the first issuance of national bonds worth IQD 2 trillion [$1.5 billion]. The issuance period runs from February 10 to March 10, 2025. The bonds are available in two […]
By John Lee. The Iraqi Cabinet has approved significant banking reforms, including the establishment of a new, innovative financial institution named Rafidain First Bank [Rafidain Al-Awal Bank]. The new bank aims to lead regional financial markets and provide advanced digital banking services. Key Details: New Bank Creation: Rafidain First Bank will operate as a joint-stock […]
By John Lee. Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani has chaired a meeting with representatives from Ernst & Young (EY) to discuss the development of state-owned banks, focusing on the restructuring of Al Rafidain Bank and Al-Rasheed Bank. The restructuring plan includes comprehensive technical and administrative reforms aimed at enhancing banking services for citizens and businesses. […]
