CBI INFO & IRAQI DINAR NEWS

The disappearance of small denomination coins is causing “daily disruption” in Iraqi markets.

The disappearance of small denomination coins is causing “daily disruption” in Iraqi markets.

2026-09-03

Shafaq News – Kirkuk
Local markets in Kirkuk Governorate are experiencing increasing difficulty in obtaining small denomination banknotes of 250, 500 and 1000 dinars, amid complaints from traders and citizens about their scarcity in daily transactions. Shop owners say that what is available is often old, worn out or torn, which makes it more difficult to use in buying and selling operations.

At first glance, the problem seems to contradict the available figures on the volume of small banknotes in Iraq, as recent data indicates the existence of hundreds of millions of banknotes of these denominations. However, their Read more…

The Central Bank of Iraq imposes guardianship on Al-Taif Bank due to “serious violations”

The Central Bank of Iraq imposes guardianship on Al-Taif Bank due to “serious violations”

2026-09-02

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Wednesday, the Central Bank of Iraq decided to appoint a trustee for Al-Taif Islamic Bank, due to the existence of violations whose nature was not disclosed.

According to a letter issued by the bank and received by Shafaq News Agency, it was decided to place Al-Taif Islamic Bank for Investment and Finance under guardianship based on the provisions of Article 59 of the Banking Law No. 94 of 2004 (amended) due to the proven Read more…

Documents reveal that the Central Bank of Iraq imposes strict controls on the movement of funds belonging to senior officials.

Documents reveal that the Central Bank of Iraq imposes strict controls on the movement of funds belonging to senior officials.

2026-08-29

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Central Bank of Iraq directed financial institutions to adopt general indicators related to senior officials and those holding high positions by virtue of their positions, with the aim of strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures and raising the level of control over sources of funds and account movements.

According to a document issued by the Central Bank and seen by Shafaq News Agency, the indicators represent Read more…

Bank deposits in Iraq declined by 5.6% during the first half of 2026

Bank deposits in Iraq declined by 5.6% during the first half of 2026

2026-08-27

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Economic data issued by the Central Bank of Iraq showed a decline in total deposits in the banking system during the first half of 2026, coinciding with a decrease in cash credit, indicating a continued contraction in banking activity compared to the levels recorded in previous years.

According to data seen by Shafaq News Agency, total deposits at the end of June 2026 amounted to about 104.875 trillion dinars, down from Read more…

Statement issued by the Central Bank of Iraq

Statement issued by the Central Bank of Iraq

August 26, 2026

The Central Bank of Iraq has been monitoring media reports and statements regarding the printing of new Iraqi currency with zeros removed, purportedly for circulation. In this regard, we affirm that these reports are not based on any official source, and we deny that the bank has printed any new Iraqi currency with zeros removed.
Furthermore, any future project related to restructuring currency denominations or removing zeros, should an official decision be made, will be Read more…

“Zeroes removed”… Central Bank denies printing new currency

“Zeroes removed”… Central Bank denies printing new currency

8-26-2026

The Central Bank of Iraq denied on Wednesday printing quantities of new Iraqi currency with zeros removed.
In a statement received by Al-Maalomah News Agency, the bank said, “The Central Bank of Iraq has been following the news and statements circulating in some media outlets regarding the bank printing quantities of new Iraqi currency with zeros removed, in preparation for its circulation.” The statement emphasized, “In this regard, we confirm that these reports are not based on any official source, and we deny that the bank has printed new Iraqi currency with zeros removed.” Read more…

Iraqi Central Bank’s foreign currency sales fall 20% in July

Iraqi Central Bank’s foreign currency sales fall 20% in July

2026-08-26

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Central Bank of Iraq’s sales of foreign currency declined during July 2026 to $5.662 billion, a decrease of about $195 million, or 3.3%, compared to June, during which sales were recorded at $5.857 billion.

According to data from the Central Bank of Iraq, which was reviewed by Shafaq News Agency, the sales in July 2026 were distributed between $295 million in cash sales and $5.367 billion to boost bank balances outside the foreign currency sales window. Read more…

The Central Bank of Iraq reveals the amount of local currency in circulation.

The Central Bank of Iraq reveals the amount of local currency in circulation.

2026-08-25

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Data from the Central Bank of Iraq’s economic indicators revealed on Tuesday that the total currency issued by the bank in the markets rose to 111.189 trillion dinars by the end of June 2026, compared to 99.799 trillion dinars at the end of 2025, an increase of about 11.4 trillion dinars.

According to data seen by Shafaq News Agency, net currency outside banks Read more…

Banking reform in Iraq: A transformation or a temporary settlement?

Banking reform in Iraq: A transformation or a temporary settlement?

2026-08-25

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Economic experts emphasize that reforming the Iraqi banking sector has become a necessity that goes beyond addressing the restrictions imposed on a number of banks or improving their relations with foreign financial institutions, to include rebuilding confidence in banks, cleaning up their balance sheets, and strengthening governance and oversight.

Experts also stress the importance of expanding credit directed to the real economy, at a time when Baghdad is Read more…

Iraq’s foreign reserves have declined by more than $11 billion.

Iraq’s foreign reserves have declined by more than $11 billion.

2026-08-24

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Data from the Central Bank of Iraq on Monday showed that Iraq’s foreign reserves fell to $86.175 billion at the end of June 2026, a decrease of $11.257 billion, or 11.6%, compared to the end of 2025, when they stood at $97.432 billion.

According to data seen by Shafaq News Agency, foreign reserves declined during the first months of 2026, after rising to $101.082 billion in January, then to $102.131 billion in February, Read more…

Is JPMorgan pulling the rug out from under the Iraqi Central Bank?

Is JPMorgan pulling the rug out from under the Iraqi Central Bank?

8-19-2026

Information / Special..
Political researcher Hussein Al-Shalakh warned on Wednesday of the repercussions of bringing the American bank “JP Morgan” into managing financial transactions related to Iraq, considering that the move may represent a form of hegemony over the Iraqi economy and an undermining of the country’s sovereignty over its funds.

Al-Shalakh told Al-Maalouma that “Iraq does not currently have full sovereignty over its funds,” noting that “a delegation from Washington recently met with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and discussed with him the JPMorgan Chase bank and the role it could play in the Iraqi financial system.” Read more…

The parliamentary finance committee responds to statements about removing zeros and sets a condition for raising the value of the dinar.

The parliamentary finance committee responds to statements about removing zeros and sets a condition for raising the value of the dinar.

8-18-2026

Member of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Bassem Al-Gharabi, commented on the statements and news circulating regarding the project to change the currency and remove zeros, stressing the need to deal very cautiously with this issue because of its direct repercussions on economic stability and capital.

Al-Gharabi said in a post followed by Baghdad that “changing the currency is not ordinary news that can be released without considering its repercussions. It is a highly sensitive monetary issue Read more…

Iraq and Iran discuss settling financial dues and regulating trade exchange.

Iraq and Iran discuss settling financial dues and regulating trade exchange.

2026-08-17

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Monday, the governors of the Central Bank of Iraq, Nizar Nasser Hussein, and Iran, Abdul Nasser Hemmati, discussed the mechanism for settling financial dues between the two countries and regulating trade exchanges in accordance with international governance, transparency and compliance standards.

This came during a meeting that brought together the governors at the headquarters of the Central Bank of Iraq in Baghdad, in the presence of the Iranian ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Kazem Al-Sadegh, and his accompanying Read more…

Removing zeros from the Iraqi dinar: A long-awaited economic reform or a risk of inflation?

Removing zeros from the Iraqi dinar: A long-awaited economic reform or a risk of inflation?

2026-08-16

Alsumaria News–
Economically, the issue of removing zeros from the Iraqi currency has resurfaced, following statements by the Minister of Communications. Mustafa Sand The issuance of a decision regarding changing the currency and removing zeros from it, in a development that has reopened one of the most controversial monetary issues in Iraq Amid economic and public questions about the truth of the decision, the entity that issued it, and the date it will come into effect.
The minister’s statement, which was circulated by local media on August 15, came without clear details regarding Read more…

Economic Observatory: Government silence regarding “currency change” is confusing the Iraqi dinar market

Economic Observatory: Government silence regarding “currency change” is confusing the Iraqi dinar market

2026-08-16

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Sunday, the Economic Observatory of Iraq criticized the confusion in the government’s discourse, which is represented in announcing sensitive economic and monetary decisions, such as changing the currency, through unqualified entities, amid the silence of the Central Bank of Iraq and the Ministry of Finance.

The observatory stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that “managing a file as large as the national currency through scattered statements, instead of clear official conferences and statements issued by the competent Read more…

The Iraqi central bank’s reserves have declined to 102 trillion dinars, and its liabilities to the government have doubled.

The Iraqi central bank’s reserves have declined to 102 trillion dinars, and its liabilities to the government have doubled.

2026-08-13

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The head of the “Iraq Future” Foundation for Economic Studies and Consultations, economic expert Manar Al-Obaidi, revealed today, Thursday, significant shifts and declines in the financial indicators of the Central Bank of Iraq, pointing to an increase in the bank’s net claim on the government compared to a decrease in the size of official reserves.

Al-Obaidi explained in an economic analysis based on the latest operational and banking data that the net claims of the Central Bank on the Iraqi government recorded a significant increase to reach 66.6 trillion Iraqi dinars, Read more…

The Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank discuss the financial and economic situation.

The Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank discuss the financial and economic situation.

8-10-2026

Finance Minister Faleh Sari and Central Bank Governor Nizar Nasser Hussein discussed the financial and economic situation in the country on Sunday (August 9, 2026).

The Ministry of Finance stated in a statement that “Finance Minister Faleh Sari received Sunday, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Nizar Nasser Hussein, where the financial and economic situation was discussed in light of the current challenges.”

The minister stressed, according to the statement, that “the current circumstances require continuous coordination Read more…

Will the central bank’s funds be sufficient to cover salaries? An economist explains.

Will the central bank’s funds be sufficient to cover salaries? An economist explains.

8-9-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Economic expert Safwan Qusay clarified the Central Bank’s ability to secure salaries for the upcoming period given the current circumstances.
Qusay told Al-Maalouma, “Iraq exports oil to the Turkish port of Ceyhan and 120,000 barrels per day via tankers to Banias in Syria, in addition to exports through the south towards the Strait of Hormuz, which approached 42 million barrels last July.”
He added, “Iraq succeeded in generating up to $3 billion from these exports, but this amount is insufficient to cover Read more…

The Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank agree on measures to enhance financial and monetary stability.

The Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank agree on measures to enhance financial and monetary stability.

8-9-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Finance Minister Faleh Sari emphasized to the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Nizar Nasser Hussein, on Sunday that the current circumstances necessitate continuous coordination.
A statement from the Ministry of Finance, received by the Information Agency, indicated that “Finance Minister Faleh Sari met with the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Nizar Nasser Hussein, where they discussed the financial and economic situation in light of the current challenges.”
The Minister stressed that “the current circumstances require continuous Read more…

After delays in payment, a member of parliament proposes a “virtual currency” to solve the salary crisis.

After delays in payment, a member of parliament proposes a “virtual currency” to solve the salary crisis.

2026-08-07

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Friday, Saad Al-Awadi, the deputy head of the National Approach parliamentary bloc, proposed a plan to secure the salaries of employees and retirees through the “digital dinar” and end the “cash crisis” in Iraq.

In a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, MP Al-Awadi said that this initiative is “a comprehensive economic initiative to address the cash liquidity crisis and ensure the stability of salary payments for employees and retirees, through the launch of the (digital Iraqi dinar) and to facilitate access to financial entitlements for employees without the need to deal with paper money.” Read more…