CBI INFO & IRAQI DINAR NEWS

The Central Bank of Iraq regulates the work of consultants and experts, and a source reveals government banking violations.

The Central Bank of Iraq regulates the work of consultants and experts, and a source reveals government banking violations.

2026-09-12

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Central Bank of Iraq has directed all government banks and licensed non-bank financial institutions to regulate the work of their consultants and experts, ensuring clarity of powers and responsibilities and preventing overlap between advisory tasks and executive roles.

The Central Bank confirmed in a circular that consultants working for financial Read more…

After the spectrum… Will the loss of confidence in banks lead to a “liquidity crisis”?

After the spectrum… Will the loss of confidence in banks lead to a “liquidity crisis”?

2026-09-10

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Economic experts assure that depositors’ funds in Iraqi banks are not at risk, given the data available so far, or any indicators that would warrant imposing comprehensive restrictions on withdrawals. However, they pointed out that the crisis at Al-Taif Islamic Bank has brought back the loss of confidence in the banking sector to the forefront, and that the spread of fears and rumors may Read more…

The Central Bank sends a message to depositors of Al-Taif Bank: Withdrawals will be gradual and organized.

The Central Bank sends a message to depositors of Al-Taif Bank: Withdrawals will be gradual and organized.

2026-09-08

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Tuesday, the Central Bank of Iraq reassured depositors of Al-Taif Islamic Bank that their financial rights are protected, stressing that imposing guardianship on the bank comes within supervisory and preventive measures aimed at protecting depositors’ funds.

The Central Bank stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that “the rights of depositors of Al-Taif Islamic Bank are preserved,” explaining that “imposing guardianship on the bank Read more…

With an increase of one ton, Iraq strengthens its gold reserves and continues its global progress.

With an increase of one ton, Iraq strengthens its gold reserves and continues its global progress.

2026-09-08

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Data from the World Gold Council for August 2026 showed that Iraq maintained its position among the world’s largest gold holders, with an increase in its holdings compared to its last data.

According to data seen by Shafaq News Agency, Iraq’s gold reserves amounted to 175.6 tons, ranking it 28th globally, with gold constituting about 24.8% of its total reserves. The latest data for Iraq dates back to May 2026. Read more…

Spectrum Bank’s guardianship: Will people’s deposits be lost after the Central Bank’s intervention?

Spectrum Bank’s guardianship: Will people’s deposits be lost after the Central Bank’s intervention?

2026-09-08 03:30

Sadiq Al-Azraqi
The decision by the Central Bank of Iraq to place Al-Taif Islamic Bank for Investment and Finance under guardianship and appoint a guardian to manage it for 18 months due to the presence of “serious violations” that affected its financial position and the depositors’ funds, according to a letter from the bank that was circulated, has led to concerns, especially from the bank’s customers, about their deposited funds.

Immediately, gatherings took place in front of bank branches, where the crowds Read more…

Expert: The Iraqi banking sector faces tough reform, not collapse.

Expert: The Iraqi banking sector faces tough reform, not collapse.

2026-09-07

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Economic expert Manar Al-Obaidi said on Monday that the Iraqi banking sector is not going through a phase of collapse, but rather a process of “sorting, reforming and restructuring” that may be harsh, but is necessary to prepare the sector for a phase of greater growth.

Concerns have recently increased after the Central Bank of Iraq decided to Read more…

Central Bank: No more sanctions on the banking sector.

Central Bank: No more sanctions on the banking sector.

9-6-2026

The Central Bank of Iraq affirmed on Sunday its continued commitment to the reform process and denied the existence of any sanctions on the banking sector.
A statement issued by the bank, and reported by Al-Maalomah News Agency, quoted Governor Nizar Nasser Hussein as saying during a meeting with economic experts that the banking sector reform process is ongoing in coordination with Oliver Wyman. He clarified that there are no longer any Read more…

A demonstration in front of Al-Taif Bank in Karrada after it was placed under receivership.

A demonstration in front of Al-Taif Bank in Karrada after it was placed under receivership.

9-6-2026

Dozens of depositors demonstrated on Sunday in front of Al-Taif Islamic Bank in the Karrada district of central Baghdad, protesting the suspension of banking services and the freezing of withdrawal and deposit operations, following recent measures taken by the Central Bank of Iraq against the bank. The protesters demanded an end to the restrictions imposed on their accounts and permission to withdraw their financial deposits, stressing that their demands are limited to receiving their withheld funds and avoiding keeping them suspended.

The Central Bank of Iraq had decided to place Al-Taif Islamic Bank for Investment Read more…

The Central Bank denies raising the dollar exchange rate.

The Central Bank denies raising the dollar exchange rate.

9-5-2026

The Central Bank of Iraq denied on Saturday reports circulating about raising the exchange rate of the US dollar against the Iraqi dinar.
In a statement to Al-Maalomah News Agency, the bank said, “The reports suggesting a move to raise the dollar exchange rate are baseless,” emphasizing that “no decision has been issued in this regard.”
The bank added that “the official exchange rate adopted by the Central Bank Read more…

The Central Bank reassures depositors and confirms the protection of their funds.

The Central Bank reassures depositors and confirms the protection of their funds.

9-5-2026

The Central Bank of Iraq confirmed on Saturday that all depositors’ funds in licensed banks are protected, while noting that the Iraqi banking system enjoys sufficient liquidity to manage its operations efficiently. The bank stated in a statement that “the Central Bank of Iraq’s application of its powers to impose supervisory or trusteeship committees on one of the banks licensed by it directly (does not mean the bank’s bankruptcy) as has been circulated in some media outlets, but rather it is a legal precautionary supervisory measure to Read more…

An economic expert confirms Iraq’s need for a company specializing in debt purchasing.

An economic expert confirms Iraq’s need for a company specializing in debt purchasing.

9-4-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Economic expert Dr. Safwan Qusay emphasized Iraq’s need for a specialized debt-buying company to address the country’s financial crisis, noting the importance of establishing a mechanism for repaying both domestic and foreign debts.
Qusay told Al-Maalouma, “Iraq still lacks a specialized company that purchases debt at a discount, while most countries worldwide have such companies that buy debts, whether governmental or otherwise.” Read more…

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…