CBI INFO & IRAQI DINAR NEWS

Iraq agrees with the US to reinstate restricted banks to foreign correspondent banking channels.

Iraq agrees with the US to reinstate restricted banks to foreign correspondent banking channels.

7-19-2026

The Prime Minister’s Media Office announced on Saturday that Iraq and the United States have agreed to reinstate restricted banks to foreign correspondent banking channels.

The office said in a statement that “following the official visit of Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi and his meeting with the President of the United States of America, and within the framework of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq held a series of high-level meetings with officials at the US Treasury.” Read more…

An Iraqi-American understanding stipulates the return of restricted banks to non-dollar correspondent banking channels.

An Iraqi-American understanding stipulates the return of restricted banks to non-dollar correspondent banking channels.

2026-07-18

Shafaq News – Baghdad/Washington
The media office of Prime Minister Ali al-Zidi announced on Saturday that the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Nizar Nasser Hussein, held a series of high-level meetings with officials at the US Treasury, which resulted in reaching a common understanding to return restricted Iraqi banks to foreign correspondent banking channels not linked to the US dollar.

A statement issued by Al-Zaydi’s media office explained that the lifting of restrictions on those banks came “after they met the approved standards and requirements in the areas of compliance and governance, and completed Read more…

Al-Zaydi: The understanding with the US Treasury is a strategic step to pave the way for the return of 7 Iraqi banks to dealing in dollars.

Al-Zaydi: The understanding with the US Treasury is a strategic step to pave the way for the return of 7 Iraqi banks to dealing in dollars.

2026-07-18

Shafaq News – Washington
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi expressed his welcome on Saturday to the understanding reached between the Central Bank of Iraq and the US Treasury Department, describing it as “an important step in the path of reforming the banking sector and strengthening its integration into the global financial system.”

Al-Zaydi said in a post on the “X” platform that “the qualification of seven Iraqi banks to return to foreign Read more…

Iraq activates “targeted financial sanctions” to combat money laundering

Iraq activates “targeted financial sanctions” to combat money laundering

2026-07-17

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Central Bank of Iraq announced on Friday that its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Office organized a specialized workshop on implementing targeted financial sanctions, in support of the requirements of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Action Plan.

According to a statement issued by the bank, the workshop was attended by the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, the Director General of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Read more…

The dollar’s dominance over Iraq’s economy: Will the Washington visit open the door to banking independence?

The dollar’s dominance over Iraq’s economy: Will the Washington visit open the door to banking independence?

7-14-2026

Information/Report…
The United States has maintained its dominance over the Iraqi banking sector since 2003, imposing sanctions on a large number of private banks in recent years. Observers see this as an obstacle to building an independent Iraqi banking system free from American influence. The US Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York imposed restrictions on more than 30 Iraqi private banks, representing approximately 43% of the private banking sector, preventing them from dealing in US dollars, citing violations of banking standards and regulations. Read more…

What is the connection of the American company “Oliver Wyman” to the issue of Iraqi banks subject to sanctions?

What is the connection of the American company “Oliver Wyman” to the issue of Iraqi banks subject to sanctions?

7-14-2026

Information / Baghdad –
Economic expert Mustafa Faraj raised questions on Tuesday regarding the role of the American company Oliver Wyman in the case of Iraqi banks subject to sanctions, emphasizing that a large number of them adhere to international banking standards despite the continued restrictions imposed on them.
Faraj told the Information Agency that “the US Federal Reserve controls the banking system in Iraq, while Washington has imposed sanctions on more than 30 private banks under the pretext of violating banking regulations.” Read more…

Iraqi banks are permitted to disburse their customers’ dollar deposits in cash

Iraqi banks are permitted to disburse their customers’ dollar deposits in cash

2026-07-13

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Central Bank of Iraq has issued a new directive to all banks, allowing the disbursement of deposits and incoming transfers in US dollars in cash, according to a document obtained by Shafaq News Agency.

According to the document, the decision comes in implementation of the objectives of monetary policy, and to enable banks to meet the legitimate needs of their customers in US dollars, and in line with the directives of the government and the Central Bank to enhance confidence in the Iraqi dinar, Read more…

Parliament will open the file on reducing the dollar quota for travelers and will host the Central Bank governor next week.

Parliament will open the file on reducing the dollar quota for travelers and will host the Central Bank governor next week.

7-11-2026

The parliamentary finance committee announced on Friday that it will host the governor of the central bank next week, while noting that there are observations on the mechanism for distributing dollar quotas to travelers.

The head of the committee, Uday Awad, said in a press statement that “the committee will host the governor of the Central Bank next week,” indicating that “the first question that will be directed to him is about the feasibility Read more…

State-owned banks begin selling dollars to travelers at the new ceiling.

State-owned banks begin selling dollars to travelers at the new ceiling.

2026-07-09

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Thursday, Iraqi state-owned banks began implementing the Central Bank’s instructions regarding the sale of dollars to travelers, after reducing the sales ceiling to $2,000 instead of $3,000.

An informed source told Shafaq News Agency that the mechanism for selling dollars to travelers begins with the citizen depositing the required amount in Iraqi dinars at the branches of approved banks, and then receiving Read more…

As confirmed by Shafaq News, the Central Bank reduces the dollar allocation for travelers.

As confirmed by Shafaq News, the Central Bank reduces the dollar allocation for travelers.

2026-07-08

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Wednesday, the Central Bank of Iraq issued new regulatory instructions regarding the mechanism for meeting the demand for foreign currency for citizens traveling outside Iraq.

The bank stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that the new instructions included setting a ceiling for the cash quota for an adult traveler at (2000) US dollars per month, instead of (3000) dollars, within the framework of developing the management of foreign exchange sales operations, enhancing the efficiency Read more…

The Central Bank of Iraq reduces the dollar quota for travelers to $2,000.

The Central Bank of Iraq reduces the dollar quota for travelers to $2,000.

2026-07-07

Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed source revealed on Tuesday morning that the Central Bank of Iraq has issued new directives to reduce the share of foreign currency (dollars) for travelers to $2,000 instead of $3,000, as part of the approved mechanism to meet travel requests.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that the decision will include Iraqi citizens departing through all airports and border crossings, whether they are heading for tourism, medical treatment, study, performing Hajj and Umrah rituals, as well as business trips. Read more…

Economic analysis: Reduction in the traveler’s dollar rate pushes Iraqis to the black market

Economic analysis: Reduction in the traveler’s dollar rate pushes Iraqis to the black market

2026-07-07

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Economic expert Mohammed Al-Hassani suggested on Tuesday that the decision by the Central Bank of Iraq to reduce the amount allocated for air travelers from $3,000 to $2,000 will lead to an increase in demand for dollars in the parallel market during the first phase, with some travelers resorting to buying the remaining amount from local markets.

Al-Hassani told Shafaq News Agency that reducing cash allowances will push a segment of travelers who need larger sums to cover travel expenses to compensate for the difference by buying dollars from Read more…

Shafaq News deciphers the “code” of the biggest threat to the Iraqi dinar

Shafaq News deciphers the “code” of the biggest threat to the Iraqi dinar

2026-07-07

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Iraqi citizen may not directly feel the rise or fall of the Central Bank’s foreign currency reserves, but he feels its effects in the dollar exchange rate, commodity prices, the purchasing power of the dinar, and even in the state’s ability to cope with economic crises.

Foreign reserves are considered the “first line of defense” for the Iraqi economy, as they give the central bank the ability to protect the dinar’s exchange rate, finance import operations, and Read more…

The Integrity Commission and the Central Bank agree to uncover corruption crime networks and eliminate money laundering channels.

The Integrity Commission and the Central Bank agree to uncover corruption crime networks and eliminate money laundering channels.

7-2-2026

Baghdad-Mail
The head of the Federal Integrity Commission, Mohammed Ali Al-Lami, agreed today, Thursday, with the governor of the Central Bank, Nizar Nasser Hussein, to dry up the avenues for smuggling money .

The commission said in a statement received by Mail that “the head of the Federal Integrity Commission, Muhammad Ali Al-Lami, stressed during his meeting with the governor of the Central Bank, Nizar Nasser Hussein, the importance of adopting parallel financial Read more…

Central Bank of Iraq: Domestic currency issued rose to 112.9 trillion dinars by the end of April

Central Bank of Iraq: Domestic currency issued rose to 112.9 trillion dinars by the end of April

2026-07-02

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Data from the Central Bank of Iraq, released on Thursday, showed that the volume of currency issued in the country rose to 112.896 trillion dinars from the beginning of 2025 until April 2026.

According to data seen by Shafaq News Agency, the total currency issued during the past year amounted to 99.799 trillion dinars, and 13.097 trillion dinars were added to it during the first four months of this year.

The net currency traded outside banks rose to Read more…

How did the “bundles of money” end up in the hands of corrupt officials? A financial expert explains.

How did the “bundles of money” end up in the hands of corrupt officials? A financial expert explains.

2026-07-01

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Financial expert and former director at the Central Bank of Iraq, Mahmoud Dagher, confirmed on Wednesday that the arrival of new money packages (in both dinars and dollars) in the hands of corrupt individuals does not mean that there is an illegal channel within the Central Bank, attributing this to the natural cycle of cash movement between the Central Bank, banks, and their clients.

Dagher told Shafaq News Agency that the Central Bank provides banks with new banknotes, which in turn distribute Read more…

Deposits and credit declined in Iraqi banks during 2026

Deposits and credit declined in Iraqi banks during 2026

2026-06-29

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Data from the Central Bank of Iraq showed a decline in total deposits and credit in the banking sector during the first four months of 2026.

According to bank data seen by Shafaq News Agency, total deposits in the banking sector decreased during the first four months to 104.727 trillion dinars by the end of April 2026, compared to 111.065 trillion dinars at the end of 2025, a decrease of 6.338 trillion dinars.

According to the data, central government deposits decreased to Read more…

Iraq’s foreign reserves decline to $97.8 billion

Iraq’s foreign reserves decline to $97.8 billion

2026-06-28

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Central Bank of Iraq’s foreign reserves declined to $97.809 billion by the end of April 2026, while gold reserves amounted to 33.925 trillion dinars, according to Central Bank data.

Data from the Central Bank of Iraq, reviewed by Shafaq News Agency, showed that foreign reserves fell from $100.341 billion in March to $97.809 billion in April, while gold reserves declined slightly Read more…

Salmaniya Currency Market: Rumors behind dollar fluctuations… we expect it to decline this week

Salmaniya Currency Market: Rumors behind dollar fluctuations… we expect it to decline this week

2026-06-27

Shafaq News – Sulaymaniyah
The spokesman for the dollar market in Sulaymaniyah, Jabbar Goran, confirmed on Saturday that the fluctuation in the value of the Iraqi dinar against the dollar during the past few days was a result of the circulation of incorrect rumors, while he expected the exchange rate of the dinar to improve during the current week.

Goran told Shafaq News Agency that “the instability in the exchange rate of the dinar against the dollar was due to the spread of some inaccurate rumors, but the Central Bank of Iraq Read more…

Iraq reduces its dollar sales by 36% during the first five months of 2026

Iraq reduces its dollar sales by 36% during the first five months of 2026

2026-06-25

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Central Bank of Iraq’s sales of foreign currency declined by 36% during the first five months of 2026, reaching $22.531 billion, compared to $35.201 billion during the same period in 2025.

Data from the Central Bank of Iraq, reviewed by Shafaq News Agency, showed that the bank’s sales during the period from January to May 2026 were distributed as follows: Read more…