"IRAQ UPDATE: Iraq has now positioned itself to engage more fully in international trade" BY GOLDILOCKS AND ANALYSIS OF ARIEL, 26 JUNE

  Breaking News

Iraq Update From

@Goldilocks

CFTC Announcement: "Washington, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission Open Meeting scheduled for Monday, June 24, 2024, was cancelled. The matters under consideration have been completed through the Commission’s seriatim process." Let's take a close look at what has been completed. * "Final capital and financial reporting comparability determinations and orders for certain nonbank swap dealers domiciled in Japan, Mexico, the European Union (limited to France and Germany), and the United Kingdom * Applications of ForecastEx LLC for Registration as a Derivatives Clearing Organization and a Designated Contract Market" The first item on the list above that was completed dealt with Cross-Border applications of Swaps Provisions. Capital and Financial reporting is being allowed by non-U.S. swap dealers and market participants (MSPs) that meet agreed upon standards with their home jurisdiction's regulations instead of the CFTC's. You can look at the list above of Nations that qualify. The reason for the above being so important is because of the following procedures. These swap execution facilities have to be registered to operate as derivatives clearing organization that will allow global access to foreign currency exchanges and other financial instruments of interest. The final item deals with designating contracts. Designated Contract Markets (DCMs) are exchanges that list trading futures or option contracts that are based on all types of commodities. And this, comes under the Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and their governance. Compliance Date: -Effective July 13, 2023. -Derivative Clearing Organizations DCOs must comply by July 12, 2024. (See Federal Register link below) The completion of these swap dealer compliance issues in the Forex Market comes at a time when Iraq has just completed their requirements on phase one of their economic reforms. Phase one is a completion of reforms that have now qualified Iraq for international trade. © Goldilocks ------------‐----------

ARIEL My Views Compliance Dates: July 13, 2023: Effective date for new rules. July 12, 2024: Deadline for DCOs to comply with these regulations. Cross-Border Applications of Swaps Provisions Capital and Financial Reporting: Non-U.S. swap dealers and major swap participants (MSPs) from Japan, Mexico, the European Union (specifically France and Germany), and the United Kingdom can use their home country’s regulatory standards for capital and financial reporting instead of the CFTC’s standards. Significance: It appears this harmonization allows for smoother international operations and reduces the regulatory burden on foreign entities, facilitating more robust cross-border trading and financial stability. By completing these reforms, Iraq has now positioned itself to engage more fully in international trade. This is crucial because it means Iraq’s financial and economic systems are now recognized as stable and reliable enough to participate in global markets. Global Financial Integration: The CFTC's decisions about capital and financial reporting standards for non-U.S. swap dealers, and the registration of new entities like ForecastEx LLC, are part of broader efforts to harmonize global financial regulations. This harmonization facilitates smoother and more secure cross-border transactions. Market Access: With the completion of phase one reforms, Iraq can now access global financial markets more efficiently. The standardized reporting and compliance frameworks make it easier for Iraqi financial institutions to interact with their counterparts in other countries. Foreign Investment: The reforms signal to international investors that Iraq is a stable and viable market. This can attract foreign direct investment, which is crucial for rebuilding and expanding Iraq's economy. Alignment with Global Standards: The July 2024 deadline is significant because it marks the point by which global financial entities, including those in Iraq, must comply with new international standards. Iraq’s reforms are designed to bring its financial practices in line with these global standards, facilitating smoother integration into the international market. Economic Reforms: Iraq has been implementing economic reforms to stabilize its economy and align with international standards. A new exchange rate could reflect these reforms and make Iraq more competitive in global markets. Global Integration: Adjusting the exchange rate could facilitate Iraq’s integration into the global financial system, making it easier for international trade and investment.