Attracting investors and limiting currency smuggling.. Specialist explains the importance of "digitizing" Iraqi banks, 18 AUGUST

 Financial and economic expert Nawar Al-Saadi revealed, today, Friday (August 16, 2024), the importance of the benefits of "digitizing" financial transactions for Iraqi banks, while pointing out that digitization can enhance financial inclusion by attracting users who do not deal with traditional banks by providing easy-to-access and easy-to-use services.

Al-Saadi told Baghdad Today that “digitizing financial transactions in Iraqi banks can provide significant benefits, especially in terms of reducing currency smuggling,” indicating that “by adopting digital systems, banks can track all financial transfers with greater accuracy and transparency. This means that each transaction is automatically recorded and saved in a central database that can be reviewed at any time. This allows the relevant authorities to monitor and quickly detect suspicious financial activities, making it difficult for smugglers to exploit the financial system to smuggle currencies.”

“Digitizing the banking system contributes to reducing money laundering cases, as these operations usually depend on exploiting loopholes in traditional systems, but with an advanced digital system, these operations become more complex. Digitization also allows the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence to analyze patterns in banking data and identify any abnormal or suspicious transactions,” he added, stressing that “this helps prevent money laundering by early identification of unusual activities and reporting them to the competent authorities. ”

Al-Saadi explained that “to implement this digital transformation in Iraq, there is a need for investments in technological infrastructure and developing the institutional capabilities of banks,” noting that “this requires providing modern technology, training employees to use it effectively, in addition to developing legislation and laws that protect users and encourage digital transactions. It is also important to enhance customer awareness of the benefits of digital transactions and build their confidence in the new systems.”

He stressed that “digitization in banks contributes to achieving more transparency and credibility in the financial system, as each transaction can be easily tracked and reviewed. It also improves the operational efficiency of banks by completing transactions faster and at a lower cost. In terms of security, digitization provides higher levels of protection against fraud and theft through advanced encryption technologies.”

The financial and economic expert concluded by saying, “Digitization can enhance financial inclusion by attracting users who do not deal with traditional banks by providing easy-to-access and easy-to-use services. Digitizing financial transactions in Iraqi banks also has great potential to enhance economic stability and reduce the risks associated with money laundering and currency smuggling, leading to a safer and more efficient financial system.”  link