International Finance Corporation: Central Bank of Iraq measures are leading banks to finance development projects
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) confirmed on Thursday that the Central Bank's measures are leading banks to finance development projects, while calling for the creation of a market for syndicated bank loans in Iraq.
Bilal Al-Saghir, the resident representative of the International Finance Corporation, said during his participation in the (Iraq Development Platform), which was attended by a correspondent from the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “The measures taken by the Central Bank of Iraq are leading the banking system to carry out the process of financing development projects, including energy projects of all kinds, but there are a set of limitations that frame the work of local banks operating in Iraq.”
He added that "there are two main links, the first is the financing of energy projects, which is a large-scale financing process, and therefore may conflict with the rules of credit concentration. The second link is the required financing periods, which exceed the ability of any bank to provide them, as the financing operations exceed 10 years and more, and therefore this conflicts with the scale of bank maturities."
He added that "the banking system has a major role in financing energy projects," calling for "the creation of a market for syndicated bank loans to combine their capabilities to provide the required financing amounts and terms."
He continued: "The other aspect relates to activating the capital sector in Iraq," referring to "green,
regular, or blue bond operations, or green and blue sukuk, meaning the capital market."
He explained that "international financing institutions provide ample room for partnership with local banking institutions to provide financing operations in the required sizes because they are not bound by the controls imposed on banks."
He called for "a full partnership between the Iraqi banking sector and international financing institutions to participate in providing the required financing, which is of large volumes," noting that "the call for participation between local institutions and the relevant international financial institutions comes to provide the required financing, as our need to implement energy projects of all kinds is an urgent need." link
Please consider everything on this call as MarkZ’s opinion only. Those who take notes may miss context — it is always best to watch the full video. Always consult a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions.
🌅 Morning Call Sentiment: Optimism Mixed With Frustration
As January comes to a close, community members expressed both anticipation and fatigue:
“Only two days left in January…”
“Wasn’t the GCR supposed to be easier at the beginning of the year?”
“Guess they have to do it the hard way.”
Many voiced growing frustration toward Iraq, calling for decisive action in the RV process.
🌍 Iran: The Key Domino?
One recurring theme dominated the discussion:
“Nothing happens without Iranian submission.”
MarkZ responded clearly:
“I am not convinced we need the Clarity Act to pass first… but I agree about Iran.”
Iran remains a central geopolitical lever, influencing:
Sanctions
Energy markets
Regional stability
Global financial timing
🔒 Bonds Go Quiet — Again
One of the strongest signals came from bond-side silence:
“I have a bond contact that would not give me an update on their bonds this week.”
However, that same contact shared something critical:
“They were told the Iranian issue would come to a head this weekend… an enormous weekend in the Middle East.”
Historically, silence often precedes movement, especially when NDAs are involved.
💱 “Currencies Should Start Next Week”
MarkZ added the line that caught everyone’s attention:
“Currencies should start next week. That is what they were told.”
Why this matters:
Many bond holders also hold currencies
MarkZ has long stated bonds move before currency
Silence on bonds + talk of currency = possible transition phase
Still, MarkZ cautioned:
“We have heard some very grandiose things in the past.”
Hopeful — but grounded.
🇮🇷 Iranian Rial Collapse Signals Pressure
A major data point shared during the call:
1.67 million Iranian rials = 1 USD
Approximate 16% loss in value
Currency collapse often forces political and economic decisions, increasing pressure for resolution.
🇮🇶 Iraq: Pressure, Drama, and Corruption Exposure
MarkZ addressed escalating tension in Iraq:
Claims of U.S. interference in PM selection
Rising influence concerns tied to Iran
Public exposure of corruption documents
Officials potentially fleeing accountability
“Do not let it panic you.”
Pressure is mounting — and stakes are high.
🇻🇪 Venezuela Signals a Historic Energy Reset
Another major development:
“Venezuela signals a historic energy reset as oil laws open to foreign capital.”
On-the-ground reports suggest:
Foreign companies returning
Infrastructure projects restarting
Pipelines under development
This strengthens speculation about a Bolivar value change and inclusion in an early currency basket.
🧠 Key Takeaways
✅ Iran remains a critical trigger
✅ Bond silence may indicate NDA or execution phase
✅ Currency movement discussed for next week
✅ Iraq under intense geopolitical and corruption pressure
✅ Venezuela showing real economic restructuring
⚠️ Optimism balanced with caution
⭐ Featured Snippet (Google Optimized)
Why are bond contacts suddenly silent? According to MarkZ via PDK, bond contacts refusing to comment may indicate an execution or NDA phase, which historically precedes currency movement.
❓ Q&A – Community Questions Answered
❓ Does the Clarity Act need to pass first?
MarkZ is not convinced, though Iran remains essential.
❓ Why is Iran so important?
Iran impacts sanctions, oil markets, regional stability, and financial timing.
❓ Does bond silence mean movement?
Historically, yes — but it is not guaranteed.
❓ Is next week certain?
No. Encouraging signals exist, but nothing is official until it happens.
⚠️ Final Thoughts
This update reflects a compressed timeline, heavy geopolitical pressure, and unusual silence where noise once existed. While hope remains alive, discernment is essential.
As one member wisely said:
“We are one day closer to our blessing. Stay strong. Keep the faith.”
MarkZ Disclaimer: Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and its best to watch the video so that you get everything in context. Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions
Member: Good Morning Mark, Mods and RV’ers
Member: Only 2 days left in January. Wasn't GCR supposed to be easier at first of year due to balancing the books?
Member: Guess they have to do it the hard way.
Member: Iraq needs to step up or step out on the rv process !!
Member: IMO-Nothing happens without Iranian submission.. also clarity act must pass!!
MZ: I am not convinced we need clarity act to pass first…..but agree about Iran.
MZ: I have a bond contact that would not give me an update on their bonds this week. But he said what they were told the Iranian issue would come to a head and a determination this weekend and it would be an enormous weekend in the middle east
MZ: And CURRENCIES should start next week. That is what they were told. Many bond holders also hold currencies.
Member: Wow- great news. Hope its true.
MZ: Let us hope it is accurate, but we have heard some very grandiose things in the past. I found it interesting that they would not comment on their bond side…..(I always said bonds would go before currency-right?) So for them to say it looks like they will be exchanging currencies next week….makes me hopeful.
Member: Whoa sounds like they were keeping a possible NDA on bonds with potential movement for the rest of us
Member: Any CMKM info? Indian Claims farmer claims moving. Last we heard was 2 weeks ago on Indian Nations
Member: The Iranian currency opened trading this morning with another significant collapse and is traded at the following rate:1.67 million Iranian rials per one US dollar. The currency has lost about 16%
MZ: In Iraq the craziness continues: “ Framework MP-US interference in the selection of the PM is a blatent infringement on sovereignty” A lot of drama going on….do not let it panic you.
MZ: I believe we will see this come to a completion this week with something else coming to a completion over the weekend. We will see if I am right and my sources are right?
MZ: “Trump threatens to end Iraq support over Al Maliki comeback bid tied to Iranian influence” This even made Fox news. Iraq is under pressure. A lot is at stake.
MZ: “The end of corruption is approaching- Savaya opens forbidden documents” He says they will hold people accountable. They are releasing those documents to the public and we may see a lot of chaos happening and corrupt officials running.
Member: I find it humorous that the US politicians cry Iraq corruption when we are ate up with corruption.
MZ: “ Venezuela signals a Historic Energy Reset as oil laws open to foreign capital” On the ground reports are talking about the changes they are already seeing outside companies working on pipelines and infrastructure. This is great for Venezuela and the possibility of a value change.
Member: It sounds like the Venezuelan Bolivar just may be in the first basket after all!
Member: Silver just hit $111 an oz.!!!
Member: Possible US Government shut down this weekend. Maybe a reset would help bypass that?
Member: IMO- many events to happen soon be prepared
Member: We are one day closer to our Blessing. Stay strong. Keep the Faith.
Ministry of Planning: The World Bank is proceeding with opening a dedicated office in Baghdad.
The Ministry of Planning confirmed that the World Bank is proceeding with opening a special office in Baghdad, in a move that reflects the bank's support for the Iraqi government, noting that Iraq has taken excellent steps in terms of reforms, while the bank expressed its readiness to provide greater support in areas of joint cooperation.
A statement from the ministry, a copy of which was received by Al-Furat News, stated that: “This came during a joint meeting with the World Bank team to discuss new projects in the current year’s budget 2026, within the framework of strengthening joint development cooperation between the two sides, in the presence of the World Bank’s Regional Director for the Middle East, Jean-Christophe Carré.”
Undersecretary for Technical Affairs Maher Hammad Johan said, “This meeting is an important step to frame the future relationship, whether at the level of the government or sectoral institutions, with the World Bank,” explaining that “the new projects were prepared in coordination with the various government institutions and ministries, especially the Ministry of Finance, in addition to the Prime Minister’s Office.”
He added, "The meeting was fruitful, during which the extent to which the Iraqi government can prepare its commitments to move forward under the umbrella of joint work with the World Bank was discussed, as well as which sectors will be targeted and the time limits for those projects." He explained that "higher authorities will be addressed regarding what the World Bank will provide in order to benefit from it in organizing priorities before proceeding with the new budget law."
Johan noted that "the World Bank is proceeding with opening a special office in Baghdad, which confirms the bank's support for the government, given that Iraq has taken excellent steps, and that they are ready to provide greater support in the field of joint cooperation with Iraq." link
In a new and intriguing update, MarkZ [via PDK] shared critical insights regarding currency exchanges, bond activity, and escalating geopolitical developments in the Middle East. While cautious optimism remains the tone, several statements stand out as potentially significant for currency holders worldwide.
Let’s break down what was said, why it matters, and what could happen next.
💱 Same Exchange Rates Across All Banks?
According to MarkZ:
“It doesn’t matter who you exchange with. I am told the rates will be the same no matter which bank.”
This aligns with long-standing expectations that official exchange rates will be standardized across participating banks, eliminating rate-shopping concerns.
🏦 Then Why Choose One Bank Over Another?
MarkZ clarified that while rates may be identical:
📌 Bottom line: The rate stays the same — the experience may differ.
🔒 Bonds Go Quiet… and That’s Notable
One of the most compelling parts of this update is the silence from bond contacts.
“I have a bond contact that would not give me an update on their bonds this week.”
Historically, lack of commentary often precedes execution phases. MarkZ himself has repeatedly stated:
“Bonds would go before currency.”
So when bond insiders suddenly stop talking, it raises eyebrows — in a good way.
🌍 Middle East Tensions Reaching a Head?
The same bond contact added something even more striking:
“The Iranian issue would come to a head and a determination this weekend… it would be an enormous weekend in the Middle East.”
Geopolitical resolutions often act as triggers for financial resets, especially when tied to:
Sanctions
Energy markets
International settlements
Currency realignments
💥 Currencies Could Move as Early as Next Week?
Perhaps the most hopeful line of the entire update:
“Currencies should start next week.”
Many bond holders are also currency holders. If bonds are indeed moving first — and currency exchange follows — this timeline aligns with long-held expectations.
That said, MarkZ adds a crucial reminder:
“We have heard some very grandiose things in the past.”
Hopeful, yes. Guaranteed? No.
🧠 Why This Update Matters
Key Takeaways:
✅ Same exchange rates across all banks
✅ Perks may differ by institution
✅ Bond silence may indicate imminent movement
✅ Middle East developments could be a catalyst
✅ Currencies potentially moving next week
⭐ Featured Snippet (Google Optimized)
Will all banks offer the same currency exchange rate? Yes. According to MarkZ via PDK, exchange rates will be standardized across banks, though additional perks and services may vary by institution.
❓ Q&A –
Common Questions Answered
❓ Will I get a better rate at a specific bank?
No. Rates are expected to be identical across all banks. The difference lies in services, not numbers.
❓ Why are bond contacts suddenly silent?
Historically, silence often precedes execution phases. Many believe bond settlements occur before currency exchanges.
❓ Is the Middle East situation really that important?
Yes. Geopolitical resolutions, especially involving Iran, can directly impact global financial systems and currency timing.
❓ Is next week guaranteed?
No. While the signals are encouraging, nothing is official until it happens.
⚠️ Final Thoughts
This update from MarkZ [via PDK] strikes a familiar balance: measured optimism with grounded caution. The convergence of bond silence, geopolitical pressure, and standardized banking readiness makes this moment worth watching closely.
it doesn’t matter who you exchange with. I am told the rates will be same no matter which bank. But some banks might give you different bells and whistles (perks). That is what I was told.
I have a bond contact that would not give me an update on their bonds this week. But he said what they were told the Iranian issue would come to a head and a determination this weekend and it would be an enormous weekend in the middle east...And CURRENCIES should start next week. That is what they were told. Many bond holders also hold currencies. Let us hope it is accurate, but we have heard some very grandiose things in the past. I found it interesting that they would not comment on their bond side…. (I always said bonds would go before currency-right?) So for them to say it looks like they will be exchanging currencies next week…makes me hopeful.