🔥 BREAKING: Iranian Influence in Iraq is Crumbling! 🇮🇷🚫🇮🇶 🔥
Walkingstick’s Iraqi banking friend Aki reports Iranian influence inside Iraq’s parliament and government is severely weakened — they’re in a state of depression. 😞⚡️
The controversial mobilization law in parliament is NOT a threat to the monetary process. ✔️
Iraq is now set to protect the USD and won’t allow Iran to abuse it anymore. 💵🛡️
This law doesn’t impact Iraq’s monetary reforms according to insiders. 🔄✅
Karmal Brokerage teams up with ZagTrader to launch an advanced electronic trading platform, approved by the Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX).
This partnership brings AI-driven tech, AML & e-KYC compliance, and full automation — set to boost transparency, efficiency, and investor confidence in Iraq’s market like never before!
⚠️💸 Borrowing from Iraq’s Central Bank Could Spark a Financial Crisis, Expert Warns! 🚨🇮🇶
🗣️ Samir Al-Nusairi sounds the alarm on Iraq’s risky fiscal strategy: borrowing from the Central Bank to cover rising budget deficits could destabilize the entire economy. Here’s what you need to know:
🔍 Key Highlights:
💰 Iraq's economy remains heavily oil-dependent, with oil making up 93% of revenues and nearly 60% of GDP.
📉 Falling oil prices + lack of income diversification = chronic budget deficits (especially in 2023–2025).
🏦 The government may again borrow from the Central Bank by rediscounting treasury bonds—despite owing 85 trillion IQD in domestic debt already!
📊 The projected 2025 oil revenue (~117 trillion IQD / $90.9B) is unlikely to be met, adding more deficit pressure.
🧯 The Central Bank’s objectives—controlling inflation (1–1.5%), managing money supply, and maintaining reserves ($104B + 167 tons of gold)—are at risk if more currency is issued.
📈 Borrowing could increase currency in circulation (already over 99 trillion IQD, 80% outside the banking system), triggering higher inflation and weakening foreign reserves.
📉 The budget deficit may exceed 63 trillion IQD, or 30% of GDP, while the legal cap is only 3% per Iraq’s Financial Management Law.
🔓 This puts the Central Bank’s independence in jeopardy, dragging it into political cycles and undermining its core mission: economic stability.
🧠 Final warning: Central banks are banks of stability — not ATMs for government overspending.
NADER FROM MID EAST: 🏦 Iraq’s Banking Reform: A Balanced, Inclusive Path to Financial Stability and Growth 🌍
🔑 Key Highlights:
🇮🇶 Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Soududini stresses the importance of a comprehensive banking reform aligned with Iraq’s economic realities.
📄 The reform plan, based on a Central Bank paper, aims to enhance transparency, improve financial stability, and boost sector efficiency.
🤝 Emphasis on a participatory, consultative process involving joint technical committees between the Central Bank and local banks to ensure reforms are practical and inclusive.
⚖️ The reform balances international banking standards with the unique economic and financial conditions of Iraq.
💼 Challenges highlighted include capital increase requirements for local banks and the costs of contracting foreign firms.
🛠️ A gradual, step-by-step implementation is planned to allow adaptation and minimize disruption.
🔔 Clear communication reassures the banking community that the reform aims to include all participants, building confidence and encouraging cooperation.
🔍
Key Insights:
🏛️ Strong Government Backing: The Prime Minister’s active support is vital to drive reforms forward and align stakeholders toward common goals.
📊 Financial Stability & Transparency: Modernizing the banking system to attract investment and reduce risks by increasing openness and efficiency.
🤝 Inclusive, Pragmatic Approach: Joint technical committees ensure reforms fit local capacities, fostering collaboration and realistic expectations.
⚙️ Customizing International Standards: Tailoring reforms to Iraq’s context prevents rigid impositions and supports sustainable sector growth.
💸 Addressing Real Challenges: Acknowledging capital and foreign partnership costs helps prevent negative impacts like bank closures or loss of competitiveness.
📈 Phased Implementation: Gradual rollout allows continuous adjustment and capacity building, reducing risks tied to abrupt changes.
🔔 Confidence Building: Messaging focused on inclusion helps maintain sector unity and morale, essential for reform success.