HANTOUSH: INTERNATIONAL FINANCING DIFFICULTIES AND EXCHANGE RATE CHALLENGES THREATEN THE STABILITY OF THE IRAQI ECONOMY
HANTOUSH: INTERNATIONAL FINANCING DIFFICULTIES AND EXCHANGE RATE CHALLENGES THREATEN THE STABILITY OF THE IRAQI ECONOMY
Economic and banking expert Mustafa Hantoush confirmed on Thursday that Iraqi companies and the private sector are facing significant difficulties in obtaining international loans to finance major projects due to Iraq’s low credit rating and the high costs of guarantees and interest rates on foreign loans.
Hantoush added, in a statement to Al-Maalouma, that “the Iraqi banking system is going through a difficult period, with the possibility of several banks exiting the market, which limits the ability of domestic financing to cover major projects.” He pointed out that “international financing depends heavily on sovereign guarantees provided by the state, which remain limited in Iraq.”
He noted that “the cost of external financing has risen significantly, with interest rates increasing from 5% to approximately 8-9% due to the risks associated with Iraq’s credit rating, placing additional burdens on Iraqi investors.”
Regarding the dollar exchange rate, which has reached 2,000 dinars, Hantoush affirmed that “Iraq is experiencing relative monetary stability, and the Central Bank has no intention of changing the exchange rate at present, despite speculation about the incoming government’s intentions in this regard.”
He warned that any “exchange rate adjustment without addressing the root causes of the country’s financial problems would be a half-measure, potentially leading to widespread negative consequences, including increased poverty rates and a decline in the value of salaries, thus exacerbating the suffering of large segments of the popula
He explained that “Iraq possesses substantial resources in the form of government assets estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars, in addition to vast tracts of land and real estate, but the weakness in combating corruption and activating tax collection hinders the effective utilization of these resources.”
He pointed out that “seriously confronting corruption and activating domestic revenues could reduce the need to adjust the exchange rate or resort to temporary solutions that could harm the economy and society.”
He also noted the existence of “huge amounts of cash held in homes, estimated at 70 to 80 trillion dinars, which have contributed to speculation in the real estate market and an unjustified rise in prices, necessitating a sound monetary policy to control the markets.” He concluded by emphasizing that “the continuation of the current situation without genuine reforms will lead to a deterioration of economic and social conditions, with increased poverty rates and greater pressure on salaries and market liquidity.”
FIREFLY & FRANK26: 💹 Iraq Dinar RV Update: JPMorgan Support & CBI Monetary Reforms in Motion
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article provides analysis and reporting based on publicly shared information. It is not financial advice. Readers should verify details and consult professional advisors before making investment decisions.
📰 Frank26 Boots-On-The-Ground Update
Timeframe: 15–17 days of continuous developments
Frank26 reports an intense period of activity at the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), with multiple key actors participating in what is being described as historic banking reform.
Highlights:
Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, publicly acknowledges supporting Iraq’s monetary reform.
Meetings with Iraq’s Prime Minister show JPMorgan’s willingness to provide expertise in banking modernization.
CBI oversight includes international organizations: US Treasury, BIS, WTO, IMF, all observing reform execution.
💡 Jamie Dimon Steps into the Spotlight
Previously, JPMorgan’s role in Iraqi banking reform was largely behind the scenes. Frank26 emphasizes:
“Jamie Dimon decided to come out of his spider hole and admit to the world what he's been doing with Iraq is helping them with their monetary reform.”
Key takeaways:
JPMorgan expertise is being used to strengthen Iraq’s banking system
Transparency is increasing, with public acknowledgment of international collaboration
Signals that monetary reform is moving from planning to execution
🏦 Central Bank of Iraq: Devalued Dinar Phase Ending
FIREFLY shares details from the CBI:
The 2020 dinar devaluation was a temporary economic fix for inflation control.
The devalued dinar phase is coming to a close.
New economic opportunities beyond oil are being deployed to strengthen the Iraqi dinar.
The CBI will pull the devalued dinar out of circulation in the near future.
This action is expected to increase the stability and value of the Iraqi dinar ahead of potential FOREX normalization.
🌊 Riding the Wave: Recent Momentum
Frank26 notes an extraordinary period over the past 2–3 weeks:
Al-Sudani openly bragged about reform progress
Ali Al-Alaq (CBI) confirmed ongoing execution of White Paper and banking reforms
President Saleh publicly acknowledged steps forward
International observers on-site at CBI’s 8th floor monitoring every stage
“15, 16, 17 days we've been riding a wave… Surfs up… We've been riding a wonderful experience.”
This suggests real-time operational progress, not just planning.
🔑 Key Takeaways
International Oversight: U.S. Treasury, IMF, WTO, and BIS actively monitoring Iraq’s reforms.
JPMorgan Support: Provides technical guidance and credibility.
Monetary Reform in Action: Devalued dinar will soon be withdrawn, and the Iraqi dinar will be strengthened.
Sustained Momentum: Government officials publicly acknowledging progress.
This combination of domestic execution and global oversight indicates serious steps toward RV readiness.
📌 Featured Snippet (Quick Summary)
Iraq’s Central Bank is executing monetary reforms with international oversight, JPMorgan support, and the planned withdrawal of the devalued dinar. Public acknowledgment by government officials indicates a historic wave of banking reform is underway.
❓ FAQ
Q1: Has JPMorgan officially joined Iraq’s monetary reform?
A1: Yes. CEO Jamie Dimon publicly confirmed JPMorgan’s advisory role.
Q2: Is the devalued dinar still in use?
A2: It is being phased out. The CBI plans to replace it to strengthen currency stability.
Q3: Are international organizations involved?
A3: Yes. IMF, BIS, WTO, and US Treasury are monitoring reforms on-site at the CBI.
🔗 References & Sources
Boots-on-the-ground report: Frank26
FIREFLY report on CBI monetary reform
Public statements from Jamie Dimon, Al-Sudani, Ali Al-Alaq, President Saleh
🚀 Hashtags
#IraqDinarRV #CBIReforms #JPMorgan #JamieDimon #DinarUpdate #MonetaryReform #ForexNormalization #WhitePaperIraq #IraqEconomy #RV2026
Frank26
[Iraq boots-on-the-ground report]
FIREFLY:On TV they are showing Jamie Dimon the CEO of JPMorgan Chase. Recently he had a meeting with Iraq's prime minister...He is supportive of Iraq's banking reform and is open to providing some help and expertise from JP Morgan's side.
FRANK: Jamie Dimon decided to come out of his spider hole and admit to the world what he's been doing with Iraq is helping them with their monetary reform? ...We already knew you have been helping the central bank of Iraq with the monetary reform for a very long time buddy...We knew you were lying to us... Now Jamie Dimon tell you employees to stop lying to us American citizens...
The CBI explained today how they devalued the dinar in 2020 as a quick fix to the economy and inflation...Economic opportunities other than oil to strengthen the dinar have been put in position...They said the stoppage of using the 'devalued dinar' they'll look towards their monetary reform and that action will strengthen the Iraqi dinar. The CBI is pulling out in the near future using the devalued dinar.