logo
Iraq's Al-Rafidain Bank warns against Crypto and Forex trading

Iraq's Al-Rafidain Bank warns against Crypto and Forex trading

Shafaq News28-02-2025

Shafaq News/ On Friday, Iraq's Al-Rafidain Bank warned customers against trading in digital currencies and Forex.
'In line with the Central Bank of Iraq's directives, we urge customers to refrain from using electronic payment tools, including cards and e-wallets, for cryptocurrency or Forex transactions, whether directly or on behalf of others,' the bank stated.
The bank underscored that engaging with unlicensed entities in these activities could result in fund losses or regulatory action.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Iraq announces Major Banking Sector Overhaul
Iraq announces Major Banking Sector Overhaul

Iraq Business

time13 hours ago

  • Iraq Business

Iraq announces Major Banking Sector Overhaul

By Padraig O'Hannelly. Iraq is embarking on a comprehensive restructuring of its banking sector with the assistance of leading international consultancy firms, according to Dr Salih Salman, Advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, speaking at the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) Spring Conference in London on Tuesday. The Iraqi government has appointed Ernst & Young to restructure six of the country's seven state-owned banks, including the Industrial Bank, Real Estate Bank, Rafidain Bank, and Rasheed Bank. The Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) has separately engaged K2i and KPMG to help restructure its internal and external operations to meet international standards. Dr Salman revealed that Rafidain Bank, Iraq's largest state-owned institution, will be reincarnated as the First Rafidain Bank with government participation reduced to less than 24 per cent. The remaining shares will be offered to private banks and international investors. The restructuring plan is expected to be finalised and approved by the Iraqi government by the end of the year. The private banking sector is also undergoing reform following a contract signed between the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) and Oliver Wyman. This two-to-three-year project will result in recommendations for private banks to either exit the sector, comply with international standards, or merge with other institutions. Iraq has made significant progress in electronic payment systems adoption, with financial inclusion rising from less than 10 percent in 2018-2019 to approximately 40 percent currently. The number of debit and credit cards has reached 60,000-70,000, whilst bank accounts have grown to 22-23 million. From June 2025, all government payments will be made electronically, with cash payments prohibited across government institutions. The Iraqi government has launched awareness campaigns to encourage public adoption of electronic payment systems, moving away from the traditional cash-based culture. The government has also introduced the Riyada programme, operated in partnership with the Central Bank of Iraq, to provide financing and training for small and medium enterprises. The initiative offers a registration platform where participants can access training and potential financing opportunities. Dr Salman emphasised that Iraq remains open to foreign investment and international consultancy services across all sectors, including legal, financial, accounting, auditing, and compliance services. The reforms aim to integrate Iraqi banks into the global financial system after decades of isolation due to sanctions and frozen assets. Since November 2022, all bank transfers in Iraq have been processed through a Central Bank platform in cooperation with the Federal Reserve of the United States, marking Iraq's re-entry into global financial systems. The country now works with approximately 30 overseas banks, though challenges remain in opening international banking relationships. The comprehensive banking reforms represent a significant shift towards international standards and greater private sector participation in Iraq's financial sector. (Picture credit: IBBC)

Trump announces new round of US-China trade talks
Trump announces new round of US-China trade talks

Shafaq News

time15 hours ago

  • Shafaq News

Trump announces new round of US-China trade talks

Shafaq News/ On Friday, US President Donald Trump announced that top American officials will meet with Chinese representatives for a new round of trade talks in London on June 9. Trump posted on Truth Social, that the US delegation will include Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer. 'The meeting should go very well,' he wrote. The announcement followed a rare phone call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which the two leaders addressed weeks of growing trade tensions, including disputes over critical mineral exports and tariff measures. Trump described the conversation as 'very positive,' reaffirming plans for continued talks. He had earlier acknowledged the challenges of securing a trade agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling the process 'extremely difficult,' as fresh tariffs on Chinese metal imports came into force. A fragile truce reached after the Geneva round in May, in which both countries agreed to temporarily lower tariffs—US duties dropped to 30% and China's to 10%—following earlier peaks of 145% and 125%, respectively. However, the temporary reductions are set to expire in early August. The US president recently accused Beijing of violating the pact, and US officials continue to cite delays in China's approval of critical mineral exports as a sticking point.

Following Shafaq Probe, Iraq orders global hunt for "forgotten" billions in state assets
Following Shafaq Probe, Iraq orders global hunt for "forgotten" billions in state assets

Shafaq News

time17 hours ago

  • Shafaq News

Following Shafaq Probe, Iraq orders global hunt for "forgotten" billions in state assets

Shafaq News/ The Iraqi Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to direct ambassadors, consuls, and diplomatic missions abroad to take concrete steps in identifying and reclaiming state-owned assets held overseas. The step came after Shafaq News investigation, citing senior diplomatic sources, revealed that Iraq owns at least 50 properties and investment ventures spread across Europe, Asia, and Africa. These include luxurious palaces, farms, banks, commercial offices, and key industrial facilities, many of which have remained unaccounted for since the fall of the previous regime. Committee member Mokhtar al-Mousawi told Shafaq News that Iraq possesses numerous properties and assets across various countries, all backed by official documentation. However, he stressed that these holdings require serious efforts to be formally registered under the Iraqi state once again. 'These assets include properties that were entrusted to individuals or registered under private names during the former regime. With the right diplomatic engagement, they can be recovered,' al-Mousawi stated. He urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to instruct Iraq's ambassadors and consuls to intensify their efforts to restore these properties—some of which are worth millions of dollars. According to al-Mousawi, notable examples include a large mosque in Australia, expansive tea plantations in Sri Lanka, and agricultural lands in Yemen. On domestic assets tied to the former regime, al-Mousawi noted that some seized properties in Baghdad's Green Zone are now being sold to current occupants at a rate of four million Iraqi dinars per square meter—a figure he criticized as undervaluing the strategic importance and location of these properties.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store