Latest news with #Iraqi-Canadian
Fintech News ME
15-07-2025
- Business
- Fintech News ME
Bahaa Abdul Hadi to Lead New MENA Fintech Association Chapter in Iraq
The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA), a not-for-profit organisation supporting fintech innovation across the Middle East and Africa, has launched its Iraq Chapter. Bahaa Abdul Hadi, an Iraqi-Canadian entrepreneur and fintech figure, has been appointed as Chapter Chair. He will lead efforts to advance digital financial services in Iraq and strengthen compliance with international standards. The launch comes amid a period of rapid change in Iraq's financial sector, driven by digital banking, mobile payments, and regulatory reform. The recent introduction of the Central Bank of Iraq's Digital Payment Regulation No. 2 of 2024 aims to reduce reliance on cash, improve transparency, and encourage broader use of digital payment systems. Supported by the Central Bank and the United Nations Development Programme, the regulation is part of wider efforts to modernise Iraq's financial infrastructure and expand access to financial services. Bahaa Abdul Hadi is known for co-founding International Smart Card (ISC) in 2009, the company behind Qi Card, a biometric payment solution that has played a central role in Iraq's digital payments landscape. Under his leadership, ISC has become a key player in promoting financial inclusion and delivering digital services across both public and private sectors. 'The future of Iraq is digital, and fintech is at the heart of this transformation,' said Abdul Hadi. 'Through the MFTA Iraq Chapter, we are creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation, collaboration, and financial empowerment. By working closely with regulators, financial institutions, and technology innovators, we aim to drive the adoption of secure and efficient digital payment solutions that serve the needs of the Iraqi people and businesses.' The MENA Fintech Association currently includes over 22,000 members across countries such as the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, and Ivory Coast. Its country chapters, including MFTA Bahrain, MFTA Saudi, MFTA Qatar, and MFTA Africa, engage with regulators and stakeholders to shape fintech policy and market development across the region. Nameer Khan, Chairman of the MENA Fintech Association, said: 'Iraq's fintech transformation is a pivotal step toward a digitally inclusive and resilient economy. The launch of MFTA Iraq is more than expansion, it is about positioning Iraq as a key player in the region's fintech evolution. With increasing digital adoption and regulatory progress, Iraq has an opportunity to leapfrog into a thriving fintech hub.' The MFTA Iraq Chapter is expected to release its 2025 roadmap in the coming weeks, outlining its priorities in regulatory development, digital banking, and inclusive finance.
Mid East Info
15-07-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
MENA Fintech Association Launches Iraq Chapter, Appoints Bahaa Abdul Hadi as Country Chair - Middle East Business News and Information
(DUBAI) — The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA), the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering fintech innovation and collaboration across the Middle East and Africa, today announced the launch of its Iraq Chapter. Mr. Bahaa Abdul Hadi, a distinguished Iraqi-Canadian entrepreneur and fintech pioneer, has been appointed as the Chapter Chair, bringing his extensive expertise and vision to drive digital financial transformation in Iraq and foster international compliance in Iraq. Bahaa Abdul Hadi will lead the association's initiatives in Iraq, focusing on accelerating fintech adoption, fostering collaboration, and supporting the country's evolving financial risk and compliance infrastructure. A Vision for a Digital Iraq Iraq's financial sector is witnessing a wave of transformation, driven by digital banking initiatives, mobile payments, and fintech innovation, and fueled by economic reforms, increasing financial inclusion, and rapid digital adoption. The introduction of the Digital Payment Regulation No.2 of 2024, aiming to reduce cash dependency, increase transparency, and drive greater adoption of digital payment tools, marks a significant leap towards a cashless economy. Backed by the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this regulation is designed to modernize Iraq's financial infrastructure, enhance financial inclusion, and align with international best practices. The total volume of digital transactions in Iraq surged from 2.6 trillion to 7.6 trillion Iraqi Dinars within a year, reflecting growing trust and adoption of digital finance. The launch of the MFTA Iraq Chapter comes at a pivotal time when the nation is embracing financial technology as a key enabler of economic stability and growth. With fintech investments on the rise, supported by regulatory advancements and a growing digital economy, Iraq is poised to emerge as a leading fintech hub in the region. Mr. Bahaa Abdul Hadi, a visionary leader and fintech advocate, has played a crucial role in shaping Iraq's digital financial sector. As the co-founder of International Smart Card (ISC) in 2009, he introduced flagship Qi Card, a pioneering biometric payment solution that transformed Iraq's financial landscape by offering secure and efficient digital transactions. Under his leadership, ISC has become a cornerstone of Iraq's fintech ecosystem, serving both public and private sector partners while driving financial inclusion for millions of Iraqis. 'The future of Iraq is digital, and fintech is at the heart of this transformation. Through the MFTA Iraq Chapter, we are creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation, collaboration, and financial empowerment,' said Bahaa Abdul Hadi, Chair of MFTA Iraq. 'By working closely with regulators, financial institutions, and technology innovators, we aim to drive the adoption of secure and efficient digital payment solutions that serve the needs of the Iraqi people and businesses.' The Role of MFTA Iraq With Iraq undergoing economic diversification and digital transformation, the MFTA Iraq Chapter will play a vital role in accelerating fintech collaboration through key initiatives: Promoting Innovation Strengthening Collaboration Enhancing Financial Literacy Supporting Regulatory Advancements Fintech for the Good With a community of 22,000+ members spanning the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, and Ivory Coast, MFTA is playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping digital banking policy, regulatory engagement, and market development. Through its dedicated country chapters – including MFTA BAHRAIN, MFTA SAUDI, MFTA QATAR, and MFTA AFRICA – MFTA ensures MENA's fintech ecosystem remains globally competitive and innovation-driven. The country chapter will unveil its 2025 roadmap in the coming weeks, detailing strategic initiatives focused on regulatory modernization, digital banking infrastructure development, and fintech for the good. Nameer Khan, Chairman of the MENA Fintech Association, said: 'Iraq's fintech transformation is a pivotal step toward a digitally inclusive and resilient economy. The launch of MFTA Iraq is more than expansion — it is about positioning Iraq as a key player in the region's fintech evolution. With increasing digital adoption and regulatory progress, Iraq has an opportunity to leapfrog into a thriving fintech hub.' 'MFTA Iraq, under the visionary stewardship of Bahaa Abdul Hadi, will drive regulatory dialogue, foster public-private partnerships, and embed fintech into Iraq's financial future. This is about economic empowerment, cross-border trade, and integrating Iraq into MENA's fintech landscape. MFTA is committed to ensuring fintech innovation in Iraq is recognized, scaled, and aligned with global financial trends', Nameer Khan added. The MFTA Iraq Chapter is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of financial services in Iraq. With a strong focus on digital innovation, regulatory collaboration, compliance and financial inclusion, the chapter aims to drive economic growth and position Iraq as a fintech powerhouse in the region.
Iraq Business
15-07-2025
- Business
- Iraq Business
MENA Fintech Association Launches Iraq Chapter
By John Lee. The MENA Fintech Association (MFTA) has launched its Iraq Chapter, according to a report from Arqam . It says it has appointed Iraqi-Canadian entrepreneur Bahaa Abdul Hadi, co-founder of International Smart Card (ISC) and architect of Iraq's Qi Card biometric payment solution, as the Chairperson. " The future of Iraq is digital, and fintech is at the heart of this transformation, " said Abdul Hadi. " Through the MFTA Iraq Chapter, we are creating an ecosystem that fosters innovation, collaboration, and financial empowerment. " More here. (Source: Arqam)
Cision Canada
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Rhythms of Canada Festival Returns for Two Days of Art, Music, Dance, and Celebration
One of Toronto's favourite summer festivals will bring global flavours and rhythms to the heart of the city in a two-day festival for all ages TORONTO, June 23, 2025 /CNW/ - On June 30 and July 1, 2025, the Aga Khan Museum and Aga Khan Park will come alive with Rhythms of Canada, a vibrant, site-wide summer festival. This year's programming focuses on celebrating the diverse artists, organizations, and cultural voices that shape Canada's creative landscape, with co-curated performances that reflect the city's rich pluralism and honour both traditional and contemporary expressions. Featuring an exciting lineup of live music, interactive family activities, delicious food, and engaging cultural experiences, the festival has quickly become one of Toronto's most popular. From Pakistan to Cuba, Ghana to Toronto, this year's free headlining performances will bring global rhythms to the Main Stage. The diverse lineup includes: Natasha Noorani – A genre-bending musician and music historian from Lahore, Pakistan, co-presented with Tawoos Initiative. Narcy – An Iraqi-Canadian artist, educator, and cultural producer based in Montréal. Persian Alchemy – A Toronto-based ensemble rooted in the Persian maqam tradition, co-presented with Small World Music. Jorge Betancourt and Café Cubano – One of Canada's first all-Cuban salsa bands, co-presented with Lula Music & Arts. KAYAM – A Canadian artist blending pop, Afrobeats, and R&B, with influences from East Africa, India, and the UK. Eagleheart Singers – A renowned Toronto-based drum group from the Moose Cree and Wikwemikong First Nations, sharing over 25 years of powerful performances rooted in song, ceremony, and community. Solara – A band formed by eight Humber College students as the culmination of the 2024 Intercultural and Creative Music Fellowship hosted in partnership with the Museum. Gye Nyame Band - A Ghanaian-Canadian highlife group combining traditional Ghanaian rhythms with contemporary Canadian influences, co-presented with Batuki Music Society. In addition to the headlining performances, the TD Pop-Up Performances Stage will showcase local talents, featuring the Toronto Klezmer Society, Achanté, Luis Anselmi, and a unique Tapestry Jam. On July 1, the Museum will host special Canada Day events, including: A live performance by The Band of The Royal Regiment of Canada at 12:30 pm. A Citizenship Ceremony hosted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada to welcome new Canadians. " Rhythms of Canada has become a cherished annual tradition at the Aga Khan Museum. It is one that truly embodies our pluralistic mandate," says Dr. Sascha Priewe, Director of Collections and Public Programs. "Year after year, this vibrant festival brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to dance, sing, and celebrate. It's a powerful reminder of the ability of the arts to bring communities together and bridge cultures, which lies at the very heart of what we do as a museum." Filled with immersive and engaging experiences for visitors of all ages, Rhythms of Canada will also include: Creative Workshops – Offered daily, where visitors can try water marbling, jewellery making, or clay tile design. (Paid registration is required.) Interactive Performances – Where visitors can learn new moves and rhythms in Bollywood dance, flamenco, African drumming, and more. Local Community Partners – Hands-on activations hosted by community partners, including the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Zoo, Ontario Science Centre, and the Bata Shoe Museum, where families can interact with their favourite heritage organizations. Free Museum Admission – Complimentary access to the Museum Collections Gallery, with reduced $10 admission to the current major exhibition, As the Sun Appears from Beyond: Twenty Years of the Al Burda Award. Delicious Food – A world of flavour from local food trucks and the Museum's on-site restaurant, Diwan. Family Activities – Fun for all ages, including arts and crafts, face painting, and outdoor games. To learn more about Rhythms of Canada programming, visit About the Aga Khan Museum The Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, has been established and developed by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), which is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Through permanent and temporary exhibitions, educational activities and performing arts, the Museum's mission is to spark wonder, curiosity, and understanding of Muslim cultures and their connection with other cultures through the arts. Designed by architect Fumihiko Maki, the Museum shares a 6.8-hectare site with Toronto's Ismaili Centre, which was designed by architect Charles Correa. The surrounding landscaped park was designed by landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic.
