Iraq Economic News and Points to Ponder Thursday Evening 2-27-25

Iraqi-Swiss Agreement To Prevent Double Taxation And Enhance Economic Cooperation

The Ministry of Finance announced today, Thursday, the signing of an agreement with Switzerland aimed at preventing double taxation and evasion of income and capital taxes, in order to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.

The ministry stated in a statement that Iraq and the Swiss Confederation initialed the agreement on Wednesday, February 26, where the Iraqi side in the negotiations was headed by Mohammed Hamza Mustafa, Director General of the Legal Department and Acting Director General of the General Tax Authority, with the participation of a number of officials, financial and legal experts, and a representative of the Iraqi Fund for External Development.

The ministry stressed that the agreement aims to create an attractive investment environment by reducing the tax burdens on Swiss companies and investors, which contributes to strengthening trade and economic relations between the two countries. It also indicated that the Swiss Confederation is one of the advanced countries in the field of tax collection, and cooperation with it would attract Swiss capital, which represents one of the most important investments in the Middle East region, to support the development process in Iraq.   https://www.radionawa.com/all-detail.aspx?jimare=41277

Crude Oil Prices Stabilize 

Time: 2025/02/27 08:12:42 Read: 1,665 times   {Economic: Al Furat News} Oil prices stabilized near their lowest closing level this year, amid US President Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs and a range of supply-related issues.

WTI crude traded below $69 a barrel after losing nearly 3% in the previous two sessions, while Brent crude held above $72.

Trump said the planned tariffs on Mexico and Canada “are not going to stop,” but did not specify when they would be implemented. He also indicated that imposing tariffs on the European Union was still under consideration.

Record monthly losses

Oil looks set for its biggest monthly loss since September as rising trade tensions between the United States and its trading partners weigh on the economic outlook.

That concern has overshadowed the potential impact of tightening sanctions on Iran, which Trafigura Group identified as the biggest upside risk to prices, as well as the possibility that the OPEC+ alliance will delay restoring shut-in production again.

Supply issues: From Venezuela to Iraq

On the supply front, Trump said he plans to revoke Chevron Corp.’s license to operate in Venezuela, threatening the country’s economic recovery.

In the Middle East, Iraq announced that it had reached an agreement with the Kurdistan Region to resume crude oil exports, but did not specify a time frame for implementation. LINK

Gold Prices Decline Slightly As The Dollar And US Bond Yields Rise

Thursday 27 February 2025 11:45 | Economic Number of readings: 196  Baghdad / NINA / Gold prices fell on Thursday, under pressure from the rise in the dollar and US Treasury yields, while investors are awaiting an important report on inflation to assess the path of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy.

Spot gold prices fell by 0.1 percent to $2912.94 per ounce, while US gold futures fell by 0.1 percent to $2927.20.

In contrast, the dollar index rose by 0.2 percent, moving away from its lowest levels in 11 weeks, and US 10-year Treasury yields recovered from their previous losses.

As for other metals, silver stabilized at $31.84 per ounce, while platinum fell by 0.1 percent to $964.95, and palladium fell by 0.1 percent to $926.03 https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1189078

Slight Decrease In Dollar Prices In Baghdad

Stock Exchange  Economy News – Baghdad  The exchange rate of the US dollar against the Iraqi dinar fell slightly in Baghdad markets on Thursday.

The dollar prices witnessed a decline in the two main stock exchanges in Baghdad, Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya, to record 148,850 dinars for every 100 dollars, while yesterday morning, Wednesday, it recorded 148,900 dinars for every 100 dollars.

Selling prices in exchange shops in local markets in Baghdad recorded stability, as the selling price reached 150,000 dinars for 100 dollars, while the purchase price reached 148,000 dinars for 100 dollars.
https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=53021

For current and reliable Iraqi news please visit:  https://www.bondladyscorner.com/

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Thursday Evening 2-27-25

Good Evening Dinar Recaps,

SOCIAL SECURITY UPDATE: LAWMAKERS' NEW PLAN WOULD EXPAND BENEFITS BY $2,400

Some members of Congress are pushing for a new law that would expand Social Security benefits by $2,400 annually.

The bill, the Social Security Expansion Act, would also ensure the program is funded for the next 75 years by applying a payroll tax on higher-income workers.

Why It Matters

Social Security faces a funding crisis that could see the Social Security Administration run out of money for full payments by the mid-2030s.

Millions of Americans rely on the program to fund the bulk of their retirement, but seniors have complained in recent years that the benefits' cost-of-living adjustment doesn't adequately reflect inflation.

Across the board, seniors are facing higher costs for groceries, housing and health care.

What To Know

Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Democrat from Massachusetts, and Democratic Representatives Jan Schakowsky of Illinois and Val Hoyle of Oregon introduced the bill on Thursday in an attempt to increase benefits for millions of Americans.

The act calls for Social Security benefits to rise by $2,400 per year and would be fully funded for the next 75 years through application of a payroll tax on all income above $250,000.

That means only 9 percent or less of American households would see taxes increase in order to fund the higher benefit amount and ensure funds for the next 75 years.

At the moment, nine other Democratic senators and 17 House members have cosponsored the bill.

Before Social Security was created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s, around half of all seniors lived in poverty. Today, the senior poverty rate is down to 9.7 percent, thanks in large part to Social Security payments, according to the lawmakers.

The average Social Security payment is $1,838 per month, with nearly 40 percent of seniors relying on it for a majority of their income. One in seven count on it for more than 90 percent of their income.

@ Newshounds News™

Read more:  MSM

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TREASURY’S NEW CRYPTO COUNSELOR ADVOCATES FOR SWIFT STABLECOIN LEGISLATION

Tyler Williams, newly appointed crypto counselor to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, has announced his focus on helping Congress develop appropriate stablecoin legislation as the US accelerates crypto regulation efforts.

▪Williams emphasizes creating clear legal guidelines for stablecoins to boost industry confidence and ensure consistent regulatory approaches across jurisdictions.

▪The Treasury Department's decision to hire Williams signals willingness to responsibly integrate crypto into the mainstream financial system.

▪Bipartisan support continues building with the FIT21 bill passing the House in May 2024 and Senator Hagerty's GENIUS Act seeking to place dollar-pegged tokens under Federal Reserve oversight.

Tyler Williams recently got appointed as the crypto counselor to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. However, he has revealed that his first line of actions in this new role will include helping Congress to get stablecoin legislations exactly where they need to be.

Williams’ comment came during a private digital assets event that was recently held in Washington, D.C. This is, as the US accelerates its efforts to regulate a crypto sector that continues to grow at such a remarkable rate.

Tyler Williams Hammers on Unified Regulatory Framework

According to Williams, there is an urgent need for a concerted effort towards creating clear legal guidelines and regulatory environment for stablecoins. He noted that this would not only boost the industry’s confidence but also ensure that both state and federal regulators operate under a consistent framework.
This way, there is a uniform approach to the issuance and oversight of stablecoins that cut across various jurisdictions.

Williams, who previously served as a regulatory lawyer for Galaxy Digital, has also shared his optimism for the times ahead. He believes that the Treasury Department’s decision to hire him already proves that the US is more than willing to introduce crypto into the mainstream financial system, but in a responsible manner.

Bipartisan Momentum in Congress

Speaking at the same event, Representative Bryan Steil, a Wisconsin Republican and chair of the House Financial Services Committee’s digital assets subcommittee, appeared to share the same optimism as Williams. The lawmaker noted that the legislative push for stablecoin regulation has gained serious momentum and bipartisan support.

Despite the notable bipartisan backing that saw the FIT21 pass the House in May 2024, however, Steil insists that the US still needs to “outcompete the rest of the world” in its support of digital assets. That is, if the nation wants to sustain this legislative momentum and see it grow, Steil added.

Interestingly, efforts are also ongoing in the Senate to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for stablecoins. In early February, Senator Bill Hagerty introduced the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins of 2025 Act (GENIUS Act).

This legislation aims to bring US dollar-pegged crypto tokens under Federal Reserve rules. It also seeks to clearly define the roles of federal and state authorities in overseeing stablecoin issuers.

The bill has been hailed as addressing a key challenge that has previously hindered regulatory clarity, especially for stablecoins.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinSpeaker

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The Global Financial System is Broken

The Global Financial System is Broken

WTFinance:  2-26-2025

The WTFinance podcast recently welcomed back Larry Lepard, Managing Partner of Equity Management Associates, a veteran investment manager with over 40 years of experience and a staunch advocate for sound money.

 Lepard is also the author of the newly released book, “The Big Print: What Happened To America And How Sound Money Will Fix It,” and the discussion delved deep into the issues facing the American economy and the potential solutions he proposes.

The conversation spanned a wide range of critical topics, starting with Lepard’s central thesis: What exactly happened to America? 

He points to the increasing financialization of the country as a primary driver of the current problems. This means a shift away from productive industries and towards complex financial instruments, leading to instability and ultimately, a detachment from the real economy.

A key question raised was: How long can this system survive? Lepard doesn’t paint a rosy picture, suggesting that the current trajectory is unsustainable. He pinpoints interest as a core issue, arguing that artificially low interest rates have fueled malinvestment and distorted the market signals necessary for a healthy economy.

He also expressed concerns about the potential of losing control of the bond market, which could trigger a significant financial crisis.

Given his advocacy for sound money, the conversation naturally turned to precious metals. Lepard remains bullish on Gold, viewing it as a hedge against inflation and a store of value in uncertain times.

He also discussed his intriguing perspective on Bitcoin, explaining his rationale for its potential as a valuable asset. He even speculated on the possibility of sovereigns buying Bitcoin, a development that could significantly impact the cryptocurrency’s long-term value.

The podcast further explored conventional economic wisdom, questioning the commonly held belief that the constant growth of the money supply is necessary for economic growth. Lepard challenges this notion, arguing that it ultimately leads to inflation and erodes the purchasing power of the currency.

In a more unconventional tangent, the discussion even touched upon the meme cryptocurrency D.O.G.E. (Dogecoin) and the possibility of it somehow playing a role in a potential system reset.

While seemingly a lighthearted moment, it highlighted the growing distrust in traditional financial institutions and the search for alternative solutions, however unconventional they may seem.

Lepard also addressed the growing concentration of wealth in the hands of a few, a consequence of the financialized system he criticizes. This disparity, he argues, further exacerbates the existing problems and contributes to social and economic instability.

Despite the bleak outlook, Lepard offered a glimmer of hope, outlining a potential positive outcome.

He believes that a return to sound money principles, coupled with a focus on productive industries and responsible fiscal policies, can steer America back towards a more stable and prosperous future.

Ultimately, the podcast concluded with a call to action. Lepard’s one message to takeaway is a plea for individuals to educate themselves on the principles of sound money and to demand responsible governance from their elected officials.

 He believes that informed citizens are the key to driving the necessary changes and ensuring a more sustainable future for the American economy.

https://youtu.be/MbpR1VQO6-E

Iraq Economic News and Points to Ponder Thursday Afternoon 2-27-25

UN Commends Iraq's Efforts In Combating Corruption And Money Laundering

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has praised Iraq's efforts in combating money laundering and organized crime, commending the Ministry of Interior's plans and actions to combat various types of crimes.

The director of the office in Iraq, Ali Al-Barir, said in a statement to the official newspaper that "there are many types of organized crime, such as drugs, terrorism, money laundering, corruption, and human trafficking," praising the measures taken by the Ministry of Interior, including the restructuring of its directorates specialized in combating drugs and organized crime.

He added that "Iraq received an American award last year in recognition of its efforts in combating human and drug trafficking, thanks to the high rate of interception and confiscation."

Al-Barir stressed that Iraq is making great efforts to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, noting that the continuation of these efforts will have a positive impact, and that the UN office will continue to support them.  https://www.radionawa.com/all-detail.aspx?jimare=41279

The Future Begins Now With The Transition To Comprehensive Digital Transformation

Samir Al-Nusairi   With steady steps, the Central Bank continues to implement the banking reform strategy, one of the main objectives of which is to achieve digital transformation in the banking sector, which the Central Bank began in 2016 with clear stages included in its first, second and third strategies.

During the past two years, cooperation between the Central Bank and the government, with the personal support and follow-up of the Prime Minister and the chairmanship of the Digital Transformation Committee, was an essential step to activate and accelerate the transformation to digital government and the transition from a cash economy to a digital economy,

focusing on developing payments within Iraq and using technology to improve financial inclusion, developing information technology, establishing digital banks, using artificial intelligence in banking services, and using modern technologies in loans, compliance, risk management, combating money laundering and terrorist financing, and combating banking fraud.

The results during 2023 and 2024 recorded a qualitative leap in the volume of transactions in electronic payment operations and the use of modern banking technologies, as the rate of digital transformation and electronic payment rose to 48.5% compared to 20% in the past years.

This is an indicator that confirms the success of the plans and procedures adopted to achieve a major transformation with a distinguished national effort for digital transformation and electronic payment.

This joint effort by the cadres of the Central Bank, the government, banks and electronic payment companies has clearly contributed to possessing an advanced infrastructure to implement and accommodate electronic payment tools and various financial services.

The banking reform has now entered the phase of transformation to digital banks, and the Central Bank is currently examining and auditing about 70 requests to license new digital banks according to the precise controls and conditions adopted by the Central Bank.

This constitutes a real and promising start for technical banking development in Iraq to bridge the technical gap with the countries of the world in this field. This facilitates the provision of smart banking services, reduces the chances of fraud and corruption, and provides important data on the nature of transactions, their control, and compliance.

Therefore, digital banks are a new stage of digital transformation and banking reform. We hope that the Central Bank will soon take the first step by licensing digital banks that show the results of the examination, audit and study that they are committed to the applicable controls and conditions.

In this context, and in confirmation of the Central Bank's strategy for digital transformation for the next two years, His Excellency the Governor of the Central Bank confirmed yesterday that the future of digital transformation in Iraq begins now and that the current stage is witnessing a major development in the electronic payment system by increasing the number of ATMs,

which exceeded 4,000 ATMs, the number of electronic cards issued exceeded 17 million cards, and the number of POS devices is about 63,000 devices.

The number of credit wallets has also increased, and the financial inclusion rate has increased to 40% after it was 20% two years ago. Iraqi banks are today witnessing qualitative transformations in their banking operations, especially with regard to future banks that will transform from traditional entities to smart digital platforms and issue digital financial identities that facilitate financial transactions without the need for banks.

The financial and banking system will witness the decline of paper currencies to be replaced by digital payments for central banks, and that the Central Bank is moving to create its own digital currency, to gradually replace the paper process as is happening in some central banks in the world,

as well as working to establish a data center in Iraq similar to the major centers in the world, as it is an indispensable part of the digital economy and the basis for artificial intelligence, applications, big data analysis and the Internet, and that the Central Bank of Iraq has begun steps in this direction. https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=53022

Governor Of The Central Bank Of Iraq: We Are Working To Launch An Iraqi Digital Currency
 
February 26, 2025   Baghdad/ Iraq Observer  The Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al -Alaq, revealed today, Wednesday, the
establishment of a digital currency of the Central Bank to gradually replace the paper process.

"The financial and banking system will witness fundamental transformations, including the decline of paper currencies to be replaced by digital payments for central banks."

 He added, "The central bank is moving to create a bank's digital currency to gradually replace the paper process, as is taking place in some central banks in the world." Al -Alaq stressed, "We are seriously thinking about establishing a data center in Iraq and the bank, starting to move on this issue within the steps of digital transformation."    https://observeriraq.net/محافظ-البنك-المركزي-العراقي-نعمل-على-إ/   

Iraq Agrees With Emirates Islamic Bank To Provide Payment Services In Dirhams

Banks   Economy News – Baghdad   The Central Bank of Iraq announced, on Thursday, the signing of a banking agreement with Emirates Islamic Bank to exchange national expertise in the field of Islamic banking.

The Central Bank said in a statement received by "Al-Eqtisad News" that it signed "a banking agreement with Emirates Islamic Bank, which is considered one of the highest-rated Islamic banks, and its rating is (A+) according to the international Fitch agency."

He added that "thus, Emirates Islamic Bank is a distinctive addition to the banking relations that the Central Bank of Iraq has established with advanced regional and international banks in recent years."

He stressed that "the agreement includes joint cooperation on several axes, the most important of which is the axis of exchanging expertise in the field of developing the Islamic banking sector and providing payment services in the UAE dirham currency to Iraqi banks and expanding their correspondent accounts network."

The statement continued that the agreement includes "cooperation between Iraqi banks and Emirates Islamic Bank, under the supervision and support of the Central Bank of Iraq to formulate a mechanism that allows individual customers of Iraqi banks in the near future to invest (partially) in Islamic bonds issued by Emirates Islamic Bank or other issuers with a similar credit rating in the United Arab Emirates."

It is noteworthy that the Central Bank of Iraq announced in August of last year the start of a new phase of foreign transfer operations in a step aimed at enhancing the diversity of currencies and facilitating international transfer operations. This announcement came after reaching an agreement on the mechanisms for regulating dealings in the euro, the Chinese yuan, the Indian rupee, the UAE dirham, and other international currencies.   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=53030

For current and reliable Iraqi news please visit:  https://www.bondladyscorner.com/

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Thursday Afternoon 2-27-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

SOCIAL SECURITY ANNOUNCES EXPEDITED RETROACTIVE PAYMENTS AND HIGHER MONTHLY BENEFITS FOR MILLIONS – ACTIONS SUPPORT THE SOCIAL SECURITY FAIRNESS ACT

Today, the Social Security Administration announced it is immediately beginning to pay retroactive benefits and will increase monthly benefit payments to people whose benefits have been affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).

These provisions reduced or eliminated the Social Security benefits for over 3.2 million people who receive a pension based on work that was not covered by Social Security (a “non-covered pension”) because they did not pay Social Security taxes.

The Social Security Fairness Act ends WEP and GPO.

“Social Security’s aggressive schedule to start issuing retroactive payments in February and increase monthly benefit payments beginning in April supports President Trump’s priority to implement the Social Security Fairness Act as quickly as possible,” said Lee Dudek, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “The agency’s original estimate of taking a year or more now will only apply to complex cases that cannot be processed by automation. The American people deserve to get their due benefits as quickly as possible.”

People who will benefit from the new law include some teachers, firefighters, and police officers in many states; federal employees covered by the Civil Service Retirement System; and people whose work had been covered by a foreign social security system.

Many beneficiaries will be due a retroactive payment because the WEP and GPO offset no longer apply as of January 2024. Most people will receive their one-time retroactive payment by the end of March, which will be deposited into their bank account on record with Social Security.

Many of these people will also receive higher monthly benefits, which will first be reflected in the benefit payment they receive in April. Depending on factors such as the type of Social Security benefit received and the amount of the person’s pension, the change in payment amount will vary from person to person.

Anyone whose monthly benefit is adjusted, or who will get a retroactive payment, will receive a mailed notice from Social Security explaining the benefit change or retroactive payment. Most people will receive their retroactive payment two to three weeks before they receive their notice in the mail, because the President understands how important it is to pay people what they are due right away.

Social Security is expediting payments using automation and will continue to handle many complex cases that must be done manually, on an individual case-by-case basis. Those complex cases will take additional time to update the beneficiary record and pay the correct benefits.

Social Security urges beneficiaries to wait until April to ask about the status of their retroactive payment, since these payments will process incrementally into March. 

Since the new monthly payment amount will begin with the April payment, beneficiaries should wait until after receiving their April payment, before contacting Social Security with questions about their monthly benefit amount.

Visit the agency’s Social Security Fairness Act webpage to learn more and stay up to date on its progress. Visitors can subscribe to be alerted when the webpage is updated.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  SSA Blog

Social Security Fairness Act:  Link

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DEMOCRAT LAWMAKER INTRODUCES BILL BANNING OFFICIALS FROM LAUNCHING MEME COINS AFTER TRUMP TOKEN

▪️The MEME Act would require Trump to return profits from his meme coin sales and enable investors to sue officials for losses related to endorsed cryptocurrencies.

▪️The bill faces significant challenges in the Republican-controlled Congress but serves as a symbolic stance against what Liccardo perceives as unethical behavior.

▪️Regulatory uncertainty persists as SEC official Hester Peirce claims most meme coins fall outside their jurisdiction, suggesting CFTC or lawmakers should establish clearer oversight frameworks.

Newly elected Democrat Sam Liccardo, representing Silicon Valley, is introducing legislation that would block government officials from launching cryptocurrencies such as meme coins.

He noted that the move was never part of his plan when he ran for office, but after the president launched a meme coin last month, he felt a response was needed.

US President Donald Trump released a meme coin, TRUMP, just days before assuming office. Not long after, his wife Melania launched hers, called MELANIA, on January 19. Both tokens rose quickly but collapsed just as fast. The introduction of these meme coins has led to criticism. Liccardo noted that even Trump’s crypto-supporting enthusiasts found the move unappealing.

Liccardo’s bill, called the Modern Emoluments and Malfeasance Enforcement (MEME) Act, seeks to prohibit the president, members of Congress, and other high-ranking officials—along with their families—from issuing or endorsing cryptocurrencies, stocks, or other financial securities.

According to the draft, the bill also requires Trump to return any money he made from selling his meme coin. Moreover, the bill would allow investors who lost money on a meme coin backed by a public official to sue to recover their losses.

Despite the bill’s strong stance, it faces an uphill battle in the Republican-controlled Congress. However, Liccardo sees it as a symbolic stand against corruption and a potential legislative tool for the future if Democrats regain power.

Regulatory Uncertainty Surrounds Meme Coins

One of the developers behind Trump’s meme coin, Hayden Davis, has a history of controversial crypto projects, including one linked to a corruption probe involving Argentina’s President Javier Milei.

Davis himself has described meme coins as a rigged game, calling the industry an unregulated casino that rewards a small group at the expense of retail investors.

Liccardo argues that existing laws fail to address the ethical and financial risks posed by politicians entering the crypto space. He said,

“That behavior is so self-evidently unethical that it raises the question why isn’t there a clear enough prohibition.”

He added that having a way to enforce the rules is important, and allowing people to sue helps ensure accountability. Aside from Liccardo’s bill, other proposals related to meme coins have also been introduced.

On February 20, US Democratic Senator Catherine Cortez Masto proposed an amendment to resolution S. Con. Res. 7, seeking to prevent federal employees and officials from launching, endorsing, or profiting from digital tokens connected to investments by the Chinese Communist Party.

Hester Peirce, head of the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s digital asset division, said most meme coins are beyond the SEC’s authority, noting that their regulation depends on the specifics of each coin. She suggested that lawmakers or agencies like the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) should take responsibility for overseeing them.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinSpeaker

~~~~~~~~~

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Iraq Economic News and Points to Ponder Thursday AM 2-27-25

Governor Of The Central Bank Of Iraq: We Are Working To Launch An Iraqi Digital Currency
 
February 26, 2025  Baghdad/ Iraq Observer  The Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al -Alaq, revealed today, Wednesday, the establishment of a digital currency of the Central Bank to gradually replace the paper process.
 
"The financial and banking system will witness fundamental transformations, including the decline of paper currencies to be replaced by digital payments for central banks."

 He added, "The central bank is moving to create a bank's digital currency to gradually replace the paper process, as is taking place in some central banks in the world."

Al -Alaq stressed, "We are seriously thinking about establishing a data center in Iraq and the bank, starting to move on this issue within the steps of digital transformation."   https://observeriraq.net/محافظ-البنك-المركزي-العراقي-نعمل-على-إ/   

One Million Bank Cards In Iraq.. And The Central Bank Supports Electronic Wallets

Time: 2025/02/26 Read: 1,980 times   {Economic: Al Furat News} The Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al-Alaq, announced today, Wednesday, the achievement of tangible progress in the field of financial inclusion and electronic payment in the country, stressing that the number of bank cards issued reached about 17 million cards throughout Iraq.

Al-Alaq said in a speech during the ninth annual exhibition and conference on finance and banking services in Iraq: “We succeeded in raising the rate of financial inclusion to more than 40%, which reflects the expansion of banking services and their access to wider segments of citizens.”

He pointed out that "the Central Bank has achieved international integration by linking the Iraqi electronic payment system to global networks, which contributes to enhancing cross-border financial transactions and facilitating digital payment operations."

Al-Alaq added: “We directly supported the licensing and operation of electronic wallets via phone, which enabled more citizens to benefit from digital banking services easily and safely.”

He also revealed that "the number of permanent electronic wallets has reached 1.2 million wallets," stressing that "these achievements in the field of electronic payments represent a fundamental shift in the Iraqi financial system," and contribute to strengthening the financial infrastructure and achieving digital transformation."  LINK

Rafidain Bank Affirms Its Commitment To Developing The Financial Sector And Enhancing Digital Transformation

Banks  Economy News – Baghdad  Rafidain Bank affirmed, on Wednesday, its commitment to developing the financial and banking sector and enhancing its role in supporting digital transformation and financial inclusion.

A statement by the bank, seen by "Al-Eqtisad News", stated that "as part of its ambitious strategy to enhance its leading position in the Iraqi banking environment, Rafidain Bank participated in the 9th Annual Exhibition and Conference on Finance and Banking Services in Iraq", stressing "its commitment to developing the financial and banking sector and enhancing its role in supporting digital transformation and financial inclusion".

The statement added that "the conference witnessed a wide presence from various financial and banking institutions, in addition to an elite group of experts in digital technology and electronic services, as its activities focused on the importance of digital transformation and the application of electronic payment technologies as a means of facilitating access to banking services, which contributes to enhancing financial and economic stability in light of the current challenges".

It pointed out that "the bank reviewed the latest digital banking solutions it provides, through its special pavilion at the exhibition, where it provided electronic payment services through banking applications, in addition to innovative solutions that enable individuals and companies to conduct their financial transactions easily and safely",

indicating that "this comes in line with the bank's orientation towards renewing its banking identity under the slogan "Iraq is renewed", which reflects its ongoing commitment to developing its services according to the latest international banking standards".

The statement stressed that "the bank focused on the importance of enhancing financial inclusion by enabling citizens in cities and rural areas to access digital banking services, which contributes to stimulating economic activity and supporting sustainable development."

The statement continued, "On the sidelines of the conference, participants exchanged experiences on the future of digital transformation in the banking sector, and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between banks and financial institutions to develop the electronic payment environment and spread financial awareness among citizens, in a way that supports building a more advanced and comprehensive banking system in Iraq."   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=53004

The Association Of Banks Announces A New Project To Facilitate Financial Transfers Within Iraq Electronically

02/26/2025  Mawazine News – Economy  The Iraqi Private Banks Association announced, on Wednesday, a new project to facilitate financial transfers within Iraq electronically, while indicating that efforts are being made to facilitate the transfer of funds through open banking.

The Executive Director of the Iraqi Private Banks Association, Ali Tariq, said in a statement to the official agency: "The service of transferring electronic financial accounts between banks or cards is currently not available in Iraq, and therefore the Central Bank is working on developing a special platform based on the open banking system, which will greatly facilitate money transfers within the country via mobile phones or websites and allow the transfer of funds from one bank account to another and from one card to another."

He added that "electronic payment devices are witnessing continuous development, especially with the presence of the national switch in the Central Bank of Iraq, although some cards and payment devices still rely on specific systems.

" Tariq stressed that "there is a great focus on developing electronic payment systems in Iraq," noting that "the decisions of the Council of Ministers and the Central Bank aim to stimulate the use of electronic payment, and have led to clear development over the past two years, with expectations of greater growth in the future."     https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=259867

For current and reliable Iraqi news please visit:  https://www.bondladyscorner.com/

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Thursday Morning 2-27-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

RIPPLE PARTNERS WITH BDACS FOR XRP, RLUSD CUSTODY IN SOUTH KOREA

Ripple Labs and South Korean custodian BDACS partner to offer institutional-grade custody for XRP, RLUSD and other crypto assets.

Ripple Labs has signed a strategic partnership with BDACS, a South Korean digital asset custody provider, to support institutional custody for XRP and Ripple USD.

The partnership, announced on Feb. 26, will enable BDACS to integrate Ripple Custody, the company’s institutional crypto and digital asset custody solution, to safeguard XRP, Ripple USD (RLUSD) and other crypto assets for financial institutions in South Korea.

Ripple president Monica Long highlighted the importance of institutional-grade custody amid growing enterprise interest in crypto.

“South Korea is gearing up for a wave of institutional crypto adoption — very excited for Ripple Custody to plant another flag in APAC with BDACS for XRP and RLUSD,” Long said in a statement.

Ripple aligns with South Korean regulatory requirement

According to Ripple, the partnership aligns with the roadmap for regulatory approval of institutional participation set by South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC). The company stated:

“This partnership will support the growth of XRPL developers and its ecosystem, expand the usability of Ripple’s stablecoin (RLUSD), and leverage synergies with Busan, Korea’s blockchain regulation-free zone.” BDACS CEO Harry Ryoo said his firm is committed to ensuring a secure infrastructure for institutional crypto adoption.

“BDACS will provide a secure and reliable custody service to support Ripple’s pioneering blockchain initiatives. Ultimately, this partnership will enable both companies to enhance and expand the digital asset ecosystem,” Ryoo said.

Ripple Custody said it expects the total amount of custodied cryptocurrencies to reach $16 trillion by 2030.

Alongside the partnership with the South Korean crypto custodian, Ripple Labs unveiled a new roadmap for building an institutional decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem on the XRP Ledger blockchain network.

XRP Ledger’s roadmap builds on top of existing infrastructure, including price oracles and an automated market maker.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinTelegraph

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RIPPLE OUTLINES FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS TO INSTITUTIONAL DEFI ON XRP LEDGER

Ripple has announced upcoming features for the XRP Ledger (XRPL) aimed at enhancing institutional decentralized finance (DeFi).

Key developments include expanded compliance functions, a new lending protocol that integrates with Ripple Payments and decentralized exchanges, and the introduction of Multi-Purpose Tokens (MPTs) for tokenized assets.

Additionally, the XRPL will see the launch of a permissioned decentralized exchange (DEX) and credentialing systems to facilitate secure trading environments.

These innovations are set to enhance programmability and streamline institutional onboarding, further positioning XRPL as a leader in regulated onchain finance.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Bitcoin News

~~~~~~~~~

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“Tidbits From TNT” Thursday Morning 2-27-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  Parliament will not be suspended" .. Parliamentary Legal Committee reveals the plan for sessions during Ramadan

Member of the Parliamentary Legal Committee, Mohammed Anouz, confirmed on Thursday that the Iraqi Parliament will not be suspended early due to the upcoming legislative elections, stressing that the Council has a moral and constitutional responsibility to continue holding its sessions and approving the remaining laws.

Anouz added to Shafaq News Agency that the first and second legislative chapters are sufficient to complete the reading, discussion and voting on many laws, stressing that the Council will resume its sessions next week.

He pointed out that Parliament sessions during the month of Ramadan will be in the evening, i.e. after breakfast, to ensure the continuation of legislative work before the end of the current session.

It is noteworthy that the current session of the Iraqi Council of Representatives began on January 9, 2022, and is scheduled to continue for four years, which means that it will end on January 8, 2026. 

According to the amended Electoral Law No. 12 of 2018, legislative elections must be held 45 days before the end of the parliamentary term. 

Accordingly, the next elections are expected to be held in late November 2025. 

Recently, the Independent High Electoral Commission began its technical and logistical preparations to ensure that the elections are held on the scheduled date, in coordination with the Prime Minister’s Office. link

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Tishwash:  National Bank of Iraq wins the “Excellence Award” from “Citi Bank” in recognition of its outstanding performance

The National Bank of Iraq announced that it won the “Excellence Award” from Citi Bank, in recognition of its exceptional performance in managing incoming and outgoing financial transfers, stressing that this is an achievement that reflects its commitment to the highest standards of quality and transparency in banking services.

This award is a global testament to the bank’s efficiency in implementing financial operations with utmost precision, as it excels in ensuring that transactions are processed according to the highest international standards, while providing the required documents in the correct manner and on time.

This achievement reinforces the position of the National Bank of Iraq as one of the leading banks in the Iraqi banking sector, committed to providing reliable and effective financial solutions that meet the needs of its individual and corporate clients.

Commenting on this achievement, Ayman Abu Dahim, Managing Director of the National Bank of Iraq, expressed his pride and honor in the bank receiving this prestigious award, explaining that receiving this award reflects the bank’s tireless efforts and its firm commitment to providing banking services that are in line with the highest international standards, noting that the National Bank of Iraq believes that innovation and continuous development are the key to success, so it has worked to adopt the latest technologies to ensure the speed and efficiency of financial transfers, which provides its customers with a safe and reliable banking experience.

Abu Dahim praised the efforts made by the bank’s work team at all administrative and functional levels in providing the best banking services and achieving the highest levels of accuracy and transparency, stressing the bank’s commitment to continue developing its operations and strengthening its partnerships with global financial institutions, in a way that ensures the provision of advanced banking solutions that keep pace with the aspirations of our customers and contribute to supporting the national economy.

It is worth noting that the National Bank of Iraq is one of the leading private financial institutions in the Iraqi banking market, as it constantly seeks to provide innovative banking services that meet the needs of customers and enhance their confidence, by providing integrated financial solutions that support individuals and companies, while adhering to the best international practices in the banking sector link

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Tishwash:  It will not be on the "losing team".. Iraq moves to the post-Iran phase

An American report shed light on the attempts that Iraq is facing to get out of the "Iranian orbit" and the "axis of resistance", which took Iran years to build in order to expand its influence deep into the Arab world, but it is rapidly shrinking and could collapse overnight.

A report by the American magazine "The Atlantic", translated by Shafaq News Agency, explained that "the axis of resistance has deteriorated during the past year from its formal rise to a stage of final decline, as Israel struck two of its main members, Hamas and Hezbollah, the regime of Bashar al-Assad fell, and the Lebanese parliament elected a new president and a new prime minister, who are not on friendly terms with the axis."

The report stated that until recently, Iran boasted that it controlled four Arab capitals: Damascus, Beirut, Sanaa, and Baghdad, but now the first two have slipped away, while the third is still under the control of the Houthis, who are still loyal to Tehran. But what about the fourth, Baghdad?

absolute control

In this regard, the American report saw that the degree of Tehran's control over Baghdad is always changing, as the Iraqi parties loyal to Tehran cannot form a government on their own, and are forced to form coalitions with other parties, including those dominated by the Kurds and Sunnis, who have limited ideological ties to the "axis", adding that even among the Shiites, the pro-Tehran position has become a matter of intense controversy, especially after the balance of power in the region shifted away from Iran.

He pointed out that the forces loyal to Iran organized violent clashes in the streets, and were able to obstruct this through religious and parliamentary maneuvers, so Muhammad Shia al-Sudani took over the prime ministership in October 2022, which was described as an “Iranian victory,” for reasons including that the prime minister who replaced al-Sudani was Mustafa al-Kadhimi, whom the report described as the first non-Islamic ruler of Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein, and that al-Kadhimi had restored Iraqi relations with Sunni powers such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan, and even established excellent relations with Iran and encouraged the restoration of diplomatic relations between the Iranians and Saudis.

However, the American report warned that Tehran's control over Baghdad is not completely secure, as Al-Sudani relies on the support of parties loyal to Tehran, but he continued to follow a large part of Al-Kazemi's regional agenda to strengthen relations with Arab countries.

The losing team

The report considered that there are many issues that cause division among Iraqis, but there is one issue that unites many of them, which is that they do not want Iraq to turn into a battlefield for Iran’s conflicts with the United States and Israel, indicating that in light of the decline in the fortunes of the Tehran axis, these Iraqis do not want to be on the losing team in the region.

The report indicated that many Iraqis are now publicly demanding the dissolution of the Popular Mobilization Forces, which the report described as "the main tool of Iranian interference in Iraq," noting that members of the Iraqi government say that with the defeat of ISIS, the presence of the Popular Mobilization Forces is no longer necessary.

In this context, the report mentioned the recent statements of the Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein that he hopes “we will be able to convince the leaders of these groups to lay down their weapons, and that two or three years ago, it was impossible to discuss this issue in our society.” It also mentioned the recent statements of Mr. Muqtada al-Sadr in which he pointed out the necessity of limiting the carrying of weapons to the state’s security forces only. 

Baghdad and Washington

However, the report found that what is most surprising is that figures from within the Coordination Framework, which includes parties loyal to Tehran, support this position, including MP Mohsen al-Mandalawi, the Kurdish Shiite billionaire, adding that “dissolving the armed militias or integrating them into the regular security forces would remove Iran’s main source of influence inside Iraq.”

The report considered that such a step may be calculated to avoid problems with Washington, as it is believed that the Donald Trump administration is considering imposing new sanctions on Iraq unless the Popular Mobilization Forces are disarmed, adding that the Iraqi government is looking to calm things down with Washington, as Al-Sudani and Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid sent congratulatory telegrams to the American president when he was elected.

The report quoted MP Ali Nema (from the Coordination Framework) as saying that he expected Iraqi-American relations to improve, and that the Coordination Framework, which is loyal to Iran, “is not worried about Trump.”

The report recalled Al-Sudani’s recent visit to Tehran, saying that “relations with Tehran are more controversial than ever,” as Al-Sudani received harsh criticism from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who called for preserving and strengthening the Popular Mobilization Forces and expelling all American forces, and described the recent change of power in Syria as the work of “foreign governments. 

Iran axis

The American report then asked whether all this data is sufficient to indicate that Iraq is also leaving the Iranian axis, but it noted that Iraqi experts did not agree on an answer to this question.

The report also quoted Hamdi Malik, a researcher at the Washington Institute, as saying that Iran “still exercises significant influence in Iraq,” and that al-Sudani’s government initially sent “cautious but positive signals” to the new Syrian regime, but “the tone in Shiite circles in Iraq changed completely after Khamenei expressed a completely hostile view of developments there.”

After noting that Al-Sudani's government relies heavily on the support of the Coordination Framework, the report quoted Malik as saying that "any attempt by Al-Sudani to limit Iran's influence will be merely cosmetic attempts."

The report said that Farhang Fereydoun Namdar, an Iraqi analyst from the University of Missouri, agreed with this assessment, as the Popular Mobilization Forces still have about 200,000 members and a budget of about $3 billion, indicating that this force is unlikely to go anywhere, despite calls for its dissolution. The report quoted Namdar as saying that “almost all factions of the Popular Mobilization Forces are loyal to Iran, and the Mobilization has managed to entrench itself in the economy and politics of Iraq ... and is the backbone of the Sudanese government.”

Strategic location

The American Atlantic report saw that Iraq's position may be more complicated than just the image of a state subordinate to a neighboring regime, as Baghdad is distinguished by a unique position to achieve a balance between Iranian interests and the interests of the Sunni states in the region, and it is trying hard to build partnerships with its non-Iranian neighbors.

The report quoted Iraqi affairs expert Aaron Robert Walsh, who is based in Amman, as saying that he believes that Al-Sudani is “cautiously separating Iraq from the axis without completely severing relations with Tehran,” noting that Tehran and its Iraqi allies could spoil these efforts, for example by attacking projects in which the Gulf states have invested.

The report concluded by reminding that Iraq will hold elections in October, and that if enough Iraqis reject pro-Tehran parties at the ballot box, as most did in 2021, there will be an opportunity for al-Sudani, or whoever may succeed him, to form a government that makes an extra effort to assert Iraqi sovereignty. link

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Mot:  .... Hitting Home It is – sssiiiigghghghghhhhhh 

Mot: Ya Knows What They Says bout ""Vegas"" – wellllllll  Chip Monks

MilitiaMan & Crew-Iraq Dinar News-CBI-Currencies-Global Systems-E Wallet-E Payments-E Taxation- Resuming Oil Days

MilitiaMan & Crew-Iraq Dinar News-CBI-Currencies-Global Systems-E Wallet-E Payments-E Taxation- Resuming Oil Days

2-26-2025

The Crew:  Samson, PompeyPeter, Petra, Daytrader, Sunkissed, GIGI and Militia Man

Be sure to listen to full video for all the news……..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLECuPNg6YI

Iraq Economic News and Points to Ponder Wednesday Evening 2-26-25

National Bank Of Iraq Wins The “Excellence Award” From “Citi Bank” In Recognition Of Its Outstanding Performance

Banks   Economy News – Baghdad  The National Bank of Iraq announced that it won the “Excellence Award” from Citi Bank, in recognition of its exceptional performance in managing incoming and outgoing financial transfers, stressing that this is an achievement that reflects its commitment to the highest standards of quality and transparency in banking services.

This award is a global testament to the bank’s efficiency in implementing financial operations with utmost precision, as it excels in ensuring that transactions are processed according to the highest international standards, while providing the required documents in the correct manner and on time.

This achievement reinforces the position of the National Bank of Iraq as one of the leading banks in the Iraqi banking sector, committed to providing reliable and effective financial solutions that meet the needs of its individual and corporate clients.

Commenting on this achievement, Ayman Abu Dahim, Managing Director of the National Bank of Iraq, expressed his pride and honor in the bank receiving this prestigious award, explaining that receiving this award reflects the bank’s tireless efforts and its firm commitment to providing banking services that are in line with the highest international standards,

noting that the National Bank of Iraq believes that innovation and continuous development are the key to success, so it has worked to adopt the latest technologies to ensure the speed and efficiency of financial transfers, which provides its customers with a safe and reliable banking experience.

Abu Dahim praised the efforts made by the bank’s work team at all administrative and functional levels in providing the best banking services and achieving the highest levels of accuracy and transparency, stressing the bank’s commitment to continue developing its operations and strengthening its partnerships with global financial institutions, in a way that ensures the provision of advanced banking solutions that keep pace with the aspirations of our customers and contribute to supporting the national economy.

It is worth noting that the National Bank of Iraq is one of the leading private financial institutions in the Iraqi banking market, as it constantly seeks to provide innovative banking services that meet the needs of customers and enhance their confidence, by providing integrated financial solutions that support individuals and companies, while adhering to the best international practices in the banking sector. 215 views  Added 02/26/2025 - 9:36 AM  https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=52992

Iraqi Trade Bank Decides To Stop Cash Withdrawals Via Atms Outside Iraq

Banks  Economy News – Baghdad  The Trade Bank of Iraq announced, on Wednesday, the suspension of cash withdrawals via ATMs outside Iraq.

The bank's media advisor, Aqeel Al-Shuwaili, said in a statement, seen by "Al-Eqtisad News", that "due to the risks resulting from the misuse of electronic cards (Visa and MasterCard), and to avoid these risks, cash withdrawals through ATM machines for these cards outside Iraq only have been stopped." He added that "the cards can be used to pay through POS machines and online." 148 views Added 02/26/2025 - 5:48 PM  https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=53006

More Than 95% Of The Central Bank Of Iraq's Sales Today Are For Foreign Transfers

Wednesday 26 February 2025 16:36 | Economic Number of readings: 122  Baghdad / NINA / Foreign remittances exceeded 95% of the total sales of the Central Bank of Iraq in its daily auction, today, Wednesday.

The Central Bank sold today 288 million, 620 thousand and 427 dollars, at a price of 1310 dinars per dollar for documentary credits and international settlements for electronic cards and foreign remittances, and 1305 dinars per dollar for cash withdrawals.

Most of the sales went to enhance balances abroad through remittances and credits, amounting to 276 million, 320 thousand and 427 dollars, representing 95.65% of total sales, while cash withdrawals amounted to 12 million and 300 thousand dollars.

Only one bank bought cash dollars, while five banks met requests to enhance balances abroad, and the total number of exchange companies participating in the auction was 13 companies. https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1188954

Al-Mashhadani: Iraq Is Stable In Terms Of Security And Economy And Has Adopted A Non-Aligned Approach

Politics | 04:06 - 02/26/2025  Mawazine News – Baghdad  Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani confirmed on Wednesday that Iraq is stable in terms of security and economy and has adopted a non-aligned approach.

Al-Mashhadani said during a dialogue seminar on the sidelines of the third Erbil Forum on the accumulated concerns about the future of the Middle East: "Iraq is stable in terms of security and economy and has adopted a non-aligned approach with what is happening around it in the region, and we are working to build a prosperous Iraq that has a pivotal role in the region and thus open the door to global investment."

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He added, "Iraq contains about 1432 investable materials between energy and other materials, and Iraq as an energy reserve, the world will ensure that it remains stable and that there is no danger to Iraq from what is happening around it."  https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=259864

Finance Minister At IMF Meeting: We Expect Non-Oil Revenues To Increase

Local |  02/26/2025   Mawazine News – Baghdad   Finance Minister Taif Sami stressed on Wednesday the importance of updating financial systems to keep pace with global economic changes.

The ministry said in a statement received by Mawazine News that "in a step that reflects the depth of regional economic cooperation, Finance Minister Taif Sami participated in the International Monetary Fund meetings held in the Jordanian capital, Amman, which come within the framework of periodic consultations with the Fund."

During the meetings, the Finance Minister discussed "several basic strategic axes, including the implementation of the 2024 budget, where plans for its implementation were reviewed with a focus on controlling expenditures and enhancing the efficiency of distributing financial resources in line with the state's economic goals."

The statement continued, "Ways to improve public finances were discussed by enhancing investment opportunities, directing social spending towards vital sectors, in addition to supporting non-oil funds to reduce dependence on oil revenues."

The meetings discussed, according to the statement, "developments in the field of banking reforms, highlighting the importance of updating financial systems to keep pace with global economic changes, in addition to discussing expectations of the economic situation during 2025, while reviewing potential strategies to increase non-oil revenues, including tax identification issues and adopting a unified accounting system."

The Minister of Finance explained during the meetings that "these meetings come within the context of the ministry's ongoing efforts to enhance financial stability and achieve structural reforms that ensure the growth of the national economy."

She pointed out "the importance of close coordination with regional and international development partners," noting that "cooperation with the International Monetary Fund team is the cornerstone for developing financial policies in line with current challenges."


The statement added that "these meetings come as a strategic step within the efforts made to reform the financial and banking sector in Iraq, with the aim of enhancing financial stability and supporting economic growth."

It pointed out that "these meetings are expected to result in new financial policies that focus on diversifying sources of public revenue, developing the banking system, and improving spending efficiency in line with global economic changes, which contributes to enhancing the flexibility of the Iraqi economy and increasing its ability to face financial challenges."

https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=259866

For current and reliable Iraqi news please visit:  https://www.bondladyscorner.com/

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Wednesday Evening 2-26-25

Good Evening Dinar Recaps,

SEN. LUMMIS SAYS WASHINGTON IS 'ON THE PRECIPICE' OF STABLECOIN AND CRYPTO REGULATION BILLS

▪We’re on the precipice of finally creating a bipartisan legislative framework for both stablecoins and market structure,” said Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo. on Wednesday.

▪So far this year in the new Congress, the focus has been on first regulating stablecoins, with both Republican and Democratic lawmakers coming out with bills over the past several weeks.

Just a few months after a new Congress rolled into Washington, lawmakers are starting to get cracking on crypto legislation with hopes that bills can get signed by President Donald Trump by the end of this year.

"We're on the precipice of finally creating a bipartisan legislative framework for both stablecoins and market structure," said Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., during a congressional hearing on Wednesday. "I hope we can get both pieces of legislation to President Trump for his signature this year."

Lummis added that she hoped that would include the Responsible Financial Innovation Act, which she and Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand have worked on over the years and created a regulatory framework for crypto.

So far this year in the new Congress, the focus has been on first regulating stablecoins, with both Republican and Democratic lawmakers coming out with bills over the past several weeks.

One of those bills is called The Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins, or GENIUS Act., which was introduced earlier this month by Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott, R-S.C., Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., and Lummis. The bill includes reserve requirements and implements "light-touch, tailored regulatory standards for stablecoin issuers."

Lawmakers asked detailed questions  about that bill during Wednesday's Senate Banking Committee digital assets-focused panel hearing titled "Exploring Bipartisan Legislative Frameworks for Digital Assets." The panel was created this year and is led by Lummis.  

Ongoing discussions

Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., asked detailed questions about consumer protections in future stablecoin legislation and asked the witnesses at the hearing whether legislation should require "stablecoin issuers to be vetted for character and fitness" like other financial institutions.

Timothy Massad, former chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commissioner and witness at the hearing, said the GENIUS Act doesn't require it and added that it should.

"Similar standards are in the European legislation and in other countries' legislation," he added.

On the House side, House Financial Services Committee Chair French Hill, R-Ark., released draft legislation last month that builds on work done in that committee over the past few years with some differences.

 For example, it gives the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency the authority to "approve and supervise federally qualified nonbank payment stablecoin issuers " instead of including a federal path through the Federal Reserve for "payment stablecoin issuers."

Shortly after, the top Democrat of the committee, Rep. Maxine Waters of California, released a discussion draft that includes language around federal regulators for stablecoins.

Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, drew comparisons of crypto to other technologies, such as airplanes and computers, during Wednesday's hearing.

"The point I'm trying to make is, is why all of a sudden, when we got to digital currencies, did we decide here in Washington D.C. and say no, no we are going to decide the pace of innovation, the way technology should work," Moreno said.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  The Block

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BANK OF AMERICA CEO REVEALS PLANS FOR US DOLLAR-BACKED STABLECOIN, BUT THERE’S A CATCH

▪Bank of America is eyeing the stablecoin market amid global adoption.

▪The firm said it stayed back earlier because of unclear regulations.

▪BofA hopes to join major tech giants like Paypal with related offerings.

Like other mainstream fintech giants like Revolut and PayPal Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: PYPL) with Stablecoin plans, Bank of America (BofA) is set to introduce its token once regulations permit.

As reported by Fortune, Bank of America CEO, Brian Moynihan, while speaking at the Economic Club of Washington, D.C., discussed the growing importance of digital assets and the potential for stablecoins to function like traditional financial products.

Bank of America and the Stablecoin Plan

During the event, Brian said that stablecoins will likely play a major role in the conventional banking institution.

He further explained that a BofA-issued stablecoin would be fully backed by the US dollar and linked to a deposit account. Eventually, this will enable an easy and smooth transaction process between digital and traditional money.

“If they make that legal, we will go into that business,” he said, adding that the only reason BofA has not yet released its stablecoin is because of the stringent policy of the past administration.

However, he sounded more positive about the present government, saying that he expects major banks to enter the crypto economy once clear rules are in place.

Brian also made it known that irrespective of other digital asset offerings, the firm’s major focus remains on stablecoins. The BofA chief said he believes these tokens would fit perfectly into the current financial system.

Interestingly, this marks a shift from how the organization has viewed the digital asset economy. In 2022, when top Wall Street banks were diving into crypto, the firm’s CEO stated they had no intention of rushing into the space.

Most Money Movement Is Already Digital

Notably, while stablecoins are not yet part of BofA’s services, the financial institution is already transacting electronically. The CEO mentioned that the Bank transacts about $3 trillion online daily through wire transfers, ACH payments, and card transactions.

He pointed out that consumer spending is now largely digital, with services like Zelle and credit cards far outpacing cash usage. However, he acknowledged that cash remains essential for many people and businesses.

“ATMs and branches are still needed,” he said, despite the shift toward digital payments.

For context, reports show that the bank has invested large amounts of money in emerging technologies.

The expenditure is around $4 billion annually on new developments and another $8–9 billion on system operations. Per the report, the bank was an early adopter of mobile banking, launching its iPhone app before competitors. Today, about 90% of customer interactions happen digitally, supported by AI-powered tools like its virtual assistant, Erica.

Still, Moynihan emphasized the importance of human interaction in banking. With 3,700 branches nationwide, BofA continues to serve customers who prefer face-to-face assistance.

He stressed that digital convenience must be balanced with personal service, as many people seek expert advice on financial planning and major transactions.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinSpeaker

~~~~~~~~~

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Thank you Dinar Recaps

Some Iraq News Posted by Clare at KTFA 2-26-2025

KTFA:

Clare:  Trade Bank of Iraq stops cash withdrawals via ATMs outside Iraq

2/26/2025

The Trade Bank of Iraq announced today, Wednesday, the suspension of cash withdrawals via automated teller machines (ATM) using electronic cards (Visa and MasterCard) outside Iraq, as part of preventive measures to avoid security risks associated with the misuse of these cards.

The bank explained, in a statement received by {Al Furat News} a copy of it, that:

“The decision only includes cash withdrawals from ATMs outside Iraq, while users can continue to use cards to pay via POS devices or in electronic transactions on the Internet.”

The bank pointed out that "this measure comes out of concern for protecting customers' money from any security threats that may result from misuse of cards in some areas."   LINK

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Clare:  The Central Bank of Iraq is moving towards launching a digital banking currency instead of paper currency

2/26/2025

The Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al-Alaq, revealed on Wednesday the intention to create a digital banking currency to replace paper currencies.

Al-Alaq said, in a speech during the 9th Finance and Banking Services Conference and Exhibition, which was followed by Shafak News Agency, that "the financial and banking system will witness fundamental transformations, including the decline of paper currencies to be replaced by digital payments for central banks."

He added that "the Central Bank is moving to create its own digital currency, to gradually replace the paper process as is happening in some central banks in the world," indicating that "we are seriously considering establishing a data center in Iraq, and the bank has begun to move on this issue as part of the digital transformation steps."

Al-Alaq continued, " The current stage is witnessing a major development in the electronic payment system through increasing the number of ATMs and credit wallets," indicating that "the support provided by the Central Bank helped raise the rate of financial inclusion in Iraq to 49% after it was 20%, about two years ago."

He pointed out that "Iraqi banks are witnessing today qualitative transformations in their banking operations, especially with regard to financial transfers of different currencies, through the adoption of approved global systems and programs that help them with these advanced transformations in financial services."  LINK

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Clare:  Mazhar Saleh stresses the importance of electronic payment in the digital transformation in Iraq

2/26/2025

Mazhar Muhammad Salih, advisor to the Prime Minister, confirmed today, Wednesday, that electronic payment is one of the basic pillars for achieving digital transformation and enhancing financial stability in Iraq.

He added in his statement to {Al Furat News}, that "electronic payment contributes to reducing the size of the informal economy, as it still constitutes about 70% of the operations of the Iraqi market, and it also enhances transparency in financial transactions and increases citizens' confidence in the banking system." 

He explained that "the adoption of electronic payment contributes significantly to reducing traditional cash transactions, which helps combat corruption and money laundering. It also contributes to accelerating commercial operations and the capital cycle in the Iraqi market, and enhances the integration of the national income cycle." 

Saleh pointed out that "digital transformation leads to improving the management of the state's financial resources, which enhances its ability to collect taxes and fees more efficiently."

He added, "This contributes to reaching advanced levels of growth in building the unified treasury account, which enables the banking system to operate credit and grant loans with the least amount of banking liquidity risks, which effectively enhances the financing of economic and development activity."

From.. Raghad   LINK

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Clare: Central Bank Governor inaugurates the 9th Finance and Banking Conference

His Excellency the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Mr. Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, inaugurated the 9th Finance and Banking Services Exhibition and Conference, in which a number of banks and payment companies operating in Iraq participated.

During his speech, His Excellency the Governor stressed that the current stage is witnessing a significant development in the electronic payment system by increasing the number of ATMs and credit wallets, noting that the support provided by the Central Bank has helped raise the financial inclusion rate in Iraq to 40% after it was 20% about two years ago.
The Governor pointed out that Iraqi banks are witnessing qualitative transformations in their banking operations today, especially with regard to financial transfers of different currencies by adopting approved global systems and programs that help them in these advanced transformations in financial services.

In his speech, he outlined the features of future banks that will transform from traditional entities to smart digital platforms and issue digital financial identities that facilitate financial transactions without the need for banks.

He added that the financial and banking system will witness the decline of paper currencies to be replaced by digital payments for central banks, and that the Central Bank is moving to create its own digital currency to gradually replace the paper process as is happening in some central banks in the world, indicating work to establish a data center in Iraq similar to the major centers in the world, as it is an indispensable part of the digital economy and a basis for artificial intelligence, applications, big data analysis and the Internet, and that the Central Bank of Iraq has begun steps in this direction, calling for the formulation of a comprehensive Iraqi vision for digital transformation.

Central Bank of Iraq
Media Office
February 26, 2025

https://cbi.iq/news/view/2807

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Clare: Confirming Shafaq News.. Trump is heading to impose sanctions on Iraqi groups

2/26/2025

The American website "Fox News" published a report today, Wednesday, in which it referred to the "maximum pressure" sanctions that the Trump administration is pursuing against countries that have economic and trade relations with Iran, including Iraq, which includes punishing a group of banks and controlling Baghdad's reserves at the US Federal Reserve.

According to the website's report, translated by Shafaq News Agency, "These countries should expect to feel the shock waves resulting from Trump's campaign on the Iranian oil trade," indicating that Iran currently exports an average of 1.5 million barrels of oil per day, but under the executive order issued by Trump on February 6, the Secretaries of State and Treasury will work to "implement a campaign aimed at driving Iranian oil exports to zero."

The report touched on "$6 billion in Qatar from Iranian oil revenues held in Doha," noting that "this issue was raised during the meeting of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani this week."

The US report indicated that "Washington intends to cut off Iran's oil exports to China, which account for 90% of Iranian outflows, by sanctioning some individuals and ships associated with the so-called shadow fleet of ships transporting Iranian oil, but stricter campaigns could pass after Chinese banks that process oil transactions."

The Trump administration also intends, according to Fox News, to “withdraw waivers from Iran’s Chabahar port project, a major trade gateway in southern Iran with India, through which the latter has pumped $370 million. India had previously obtained a waiver for the project, allowing it to create a trade route in Central Asia that bypassed Pakistan, because American officials believed the port helped reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.”

As for Iraq, the report explained that "the United States has great influence over Iraq, and $100 billion of the country's reserves are kept in the United States, and it can use this money to exert great pressure on Baghdad to distance it from Iranian influence."

The report cited "the ban on five Iraqi banks from conducting transactions in US dollars as a means of eliminating Iran's access to the US currency," considering that "Iraq is the lifeline for Iran's access to hard currency, and the United States has long sought to restrict Tehran's bypassing of sanctions through its neighbor."

Last Monday, Shafaq News Agency published a report revealing the efforts made by the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prevent the issuance of US sanctions against Iraq, including companies and names of leaders in the Popular Mobilization Authority.

According to an informed political source, who told Shafaq News Agency, requesting that his name not be mentioned, "American sanctions may be issued soon and will include a list of names of political figures who have armed factions."

The source also explained that "the list includes more than ten names, some of whom are leaders of the Popular Mobilization Forces, and others are well-known and have partnerships with important political forces," explaining that "the situation with the United States may escalate, and the goal is to control the movement of money in Iraq and to limit and weaken what the American administration calls Iran's arms and to stop supplying Tehran with hard currency through intermediaries."

The source pointed out that "there are three financial companies and three transportation companies, all of which operate within the Iraqi oil fleet, and they will also be on the blacklist, in order to pressure and stop the smuggling of currency and oil towards Iran."

On the 16th of this month, a responsible Iraqi government source revealed to Shafaq News Agency that the Iraqi government agencies received an official notification imposing US sanctions on five new Iraqi banks, for their involvement in illegal financial transfer operations inside and outside Iraq. LINK

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Clare:  Iraq discusses with the International Monetary Fund controlling expenditures and the 2024 budget

2/26/2025

The Iraqi Minister of Finance, Taif Sami, discussed with the International Monetary Fund, financial and banking reforms to support the Iraqi economy, during the periodic meetings held in the Jordanian capital, Amman.

The Iraqi Ministry of Finance said in a statement issued today, Wednesday, and received by Shafak News Agency, that the discussions focused on implementing the 2024 budget, with a review of mechanisms for controlling expenditures and enhancing the efficiency of distributing financial resources, in line with the state's economic goals. 

The two parties also discussed, according to the statement, ways to improve public finances by supporting investment and directing social spending towards vital sectors, in addition to enhancing non-oil revenues and reducing dependence on oil revenues.

The meetings also included discussing banking reforms, stressing the importance of updating financial systems to keep pace with global economic changes. 

It also reviewed the economic forecast for 2025 and potential strategies to increase non-oil revenues, including developing the tax system and implementing a unified accounting system.

During the meetings, Sami stressed that these meetings come within the framework of the Ministry’s efforts to enhance financial stability and achieve structural reforms that support the national economy, noting the importance of coordination with international partners and considering cooperation with the International Monetary Fund as a fundamental pillar in developing financial policies to confront current challenges.  LINK

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Clare:  Companies from 50 countries compete for electricity projects in Iraq  

2/26/2026

The spokesman for the Ministry of Electricity, Ahmed Musa, revealed on Wednesday that more than 300 companies representing 50 countries are participating in the Renewable Energy Conference, which is being held at the Baghdad International Fair from the 24th to the 26th of this month .

Musa told Shafaq News Agency, "The conference represents an important opportunity for local and international companies to view the Ministry of Electricity's projects in the renewable energy sector, and to present their investment offers to enhance the electrical infrastructure in Iraq."

Musa added that "the Iraqi government seeks to diversify gas and energy sources," noting that "the ministry had previously signed contracts with international companies to establish solar power stations, as part of its plans to support the shift towards clean energy."

Musa pointed out that "536 government buildings have been converted to operate with solar energy systems, in a move aimed at reducing pressure on the national electricity grid and enhancing energy sustainability in the country."

At the end of last month, the Iraqi Minister of Electricity, Ziyad Ali Fadhil, announced the launch of new production projects with a capacity of 15,000 megawatts, while confirming that the country’s energy production had increased by about 9,000 megawatts over the past two years  LINK

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Wednesday Afternoon 2-26-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

UKRAINE WAR: TRUMP IS NOT TRYING TO APPEASE PUTIN – HE HAS A VISION OF A NEW US-CHINA-RUSSIA ORDER

There has been much and justified focus on the implications of a likely deal between US president Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and the overwhelmingly negative consequences this will have for Ukraine and Europe. But if Trump and Putin make a deal, there is much more at stake than Ukraine’s future borders and Europe’s relationship with the US.

As we are nearing the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s future is more in doubt than it has ever been since February 2022.

For once, analogies to Munich in 1938 are sadly appropriate. This is not because of a mistaken belief that Putin can be appeased, but rather because great powers, once again, make decisions on the fate of weaker states and without them in the room.

Similar to the pressure that Czechoslovakia experienced from both Germany and its supposed allies France and Britain in 1938, Ukraine is now under pressure from Russia on the battlefield and the US both diplomatically and economically.

Trump and his team are pushing hard for Ukraine to make territorial concessions to Russia and accept that some 20% of Ukrainian lands under Russia’s illegal occupation are lost.

 In addition, Trump demands that Ukraine compensate the United States for past military support by handing over half of its mineral and rare earth resources.

The American refusal to provide tangible security guarantees not only for Ukraine but also for allied Nato troops if they were deployed to Ukraine as part of a ceasefire or peace agreement smacks of the Munich analogy.

Not only did France and Britain at the time push Czechoslovakia to cede the ethnic German-majority Sudetenland to Nazi Germany. They also did nothing when Poland and Hungary also seized parts of the country.

And they failed to respond when Hitler – a mere six months after the Munich agreement – broke up what was left of Czechoslovakia by creating a Slovak puppet state and occupying the remaining Czech lands.

There is every indication that Putin is unlikely to stop in or with Ukraine. And it is worth remembering that the second world war started 11 months after Neville Chamberlain thought he had secured “peace in our time”.

The Munich analogy may not carry that far, however. Trump is not trying to appease Putin because he thinks, as Chamberlain and Daladier did in 1938, that he has weaker cards than Putin. What seems to drive Trump is a more simplistic view of the world in which great powers carve out spheres of influence in which they do not interfere.

The problem for Ukraine and Europe in such a world order is that Ukraine is certainly not considered by anyone in Trump’s team as part of an American zone of influence, and Europe is at best a peripheral part of it.

Trump-eye lens on the world

For Trump, this isn’t really about Ukraine or Europe but about re-ordering the international system in a way that fits his 19th-century view of the world in which the US lives in splendid isolation and virtually unchallenged in the western hemisphere. 

In this world view, Ukraine is the symbol of what was wrong with the old order. Echoing the isolationism of Henry Cabot, Trump’s view is that the US has involved itself into too many different foreign adventures where none of its vital interests were at stake.

Echoing Putin’s talking points, the war against Ukraine no longer is an unjustified aggression but was, as Trump has now declared, Kyiv’s fault. Ukraine has become the ultimate test that the liberal international order failed to pass.

The war against Ukraine clearly is a symbol of the failure of the liberal international order, but hardly its sole cause. In the hands of Trump and Putin it has become the tool to deal it a final blow. But while the US and Russia, in their current political configurations, may have found it easy to bury the existing order, they will find it much harder to create a new one.

The push-back from Ukraine and key European countries may seem inconsequential for now, but even without the US, the EU and Nato have strong institutional roots and deep pockets. 

For all the justified criticism of the mostly aspirational responses from Europe so far, the continent is built on politically and economically far stronger foundations than Russia and the overwhelming majority of its people have no desire to emulate the living conditions in Putin’s want-to-be empire.

Nor will Trump and Putin be able to rule the world without China. A deal between them may be Trump’s idea of driving a wedge between Moscow and Beijing, but this is unlikely to work given Russia’s dependence on China and China’s rivalry with the US.

If Trump makes a deal with Xi as well, for example over Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea, let alone over Taiwan, all he would achieve is further retrenchment of the US to the western hemisphere. This would leave Putin and Xi to pursue their own, existing deal of a no-limits partnership unimpeded by an American-led counter-weight.

From the perspective of what remains of the liberal international order and its proponents, a Putin-Xi deal, too, has an eerie parallel in history – the short-lived Hitler-Stalin pact of 1939. Only this time, there is little to suggest that the Putin-Xi alliance will break down as quickly.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Economic Times

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BRICS: GOLDMAN SACHS PREDICTS US DOLLAR WILL EXPERIENCE A BOOM

The BRICS alliance might not be able to deter the US dollar as Goldman Sachs predicts the currency could experience a tariff-fueled boom.

Currency traders could make stellar profits if they take long positions on the USD, wrote the global investment bank. Tariffs from the Trump administration could bolster the appeal for the greenback leading to further gains, the note from the bank read.

If the US dollar continues its rise in the charts, BRICS will have a hard time safeguarding their respective local currencies. The development could derail the de-dollarization agenda and lead to the greenback strengthening further. The USD faced severe challenges from BRICS who were looking to dethrone it from the world’s reserve currency status.

BRICS: Tariffs Could Fuel US Dollar Boom, Says Goldman Sachs

The escalating trade wars could benefit the US dollar in the long haul, wrote Goldman Sachs in a note and the development could impair the BRICS bloc. “Ultimately, not all tariffs are equal when it comes to FX,” wrote Goldman Sachs strategists Karen Reichgott Fishman and Lexi Kanter in a note.

“But given the unwind of premium in key crosses in recent weeks, we once again think tariff risks look underpriced, making long dollar exposure now look even more attractive.”

Trump’s protective style of governance could drive inflation but in turn, support US yields, the note read. The tariffs are ruffling a lot of feathers in the markets as they directly affect the imports and exports sector. BRICS was looking to outdo the US dollar but found itself in a stiff economic situation.

The local currencies of BRICS countries have already plummeted to new lows against the US dollar this year. The de-dollarization initiative could stagnate for the next four years as threats of tariffs loom from Trump.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Watcher Guru

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