TNT:
Tishwash: Currency reform before removing zeros: An economist tells Iraq Observer that the roadmap is to strengthen the value of the Iraqi dinar.
As discussions resurface regarding the future of the Iraqi currency and the possibility of removing zeros or replacing the dinar, the importance of prioritizing economic and monetary policies as a foundation for any future reform measures is paramount.
There are strong assertions that strengthening the currency's value and restoring confidence in it necessitates comprehensive financial and economic reforms that precede any decisions concerning the currency's form or the number of zeros.
Economic researcher Dr. Safwan Qusay emphasized that determining the fair value of the Iraqi dinar and reconsidering the number of zeros in the currency fall under the purview of the Central Bank of Iraq's monetary policy. He pointed out that proceeding with removing zeros or replacing the currency requires laying the appropriate economic groundwork and should not be done in isolation from the necessary reforms.
Qusay told Iraq Observer, "Monetary policy is responsible for determining the dinar's value, while the government of Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi is expected to implement a financial and economic reform program that contributes to diversifying income sources and strengthening the national economy. Achieving economic diversification is a fundamental prerequisite before proceeding with any move related to changing the currency or removing zeros."
He added that “addressing the currency issue is not limited to changing its form or nominal value, but also requires taking measures to curb counterfeiting and help recover the cash holdings outside the banking system or abroad.” He pointed to the possibility of expanding the use of electronic cards in financial transactions as part of the transition to electronic payments and strengthening oversight of money flows.
He stressed that “the success of any monetary measure is linked to the progress of financial and economic reforms and the ability of the relevant institutions to provide the requirements for stability.” He explained that changing the exchange rate, removing zeros, or replacing the currency should come at a later stage, after completing the necessary foundations for reform.
This approach places comprehensive economic reform at the forefront of priorities, as it is the most important entry point for building confidence in the Iraqi dinar and strengthening monetary stability, while decisions regarding the future of the currency remain the prerogative of the Central Bank, based on economic indicators and the requirements of the next phase. link
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Tishwash: The Foreign Minister and the Executive Director of the International Trade Centre discuss strengthening economic partnership.
On Sunday, October 25, 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Fuad Hussein, received at the Ministry headquarters in Baghdad, the Executive Director of the International Trade Centre, Ms. Pamela Cooke Hamilton, and discussed with her ways to enhance cooperation in the areas of diversifying the national economy, developing the private sector, increasing Iraqi exports, and supporting Iraq’s integration into the international trade system.
The Minister stressed the importance of utilizing the center’s technical and advisory expertise to support Iraq’s accession to the World Trade Organization, develop trade policies, and enhance investment and trade partnerships, noting the importance of the Iraqi Trade Forum for Development and Investment, which Baghdad will host from October 25 to 28, 2026.
The two sides also discussed supporting small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurship, developing agricultural and food value chains within the framework of the (SAAVI) project, and the possibility of launching a second phase of it, as well as enhancing coordination between Iraqi institutions and the center to develop economic projects that contribute to achieving sustainable development and providing job opportunities. link
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Tishwash: Rafidain Bank announces the total value of bank accounts opened during the past 3 months.
Rafidain Bank announced on Sunday that it opened 6,195 bank accounts during the third quarter of 2026, distributed among current accounts, savings accounts, deposits and electronic banking system accounts.
The bank said in a statement received by Kalima News that “the accounts opened during the period from July 1 to September 30, 2026, according to the approved classifications, were distributed as follows:
-Current accounts: (206) accounts.
-Savings accounts: (1,760) accounts.
-Deposit accounts: (97) accounts.
-Electronic banking system accounts: (4,132) accounts.
The bank affirmed its commitment to “continuing to develop its services and facilitate account opening procedures, enabling individuals and institutions to benefit from deposit, savings, and money management services, and promoting the use of banking channels in financial transactions.” link
Tishwash: Iraq Central Bank Announces $1 Billion Dollar Cash Shipment Arriving From US
The shipment is the first phase of a plan to send one billion dollars monthly to Iraq, with diplomatic and financial efforts underway to raise that figure to $2.5 billion monthly to eliminate the gap between the official and parallel exchange rates
The Central Bank of Iraq exclusively told Kurdistan 24 on Saturday that a new dollar cash shipment worth one billion dollars will arrive in Baghdad from the United States within less than one week, as part of ongoing negotiations between Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi and American officials to significantly increase the volume of dollar cash sent to the country.
Mahmoud Dagher, adviser and spokesman for the Central Bank of Iraq, told Kurdistan 24 exclusively: "Within less than a week, a new dollar cash shipment from the United States will arrive in Baghdad worth one billion dollars cash. This development will have a positive impact on strengthening the value of the Iraqi dinar and maintaining financial stability."
He added that the new dollar amount will be directly put to service in the process of balancing the financial market and supporting the Iraqi dinar.
The Exchange Rate Decline Explained
On the recent decline of the dollar's exchange rate in domestic markets, Dagher clarified that this positive change is a result of the monetary policy the Central Bank follows through increasing the volume of dollar supply, alongside the economic reforms and changes that have entered the market.
The Phased Plan
According to information obtained by Kurdistan 24, PM al-Zaidi's negotiations with the American side are continuing with the aim of reaching agreement on a significant increase in the volume of dollar cash sent to the country. In the first phase, one billion dollars will be sent monthly on a continuous basis starting within the coming days. Meanwhile, diplomatic and financial efforts are concentrated on raising that figure to $2.5 billion monthly, with the aim of eliminating the gap between the dollar and dinar exchange rates in the market entirely.
The shipment comes after a prolonged gap in dollar cash convoys to Iraq. The last shipment was approximately $500 million sent on August 6, 2026, and the absence of a new convoy had been creating pressure on Iraq's foreign exchange market.
The resumption of the dollar supply at double the previous shipment size, with a target of $2.5 billion monthly, represents a significant escalation in the US-Iraq financial cooperation track and reflects the broader Erbil-Baghdad-Washington relationship at a moment when Iraq is simultaneously managing militia disarmament demands, the closure of Iran border crossings under US pressure, and active budget negotiations with the Kurdistan Region. link