Iraqi Government Intensifies Efforts to Reform Banking Sector, Address Exchange Rates

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani directs the directors of government banks to submit a plan within one month to enhance their operations (Iraqi National News Agency)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani directs the directors of government banks to submit a plan within one month to enhance their operations (Iraqi National News Agency)
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Iraqi Government Intensifies Efforts to Reform Banking Sector, Address Exchange Rates

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani directs the directors of government banks to submit a plan within one month to enhance their operations (Iraqi National News Agency)
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani directs the directors of government banks to submit a plan within one month to enhance their operations (Iraqi National News Agency)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has instructed the directors of government banks to present a development plan within one month.

In light of this news, government sources revealed a set of measures taken by the Iraqi government to address disruptions and the continuous decline in the exchange rates of the Iraqi dinar against foreign currencies, especially the US dollar.

Al-Sudani chaired on Tuesday a meeting, which brought together the Minister of Finance, the Central Bank Governor, and directors of government banks, to discuss the mechanisms and measures implemented in the administrative and banking reforms initiated by the government.

These reforms are among the top priorities of the comprehensive economic reform in the country, according to a statement from al-Sudani’s media office.

The statement revealed that the development plan ordered by al-Sudani should include optimal use of financial, human, and technological resources.

It also marks a significant shift from paper-based to electronic work, and from manual to online transactions for all banking activities.

The plan also involves developing work mechanisms, including control and regulatory tools.

Al-Sudani confirmed that the bank directors would be evaluated based on their application of the plan and the level of achievement.

This performance-based assessment will ensure that those at the helm of the banking sector are held accountable for its advancement.

The meeting, as per the statement, also discussed the implementation of the comprehensive banking system through the use of advanced e-programs and modern technology in all banking transactions.

The premier directed the banking administrations to draw upon international expertise by contracting specialized consultants in banking and financial work.

This move, which includes the development plan presented by Ernst & Young for the restructuring of Rafidain Bank, indicates a commitment to adopting global best practices and standards in the banking sector in an effort to scale up growth and development.



Gold Jumps, on Track for Best Week in Over a Year on Safe-haven Demand

FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
TT

Gold Jumps, on Track for Best Week in Over a Year on Safe-haven Demand

FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Gold bullions are displayed at GoldSilver Central's office in Singapore June 19, 2017. REUTERS/Edgar Su/File Photo

Gold prices rose over 1% to hit a two-week peak on Friday, heading for the best weekly performance in more than a year, buoyed by safe-haven demand as Russia-Ukraine tensions intensified.

Spot gold jumped 1.3% to $2,703.05 per ounce as of 1245 GMT, hitting its highest since Nov. 8. US gold futures gained 1.1% to $2,705.30.

Bullion rose despite the US dollar hitting a 13-month high, while bitcoin hit a record peak and neared the $100,000 level.

"With both gold and USD (US dollar) rising, it seems that safe-haven demand is lifting both assets," said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.

Ukraine's military said its drones struck four oil refineries, radar stations and other military installations in Russia, Reuters reported.

Gold has gained over 5% so far this week, its best weekly performance since October 2023. Prices have gained around $173 after slipping to a two-month low last week.

"We understand that the price setback has been used by 'Western world' investors under-allocated to gold to build exposure considering the geopolitical risks that are still around. So we continue to expect gold to rise further over the coming months," Staunovo said.

Bullion tends to shine during geopolitical tensions, economic risks, and a low interest rate environment. Markets are pricing in a 59.4% chance of a 25-basis-points cut at the Fed's December meeting, per the CME Fedwatch tool.

However, "if Fed skips or pauses its rate cut in December, that will be negative for gold prices and we could see some pullback," said Soni Kumari, a commodity strategist at ANZ.

The Chicago Federal Reserve president reiterated his support for further US interest rate cuts on Thursday.

On Friday, spot silver rose 1.8% to $31.34 per ounce, platinum eased 0.1% to $960.13 and palladium fell 0.6% to $1,023.55. All three metals were on track for a weekly rise.