The Governor of CBI Chairs the Periodic Meeting of the Iraqi Payments Council

His Excellency the Governor of CBI and Chairman of the Iraqi Payments Council, Mr. Ali Mohsen Ismail, chaired the Council's periodic meeting. The meeting was attended by members representing the government, officials from CBI, ministries, government agencies, the private sector, state-owned banks, and electronic payment service providers.

The meeting addressed several key topics related to the procedures and mechanisms employed by ministries and public sector institutions in adopting electronic payment technologies. Discussions also covered the progress achieved in adopting these tools and channels, as well as digital transformation initiatives aligned with the strategic visions and plans adopted by these entities, and how to integrate them with financial and banking technologies.

The Council also explored ways to enhance the private sector's readiness to utilize electronic payment platforms and systems for collecting its financial dues digitally. Furthermore, the Council discussed integrating various economic entities into the formal economy, emphasizing the need to simplify procedures and regulate the relationship between these entities and government agencies according to their categories and nature of work. The Council also stressed the importance of continuing the process of localizing the salaries of workers in this sector, in coordination with relevant government agencies and financial and banking institutions.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued discussions on the direct deposit of salaries for employees in this sector. The Council reviewed financial inclusion indicators, the availability and reach of financial and banking services, and the impact of developing payment systems infrastructure on various sectors and segments of the society.

The Council emphasized the importance of continuing efforts and initiatives aimed at expanding financial literacy and establishing the foundations and principles of financial awareness across all sectors.

It is worth noting that the Iraqi Payments Council aims to coordinate cooperation in the field of national payments and electronic payments among regulatory authorities and executive bodies in the public and private sectors, in addition to financial and banking institutions.

 

Central Bank of Iraq

Media Office

November 23, 2025