Central Bank of Iraq on ‘unannounced’ visit to America

An informed source revealed, on Thursday, that the Central Bank of Iraq is currently making an unannounced visit to the United States of America, to discuss developments in the Iraqi banking sector.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that a delegation from the Central Bank of Iraq, headed by the Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al-Alaq, and a number of general managers, have been visiting the United States of America since the 26th of this month, to discuss developments in the banking sector and the restrictions on the use of the dollar imposed on a large number of private banks.

He pointed out that the Central Bank delegation discussed cancelling the platform at the beginning of next year, and relying on correspondent banks, which will increase the imposition of restrictions on Iraqi private banks, and completely eliminate competition in favor of Jordanian banks that have American correspondent banks.

The source noted that the Central Bank is close to signing a contract with Oliver Wyman, the consulting firm for the Iraqi Development Road, to conduct a study on reforming the Iraqi banking sector, in order for it to be approved by the Central Bank in the coming period, and to be considered a roadmap for reforming the private banking sector.

On the other hand, a number of economists were surprised by the lack of announcement of the visit of the Central Bank of Iraq to America, especially since it comes at a very important time.

Shafaq.com