Opinions

In-depth analysis and bold opinions from elite experts and thought leaders in finance and technology.

Are Electronic Payment Service Fees in Iraq Higher Than They Should Be?

Analysis

June 29, 2026

Are Electronic Payment Service Fees in Iraq Higher Than They Should Be?

As electronic payment services continue to expand across Iraq, the debate over transaction fees continues to resurface

June 29, 2026Read Opinion
Why Are Fintech Companies Outperforming Traditional Banks in User Experience?

Analysis

June 28, 2026

Why Are Fintech Companies Outperforming Traditional Banks in User Experience?

Over the past few years, fintech companies have increasingly captured users' attention—not because they possess more capital than banks or a longer history, but because they understood something very important:

June 28, 2026Read Opinion
Do Electronic Payment Companies in Iraq Need Stricter Regulation?

Analysis

June 27, 2026

Do Electronic Payment Companies in Iraq Need Stricter Regulation?

As Iraq’s electronic payment sector continues to expand, questions surrounding regulation and oversight are becoming increasingly important

June 27, 2026Read Opinion
Iraqi Fintech Does Not Suffer From a Lack of Applications… But From a Daily Stability Crisis

Analysis

June 26, 2026

Iraqi Fintech Does Not Suffer From a Lack of Applications… But From a Daily Stability Crisis

Over the past few years Iraq has witnessed a clear explosion in the number of fintech and digital transformation services and applications

June 26, 2026Read Opinion
Digital Bank or E-Wallet? Many Iraqis Still Confuse the Two

Analysis

June 25, 2026

Digital Bank or E-Wallet? Many Iraqis Still Confuse the Two

Not long ago, I was discussing digital financial services with a friend When I mentioned that Iraq could eventually see the emergence of more digital banks, he smiled and replied, What's the difference? We've had electronic wallets for years

June 25, 2026Read Opinion
Does Iraq Need a Fully Digital Bank Instead of Traditional Banks?

Analysis

June 24, 2026

Does Iraq Need a Fully Digital Bank Instead of Traditional Banks?

As many countries around the world move toward digital banking, an important question is increasingly being discussed in Iraq:

June 24, 2026Read Opinion
The Spread of Digital Payments Does Not Necessarily Mean Financial Inclusion Success – Where Is the Real Challenge?

Analysis

June 22, 2026

The Spread of Digital Payments Does Not Necessarily Mean Financial Inclusion Success – Where Is the Real Challenge?

With every new announcement about the growth in payment cards, POS terminals, or electronic wallets, some may assume that Iraq is rapidly approaching full financial inclusion However, the reality is far more complex

June 22, 2026Read Opinion
Why Is It So Difficult to Understand What Is Happening Inside Iraq’s Fintech Sector?

Analysis

June 16, 2026

Why Is It So Difficult to Understand What Is Happening Inside Iraq’s Fintech Sector?

In most financial technology markets around the world, it does not take much effort to understand what is happening within the sector. Companies regularly publish their results, financial institutions disclose key performance indicators, quarterly and annual reports provide clear insights into market growth and trends, and new partnerships, investments, and product launches quickly become news shared among media outlets, investors, and industry observers

June 16, 2026Read Opinion
Can Iraq Transform from a Consumer of Financial Technology into a Producer?

Analysis

June 15, 2026

Can Iraq Transform from a Consumer of Financial Technology into a Producer?

Over the past few years, Iraq has witnessed significant growth in the adoption of financial technology. Digital wallets have become more widespread, digital payments have increased, electronic payment services have expanded, and technology has become an increasingly important part of the daily financial lives of both individuals and businesses.

June 15, 2026Read Opinion
What Does the Fintech Sector Fear More Than Competition?

Analysis

June 13, 2026

What Does the Fintech Sector Fear More Than Competition?

When discussing the biggest challenges facing fintech companies, the conversation often turns immediately to competition.

June 13, 2026Read Opinion
If Digital Payments Are Available, Why Do Iraqis Still Prefer Cash on Delivery?

Analysis

June 12, 2026

If Digital Payments Are Available, Why Do Iraqis Still Prefer Cash on Delivery?

Over the past few years, Iraq has witnessed significant growth in digital payment services. Digital wallets have become more widespread, the number of payment cards has increased, online payment gateways have evolved, and delivery platforms and e-commerce stores now offer multiple online payment options

June 12, 2026Read Opinion
What Would Happen to Iraqi Fintech if the Internet Disappeared for 24 Hours?

Analysis

June 11, 2026

What Would Happen to Iraqi Fintech if the Internet Disappeared for 24 Hours?

As discussions around digital transformation continue to grow in Iraq, electronic wallets, digital payments, delivery applications, and mobile-based financial services are increasingly praised as key pillars of the country’s evolving digital economy

June 11, 2026Read Opinion
Digital Fraud in Iraq: Who Protects Users When Their Money Disappears?

Analysis

June 9, 2026

Digital Fraud in Iraq: Who Protects Users When Their Money Disappears?

As Iraq continues to expand digital payments and electronic financial services, the number of users relying on digital wallets and financial applications in their daily lives continues to grow

June 9, 2026Read Opinion
Has Digital Transformation Outpaced Digital Awareness in Iraq?

Analysis

June 8, 2026

Has Digital Transformation Outpaced Digital Awareness in Iraq?

While official reports continue to highlight the expansion of electronic payments, digital wallets, and point-of-sale (POS) terminals across Iraq, a simple question remains relevant on the ground: Has digital transformation truly reached Iraqi businesses, or is it moving faster than the market’s understanding of it?

June 8, 2026Read Opinion
Will Artificial Intelligence Manage Your Money One Day?

Analysis

June 7, 2026

Will Artificial Intelligence Manage Your Money One Day?

People have become accustomed to using financial applications for transferring money, paying bills, and managing their daily accounts. However, with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, the role of these applications may eventually go beyond simply executing commands. In the future, they may begin participating in certain financial decisions on behalf of users

June 7, 2026Read Opinion
Will the Next Wave of Iraqi Fintech Be Driven by a New Generation?

Analysis

June 6, 2026

Will the Next Wave of Iraqi Fintech Be Driven by a New Generation?

Iraq is experiencing rapid changes in the way people use technology and digital services, driven by the growth of e-commerce, delivery applications, and the expansion of digital financial services.

June 6, 2026Read Opinion
5 Global Trends from Money20/20 Europe 2026 Worth Watching in Iraq

Analysis

June 5, 2026

5 Global Trends from Money20/20 Europe 2026 Worth Watching in Iraq

Money20/20 Europe 2026 held in Amsterdam from June 2–4 2026 brought together leading banks fintech companies payment providers investors and industry leaders to discuss the future of financial services in an era shaped by artificial intelligence and digital payments.

June 5, 2026Read Opinion
Is Iraqi Fintech Leading the Banking Sector or Relying on It?

Analysis

June 4, 2026

Is Iraqi Fintech Leading the Banking Sector or Relying on It?

Over the past few years, Iraq has witnessed notable growth in the fintech sector, driven by the expansion of electronic wallets, the increasing adoption of POS terminals, and the emergence of new digital services designed to simplify payments and money transfers.

June 4, 2026Read Opinion
Why Do Iraqi Investors Still Prefer Real Estate Over Technology Companies?

Analysis

June 1, 2026

Why Do Iraqi Investors Still Prefer Real Estate Over Technology Companies?

If an Iraqi investor received an extra $1 million today, where would that money most likely go? In most cases, the answer is predictable: A piece of land, a residential compound, a commercial building, or property in a promising location

June 1, 2026Read Opinion
Are Apps Reshaping the Labor Market in Iraq?

Analysis

May 29, 2026

Are Apps Reshaping the Labor Market in Iraq?

In Iraq, apps are no longer just tools for ordering food, booking rides, or transferring money. Over the past few years, they have gradually evolved into something much bigger:

May 29, 2026Read Opinion
Does Weak Internet Infrastructure Hinder Iraqi Fintech More Than Regulations?

Analysis

May 24, 2026

Does Weak Internet Infrastructure Hinder Iraqi Fintech More Than Regulations?

Over the past few years, Iraq has attempted to position itself as one of the emerging markets in fintech and digital transformation. Digital wallets are expanding, POS devices are becoming more widespread, delivery applications are entering the payment space, and banks have begun focusing more on digital services instead of relying solely on traditional branches

May 24, 2026Read Opinion
Have Rewards and Prize Draws Become a New Tool to Push Iraqis Toward Electronic Payments?

Analysis

May 23, 2026

Have Rewards and Prize Draws Become a New Tool to Push Iraqis Toward Electronic Payments?

In recent months, electronic payment companies in Iraq have increasingly relied on: Prize draws Rewards Incentives Promotional campaigns in an effort to encourage users to use cards and digital wallets more frequently in their daily lives

May 23, 2026Read Opinion
Why Does the Electronic Payment Experience Differ Between Baghdad and Other Iraqi Provinces?

Analysis

May 22, 2026

Why Does the Electronic Payment Experience Differ Between Baghdad and Other Iraqi Provinces?

Despite the rapid expansion of electronic payment services across Iraq in recent years, the user experience still differs significantly between Baghdad and other provinces

May 22, 2026Read Opinion
Are Delivery Apps Gradually Turning Into Financial Platforms?

Analysis

May 21, 2026

Are Delivery Apps Gradually Turning Into Financial Platforms?

A few years ago, delivery applications in Iraq served one simple and clear purpose:

May 21, 2026Read Opinion
Why Do Many Iraqis Withdraw Their Salaries Immediately After Receiving Electronic Payments?

Analysis

May 18, 2026

Why Do Many Iraqis Withdraw Their Salaries Immediately After Receiving Electronic Payments?

Despite the major expansion of salary localization programs and the spread of bank cards and digital wallets across Iraq in recent years, the scene of instant salary withdrawal continues to repeat itself every payday

May 18, 2026Read Opinion
Are Iraqi Shop Owners Really Comfortable Using POS Devices?

Analysis

May 17, 2026

Are Iraqi Shop Owners Really Comfortable Using POS Devices?

Over the past few years, POS devices have become increasingly visible across Iraqi markets, restaurants, pharmacies, and retail stores, especially with the expansion of electronic payments and growing discussions about reducing dependence on cash

May 17, 2026Read Opinion
Before July 2026… Is Iraq Really Ready for a Reduced-Cash Economy?

Analysis

May 13, 2026

Before July 2026… Is Iraq Really Ready for a Reduced-Cash Economy?

As July 2026 approaches, the issue of electronic payments has returned to the center of discussion in Iraq, particularly with growing conversations around government efforts to reduce dependence on cash and expand the use of digital payment systems across public institutions, markets, and everyday services

May 13, 2026Read Opinion
Are Iraqi Banks Actually Transforming Into Digital Banks?

Analysis

May 12, 2026

Are Iraqi Banks Actually Transforming Into Digital Banks?

Over the past few years, Iraqi banks have started moving more visibly toward digital services after a long period in which the banking sector relied heavily on traditional procedures, paper-based processes, and in-branch services

May 12, 2026Read Opinion
Iraq’s Digital App Race: Who Will Succeed in Building the Largest User Ecosystem?

Analysis

May 11, 2026

Iraq’s Digital App Race: Who Will Succeed in Building the Largest User Ecosystem?

Digital applications in Iraq are no longer satisfied with offering just a single service. The market is witnessing a clear shift toward what is globally known as “super apps” — platforms that aim to keep users a single ecosystem combining transportation, payments, shopping, and various daily services

May 11, 2026Read Opinion
Competition Is No Longer About the Service Alone… But About How Easy It Is to Use

Analysis

May 10, 2026

Competition Is No Longer About the Service Alone… But About How Easy It Is to Use

In previous years, simply having a digital application or online service was considered a major step within the Iraqi market. Many companies focused mainly on launching applications or providing digital services, without paying significant attention to user experience or ease of use

May 10, 2026Read Opinion
Expanding Integration Between Digital Wallets and Banking Cards Reflects a Shift in Iraq’s Digital Payments Market

Analysis

May 9, 2026

Expanding Integration Between Digital Wallets and Banking Cards Reflects a Shift in Iraq’s Digital Payments Market

Recent months have witnessed noticeable growth in the integration between certain digital wallets and banking cards in Iraq, reflecting a gradual shift in the structure of digital financial services and how they are used

May 9, 2026Read Opinion
Fintech Beyond Banks: Where Is It Actually Used in the Iraqi Market?

Analysis

May 6, 2026

Fintech Beyond Banks: Where Is It Actually Used in the Iraqi Market?

Financial technology is no longer limited to banks or digital wallets in Iraq. It is increasingly visible across multiple sectors of daily life. This expansion reflects a shift from fintech being a standalone financial service to becoming part of the everyday economic infrastructure

May 6, 2026Read Opinion
Fintech in Iraq: Between Numbers and Reality — Is the Growth Real or Overstated?

Analysis

May 3, 2026

Fintech in Iraq: Between Numbers and Reality — Is the Growth Real or Overstated?

In recent years, Iraq’s financial technology (Fintech) sector has experienced noticeable growth, reflected in the rise of electronic payment companies, the spread of digital wallets, and the expansion of cards and modern financial services

May 3, 2026Read Opinion
From Conferences to the Market: How Do Fintech Summits Shape the Future of Digital Payments?

Analysis

April 30, 2026

From Conferences to the Market: How Do Fintech Summits Shape the Future of Digital Payments?

Financial technology conferences and banking summits are no longer just formal events or protocol-driven gatherings. They have become an important part of financial decision-making and shaping the future of digital markets. With the rapid expansion of electronic payments and financial inclusion, these events now represent real spaces for presenting solutions, building partnerships, and discussing the future of the financial sector

April 30, 2026Read Opinion
Iraq 2026: Has Financial Technology Truly Begun to Reshape the Economy?

Analysis

April 29, 2026

Iraq 2026: Has Financial Technology Truly Begun to Reshape the Economy?

Financial technology (Fintech) in Iraq is no longer just an idea linked to digital wallets or mobile payments. It is gradually becoming a core part of rebuilding the national economy, reducing reliance on cash, and improving the relationship between citizens and financial institutions

April 29, 2026Read Opinion
Who Determines the Success of Fintech in Iraq: Companies or Users?

Analysis

April 26, 2026

Who Determines the Success of Fintech in Iraq: Companies or Users?

Iraq’s fintech sector is experiencing noticeable expansion, with a growing number of payment companies, digital wallets, and modern financial services. This growth reflects clear efforts to build a digital financial infrastructure capable of supporting the transition toward a less cash-dependent economy

April 26, 2026Read Opinion
Who Really Profits from Digital Payments? A Look into Fintech Business Models

Analysis

April 13, 2026

Who Really Profits from Digital Payments? A Look into Fintech Business Models

With the rapid expansion of digital payments and financial services, an important question arises: who actually profits from this ecosystem? While end users benefit from fast and convenient services, there is a complex network of stakeholders generating revenue from every digital transaction.

April 13, 2026Read Opinion
E-Wallets vs Digital Banks in Iraq: Which Is Better?

Analysis

March 12, 2026

E-Wallets vs Digital Banks in Iraq: Which Is Better?

Iraq is experiencing rapid digital transformation in financial services. Two major components of this transformation are e-wallets and digital banks, which allow users to manage financial transactions through mobile devices and online platforms.

March 12, 2026Read Opinion
The Impact of Blockchain Technology on Iraqi Banks: Digital Transformation and Future Prospects

Analysis

March 1, 2026

The Impact of Blockchain Technology on Iraqi Banks: Digital Transformation and Future Prospects

Blockchain technology is reshaping the global financial industry. In Iraq, where the banking sector is undergoing digital transformation, blockchain presents significant opportunities to enhance transparency, efficiency, and security.

March 1, 2026Read Opinion
Why I Took a Month Off Social Media

Analysis

February 10, 2026

Why I Took a Month Off Social Media

Reconnecting with the real world has improved my mental health significantly.

February 10, 2026Read Opinion
The City of Tomorrow Must Be Car-Free

Analysis

February 10, 2026

The City of Tomorrow Must Be Car-Free

Prioritizing pedestrians and public transport is the only way to build livable cities.

February 10, 2026Read Opinion
Opinion: Why We Need to Rethink Standardized Testing

Analysis

February 10, 2026

Opinion: Why We Need to Rethink Standardized Testing

The current system measures memorization, not intelligence or creativity.

February 10, 2026Read Opinion
Beyond Crypto: How Blockchain Can Transform Iraqi Supply Chains

Analysis

February 10, 2026

Beyond Crypto: How Blockchain Can Transform Iraqi Supply Chains

Blockchain technology offers transparency and efficiency gains for the oil and trade sectors.

February 10, 2026Read Opinion
The Road to a Cashless Iraq: Challenges and Opportunities

Analysis

February 10, 2026

The Road to a Cashless Iraq: Challenges and Opportunities

Moving away from cash requires cultural shifts, not just technological ones.

February 10, 2026Read Opinion
Opinion: Why Iraq Needs Flexible Fintech Regulations

Analysis

February 10, 2026

Opinion: Why Iraq Needs Flexible Fintech Regulations

Strict regulations might stifle innovation in the burgeoning fintech sector.

February 10, 2026Read Opinion