Iraq has devalued its dinar from 1,320 to 1,520 per US dollar, marking its first adjustment since 2023. This 13% loss in dinar value aims to support domestic industries and attract non-oil investments, but analysts suggest it’s largely a response to oil revenue shocks due to the Iran war. While some project costs will rise, inflation risks persist and depend on market dynamics. The sustainability of this rate hinges on resolving budget deficits and improving economic conditions.
Global growth held up through 2025 despite shocks, then war in the Middle East disrupted energy and trade. The IMF's 2026 report spotlights four fault lines: mounting debt, AI's uneven payoff, strained trade resilience, and fast-moving digital finance — testing how adaptable economies can really be.
₹22,006 crore in claims. ₹6.5 crore approved for repayment. A 99.97% haircut. Yes, it is a personal guarantor case, and creditors approved the plan. But the bigger question remains: why was ₹6.5 crore considered the best possible recovery? The IBC addresses failure. Credit discipline must address what happens before failure. That is the conversation India needs.
Digital banks are transforming financial services by combining technology, convenience, and innovation to deliver seamless banking experiences without traditional branches. While they offer faster services, lower costs, and greater financial inclusion, they also face challenges in cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and customer trust. Their future will depend on secure digital onboarding, intelligent automation, and customer-centric innovation.
A senior executive illustrates the difference between "chickens" and "fish" in organizations. Chickens seek visibility and recognition, while fish work silently, solving problems and ensuring smooth operations without fanfare. Despite their vital contributions, fish often go unnoticed and face criticism for lacking visibility. Their departure disrupts productivity as organizations mistake noise for value. To thrive, organizations must recognize and reward true contributions rather than mere visibility.
The Iraqi economy, historically reliant on cash, faces a transformative shift with the Central Bank's introduction of digital banks. These banks aim to enhance financial inclusion by leveraging mobile technology, addressing traditional banking barriers. They promise quicker account setups and innovative services, aiding SMEs and fostering credit access through data history. However, robust regulatory frameworks and cybersecurity measures are essential for successful implementation and economic stability.
The Central Bank of Iraq aims to eliminate cash transactions by July 2026 as part of a major financial modernization initiative. This shift could enhance digital banking and financial inclusion but poses significant operational challenges. Iraq is developing a national payments infrastructure, including an instant payment system, a unified government payment gateway, a domestic card scheme, and a national switch. Success hinges on public adoption and the readiness of the banking sector, setting the stage for a pivotal transition.
In rapidly changing markets, leaders often hesitate, thinking it prudent to gather more data. However, this indecision can erode competitive advantage and incurs hidden costs. High-performing organizations excel by acting decisively under uncertainty, prioritizing speed over perfection. Cultivating a culture of decisive action and adaptability can lead to strategic momentum and resilience, as timely decisions often surpass delayed but ideal ones.
The future promises more intelligent machines, advanced automation, and sophisticated decision-making systems. AI will analyze data with great precision, detect patterns beyond human intuition, and guide decisions efficiently. However, society will still require humans to stand by decisions and accept responsibility for their outcomes. Rather than choosing between human intuition and machine logic, an ideal system combines AI's transparency, analysis, and consistency with human ethical judgment and accountability. This partnership ensures balanced, responsible decision-making in an increasingly automated world.
Somewhere along the way, I learned that size in banking is often mistaken for significance. Large exposures can feel meaningful internally, yet remain invisible to the client. True relationships are not built on headline numbers or borrowed prestige, but on relevance—on whether, in the client’s world, you actually matter.
