2025 AGENDA

TRANSFORMING BANKING IN IRAQ: INNOVATION, STABILITY, AND GROWTH

0800 - 0900

Registration & Networking

0900 - 0905

Welcome Remarks by Summit Chair

0905 - 0920

Opening Keynote: The Future of Banking in Iraq

0920 - 0935

PANEL DISCUSSION

Cash is Still King: Addressing the Elephant in the Room

Iraq is embracing a new era of digital banking. While cash remains prevalent, there's a growing momentum to embrace digital solutions, driven by a young, tech-savvy population and government initiatives promoting financial inclusion. This panel explores the cultural and infrastructural factors shaping Iraq's cash reliance and examines how strategic partnerships, targeted education, and expanded infrastructure can unlock the transformative potential of digital banking, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic economy for all Iraqis.

What are the historical, cultural, and infrastructural reasons behind Iraq's reliance on cash?
How can financial literacy campaigns tailored to Iraq’s context address the knowledge gap and build trust in digital banking?
What role can FinTech partnerships play in creating user-friendly and innovative digital payment solutions?
How can banks and the government collaborate to expand ATM and POS terminal infrastructure in underserved regions?
How can government-led initiatives like salary disbursements and public service payments accelerate cashless adoption in Iraq?
What lessons can Iraq draw from global initiatives like M-Pesa (Kenya) or UPI (India) to reduce cash dependency effectively?

0935 - 0950

PRESENTATION

Lightbulb Moments

0950 - 1020

PANEL DISCUSSION

Setting the Stage: Iraq’s Path to Modern Banking

Iraq is transitioning to a modern banking system by integrating legacy systems with digital platforms. This panel will discuss solutions for a smooth transition in a cash-based economy, focusing on creating scalable IT infrastructure and enhancing interoperability between platforms and systems. It will also cover addressing the shortage of skilled IT professionals and incorporating cybersecurity measures.

How can Iraqi banks integrate legacy systems with modern digital platforms to ensure a seamless transition in a cash-based economy?
What role do cloud computing and local data centres play in creating scalable and resilient infrastructures?
How can emerging technologies like QR codes and NFC drive the next phase of Iraq’s digital payment transformation?
What steps can enhance interoperability between digital banking platforms and payment systems?
How can Iraqi banks integrate cybersecurity into the transition from legacy systems to modern platforms, ensuring resilience against evolving threats?
How can banks address the shortage of skilled IT professionals to support digital transformation?

1020 - 1035

PRESENTATION

Lightbulb Moments

1035 - 1100

Coffee & Networking

1100 - 1115

PRESENTATION

Lightbulb Moments

1115 - 1145

PANEL DISCUSSION

From Margins to Mainstream: Advancing Inclusive Banking in Iraq

Iraq is committed to expanding financial inclusion through accessible digital banking solutions. This panel will explore practical strategies to empower underserved communities. It will consider how to effectively distribute digital infrastructure and leverage mobile technologies and blockchain to overcome geographical and cultural barriers, ensuring that financial services reach every corner of Iraq.

How can digital banking solutions be tailored to address the needs of underserved populations, particularly women and rural communities?
What role can mobile wallets and agent banking play in expanding access to financial services in remote areas?
How can targeted financial literacy campaigns address cultural barriers and promote digital adoption?
What measures can ensure the equitable distribution of digital infrastructure, such as ATMs and POS terminals, across Iraq?
What steps can enhance interoperability between digital platforms and payment systems to ensure equitable access for underserved populations?
How can blockchain technology enhance financial inclusion through identity management and secure remittance channels?

1145 - 1200

PRESENTATION

Lightbulb Moments

1200 - 1230

PANEL DISCUSSION

Shaping the Rules: Enabling Digital Banking in Iraq

As Iraq embraces digital banking, finding the right regulatory balance is crucial. This panel will explore the Central Bank of Iraq's role in shaping a regulatory framework that fosters innovation and protects consumers. It will examine licensing requirements for digital banks, discuss how regulations can promote fair competition and safeguard consumers, and consider how the CBI can encourage collaboration between banks and technology providers to create a thriving digital ecosystem.

What are the key guidelines and requirements set by the CBI for obtaining and operating digital banking licenses?
How can regulations accommodate the growth of FinTech companies while ensuring a level playing field with traditional banks?
What consumer protection measures are in place to safeguard customers against fraud and unfair practices?
How can regulatory incentives support the development of digital payment infrastructure and promote interoperability?
What role can the CBI play in fostering collaboration between banks and technology providers to build a secure and inclusive ecosystem?

1230 - 1245

PRESENTATION

Lightbulb Moments

1245 - 1315

PANEL DISCUSSION

Putting Customers First: Redefining Digital Banking in Iraq

While the Iraqi banking sector is undergoing a rapid digital transformation, a key question remains: how can banks ensure these advancements genuinely benefit customers, particularly those in underserved communities? This panel will explore how Iraqi banks can design customer-centric digital solutions by leveraging AI, data analytics, and partnerships with FinTechs, while also prioritising accessibility, user experience, and robust security measures that foster trust and confidence in Iraq's evolving digital banking landscape.

How can Iraqi banks design digital solutions that cater to underserved communities, including rural populations?
What principles can ensure accessible, intuitive, and engaging user experiences for diverse customer segments?
How can AI and data analytics personalise services to meet the unique needs of Iraqi customers?
What steps can banks take to enhance security and effectively communicate these measures to build trust?
How can partnerships with FinTechs drive innovation and improve customer experience in Iraq’s banking sector?

1315 - 1415

Networking Lunch

1415 - 1445

PANEL DISCUSSION

Building Trust: Strengthening Cybersecurity in Iraq’s Digital Banking Ecosystem

While Iraq's digital banking sector offers tremendous potential for economic recovery and empowerment, cybersecurity is paramount. This panel examines the most critical cybersecurity threats faced by Iraqi banks and explores strategies for building a secure ecosystem. It will consider how emerging technologies, collaboration, and consumer education can strengthen defences and ensure a safe and trustworthy foundation for digital banking in Iraq.

What are the most significant cybersecurity threats facing Iraqi banks, and how can they be mitigated?
How can banks implement fraud detection systems and secure digital banking infrastructure to protect customer data?
How can emerging technologies like AI and machine learning enhance cybersecurity capabilities?
How can banks educate consumers about cybersecurity risks and empower them to protect their financial information?
What role does collaboration between banks, regulators, and technology providers play in building a secure digital ecosystem?

1445 - 1500

PRESENTATION

Lightbulb Moments

1500 - 1530

PANEL DISCUSSION

Unlocking Iraq’s Potential: Digital Banking as a Catalyst for Progress

Iraq's embrace of digital banking holds significant potential for driving progress across various sectors. This panel will examine how digital banking can act as a catalyst for economic recovery and SME empowerment, particularly in key sectors like agriculture and healthcare. It will consider how Iraq can balance cultural considerations with international best practices, and the role of global technology partnerships in shaping Iraq's digital future.

How can digital banking drive economic recovery, SME empowerment, and financial stability in Iraq?
What strategies can banks and the government adopt to extend financial inclusion to underserved sectors like agriculture and healthcare?
How can Iraq’s banking sector balance local cultural preferences with global best practices?
What role will collaboration with global technology providers play in accelerating Iraq’s digital transformation?
How can digital banking solutions contribute to rebuilding infrastructure and enhancing trade finance?

1530 - 1545

DigiBank Awards

1545 - 1545

Closing Remarks and End of Summit

IRAQ EDITION

25 FEB 2025
BABYLON ROTANA HOTEL, BAGHDAD

IRAQ'S ONLY DEDICATED EVENT ON DIGITAL BANKING TRANSFORMATION

EVENT IN NUMBERS

WHO ATTENDS

WHY ATTEND

TRANSFORMING BANKING IN IRAQ: INNOVATION, STABILITY, AND GROWTH

MEET OUR FIRST WAVE OF SPEAKERS

JOIN THE INDUSTRY LEADERS

2025 PARTNERS

BECOME A SPONSOR

A WORLD-CLASS VENUE

IRAQ EDITION

25 FEB 2025BABYLON ROTANA HOTEL, BAGHDAD

IRAQ'S ONLY DEDICATED EVENT ON DIGITAL BANKING TRANSFORMATION

EVENT IN NUMBERS

WHO ATTENDS

WHY ATTEND

TRANSFORMING BANKING IN IRAQ: INNOVATION, STABILITY, AND GROWTH

MEET OUR FIRST WAVE OF SPEAKERS

JOIN THE INDUSTRY LEADERS

2025 PARTNERS

BECOME A SPONSOR

A WORLD-CLASS VENUE

25 FEB 2025
BABYLON ROTANA HOTEL, BAGHDAD