On September 23, 2025, Dr. Akram Salih Yousif from the Department of Economics at the College of Administration and Economics, Nawroz University, presented a scientific seminar titled "The Impact of Financial Inclusion Indicators on Achieving Economic Growth in Iraq (2006–2023). The study concluded that the expansion of the banking sector plays a positive role; specifically, the proliferation of banks and the growth of ATM networks contribute tangibly and positively to supporting the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, the findings revealed that the use of banking cards remains largely limited to monthly salary withdrawals, rather than being utilized in broader investment channels. It also became evident that deposit and trust accounts do not serve as a genuine driver of development, a situation primarily attributed to the diminished and weak role played by the banking sector in this regard.
The study recommended formulating and launching a comprehensive national strategy for financial operations, primarily anchored in keeping pace with digital transformation, to ensure the enhancement and strengthening of economic integration within the country.
