The Iraqi Private Banks League, in partnership with the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), has launched the first in a series of certified training sessions for the "Certified Expert in SME Finance" certification. The initiative is part of the "Strengthening Public Finances and Financial Markets" (FFM) project, implemented by GIZ with joint funding from the European Union and the German government, in cooperation with the Central Bank of Iraq.

The program aims to enhance the skills of the workers in the banking sector, enabling them to provide advanced financial services that support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—a key driver of sustainable economic growth. The program includes five training courses to be conducted throughout 2025, each comprising 80 training hours and delivered by Frankfurt School of Finance and Management

Ahmed Al-Hashemi, Deputy Executive Director of the Iraqi Private Banks League, described the training as a significant step toward advancing Iraq’s banking sector by equipping banking personnel with the expertise to offer innovative financial solutions for SMEs, which are essential for economic growth and job creation.

"We at the Iraqi Private Banks League are committed to adopting global best practices and collaborating with reputable international organizations such as GIZ and Frankfurt University. Our goal is to build a modern banking system that meets the needs of the Iraqi market and enhances the competitiveness of local banks regionally and internationally," Al-Hashemi stated.

For his part, Hussein Al-Mamoori, a GIZ advisor, emphasized that the training would build local banking capacity in line with the latest international standards, positively impacting Iraq's business environment.

Peter Jonath, Head of the FFM project, highlighted the importance of partnerships between Iraqi banking institutions and international organizations. He stressed that Frankfurt University would provide both academic and practical expertise to maximize the program's benefits.

In the same context, Felix Heynckes, a representative of Frankfurt University, affirmed the institution's commitment to delivering high-quality training programs that contribute to the development of Iraq’s financial sector and promote long-term economic stability.