Etihad Law

Corporate Governance in Iraq

Corporate governance in Iraq determines how companies are directed, managed, and supervised to ensure accountability, transparency, and lawful decision-making. Governance rules vary by corporate structure, with Joint-Stock Companies (JSCs) subject to more formal governance obligations, including board oversight, shareholder protections, audit requirements, and reporting standards.

Core Elements of Corporate Governance

Corporate governance frameworks in Iraq generally cover:

  • Appointment and powers of directors or managers
  • Shareholder rights, voting procedures & resolutions
  • Annual meeting requirements & decision-making processes
  • Financial reporting, audit & disclosure obligations
  • Conflict-of-interest rules & related-party controls
  • Risk management & internal oversight mechanisms

Benefits of Strong Governance

Implementing robust governance practices provides several advantages:

  • Enhances investor trust and transparency
  • Strengthens regulatory and legal compliance
  • Supports operational oversight and accountability
  • Reduces governance-related disputes and risks
  • Facilitates business continuity and institutional credibility

How Etihad Law Supports Governance Compliance

Etihad Law assists companies operating in Iraq with:

  • Corporate governance advisory & documentation
  • Shareholder & board procedure structuring
  • Compliance with Iraqi corporate governance rules
  • Development of internal policies and frameworks
  • Ongoing legal support for corporate governance matters