Registration & License of Broadcasting Entities (TV & Radio)

Registration & License of Broadcasting Entities (TV & Radio) Broadcast media operators, including television and radio stations, must obtain licenses from the CMC to broadcast within Iraq’s territory. Licensing covers terrestrial, satellite, digital, and online broadcasting formats. The framework is designed to regulate spectrum usage, media content, media ownership, and national security considerations. Applicant Requirements Corporate and ownership documentation Programming and content descriptions Transmission technology and frequency usage plans Studio and infrastructure documentation Compliance with content, cultural, and ethical standards CMC Compliance Adhere to content regulations and ethical codes Respect restrictions on prohibited content Comply with national security and public interest requirements Maintain accurate broadcasting logs and archives Renew licenses and submit periodic reports How Etihad Can Assist Etihad provides legal and regulatory advisory services to banks, financial institutions, and businesses, supporting compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance issued by any competent authorities.  

Spectrum Allocation & Frequency Management

Spectrum Allocation & Frequency Management Spectrum is a critical national resource for mobile, satellite, broadcasting, and wireless technologies. The CMC manages spectrum allocation and assigns frequencies to licensed operators through direct awards or competitive processes. Spectrum allocation influences market competition, service quality, and technology deployment such as 4G, 5G, and IoT services. Applicant/Operator Requirements Submission of frequency usage proposals Network deployment and rollout plans Interference prevention methodologies CMC Compliance Use assigned spectrum efficiently Avoid harmful interference Pay applicable spectrum fees and renewals Comply with spectrum refarming or reassignment decisions Support national technology transition initiatives (e.g. 5G readiness) How Etihad Can Assist Etihad provides legal and regulatory advisory services to banks, financial institutions, and businesses, supporting compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance issued by any competent authorities.  

Comparison of Iraq’s Digital Payment Market to Regional Markets

Comparison of Iraq’s Digital Payment Market to Regional Markets Regional comparison highlights the competitive and regulatory position of Iraq within the broader MENA payments landscape. While Iraq is still developing compared to more mature markets, key reforms are narrowing the gap and creating investment opportunities. Comparative Factors Licensing frameworks Interoperability standards Consumer adoption levels Government digitalization initiatives Fintech participation and competition Regional Benchmark Trends Countries in the GCC have implemented open banking, instant payments, and digital identity frameworks. Iraq is progressing through EPSP licensing, digital government payments, and infrastructure modernization. Regulatory Implications Licensing and authorization AML/CFT compliance Technical oversight and cybersecurity Consumer protection How Etihad Can Assist Etihad provides legal and regulatory advisory services to banks, financial institutions, and businesses, supporting compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance issued by any competent authorities.  

Labor Compliance Iraq

Labor Compliance Iraq Etihad Law Firm, together with Anli Law Firm, contributed to the Labor Compliance Keys in Iraq by jointly preparing the Iraq chapter of the publication. The Iraq chapter provides an updated overview of the legal framework governing labor and employment compliance in Iraq. It covers key areas relevant to both national and international employers operating in the jurisdiction, including: employment contracts and classifications social security and statutory contributions workplace regulations and standards foreign workforce and work permit requirements termination procedures and severance dispute resolution mechanisms cross-border compliance considerations This publication serves as a practical reference for organizations managing workforce operations in Iraq and the wider region, offering structured guidance on regulatory obligations and compliance practices across the full employment lifecycle. Full version of guide can be found here  For further information or inquiries, please feel free to contact our team.

Payments & FX Restrictions

Payments & FX Restrictions Cross-border payments introduce currency, AML, and sanctions risks. In Iraq, foreign exchange transactions are regulated, and EPSPs must comply with rules governing international remittances, foreign currency usage, and settlement arrangements. Not all EPSPs are permitted to perform cross-border functions without additional approvals. Compliance Considerations Currency controls and FX rules Sanctions and correspondent banking requirements AML/CFT and reporting obligations Licensing for remittance activities Operational Requirements Documentation for cross-border transfers Customer due diligence for international payments Settlement through approved channels CBI Compliance Obtain approval for FX or remittance services Report cross-border transaction data Enforce AML risk mitigation for foreign transfers Comply with foreign currency supervisory controls How Etihad Can Assist Etihad provides legal and regulatory advisory services to banks, financial institutions, and businesses, supporting compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance issued by any competent authorities.  

Merchant Onboarding & Know-Your-Business (KYB) Requirements

Merchant Onboarding & Know-Your-Business Requirements Merchant onboarding is a critical function for EPSPs that operate payment acceptance services, POS terminals, or payment gateway solutions. To prevent misuse of digital payment channels, EPSPs must conduct due diligence on merchants through Know-Your-Business (KYB) checks. These checks verify that merchants are legitimate, licensed, and engaged in lawful activities. Merchant Onboarding Requirements Collection of business registration documents Verification of licensing and commercial activities Risk classification of merchant industry Assessment of transaction patterns and expected volumes Beneficial ownership identification Operational Controls Chargeback and refund procedures Pricing transparency and fee disclosures Merchant reporting dashboards Settlement scheduling and bank account verification CBI compliance Conduct KYB in accordance with AML/CFT guidelines Monitor merchant transactions for unusual behavior Report suspicious merchant activity where applicable Maintain merchant files for audit and supervisory review How Etihad Can Assist Etihad provides legal and regulatory advisory services to banks, financial institutions, and businesses, supporting compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance issued by any competent authorities.  

ESG Standards Guidance for 2025

ESG Standards Guidance for 2025 The shift toward Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria is influencing banking regulation, risk assessment, and financing decisions. The CBI and international institutions are promoting ESG integration to improve governance, transparency, and sustainable financing practices within the financial sector. Banks that adopt ESG frameworks strengthen credibility with investors, lenders, and regulators. ESG components applied in bank: Environmental: energy use, emissions, climate risks Social: customer protection, labor practices, financial inclusion Governance: board oversight, compliance, transparency CBI and supervisory expectations may include: ESG reporting standards Integration of ESG into risk management Disclosure of sustainability metrics How Etihad Can Assist Etihad provides legal and regulatory advisory services to banks, financial institutions, and businesses, supporting compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance issued by any competent authorities.  

Mergers of Exchange Companies in Iraq

Mergers of Exchange Companies in Iraq Mergers between FX companies are subject to regulatory oversight due to the impact on market concentration, ownership transparency, and compliance standards. Mergers may be pursued for scale, capital consolidation, geographic expansion, or to meet regulatory requirements for higher categories. No merger can proceed without prior CBI approval to ensure suitability of the resulting entity. Procedures generally required in mergers: Submission of merger request to CBI Due diligence on both entities Assessment of ownership and management structure Capital adequacy and financial consolidation Amendments to corporate documents and licenses Final regulatory approval and registration Documentation typically required: Corporate merger agreements Shareholder resolutions Financial statements and asset valuations Proposed post-merger ownership chart Source of funds documentation AML/CFT compliance reports Capital and branch structure reports CBI compliance expectations Meet the required capital thresholds Maintain a compliant ownership structure Retain qualified senior management Update AML/CFT frameworks and reporting How Etihad Can Assist Etihad provides legal and regulatory advisory services to banks, financial institutions, and businesses, supporting compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance issued by any competent authorities.  

Renewable Energy Initiative Guidelines

Renewable Energy Initiative Guidelines Renewable energy initiatives are gaining support in Iraq as part of diversification and energy transition goals. Financial institutions are expected to develop products and risk assessment models suitable for financing renewable projects such as solar, wind, and hybrid energy systems. CBI encourages lending that supports sustainable development and long-term economic stability. Practical implications for banks: Development of renewable financing products Technical and project risk assessment capabilities Coordination with government programs or incentives Integration of ESG elements into financing decisions Regulatory considerations Allocate credit to priority sectors Conduct due diligence on project viability Monitor repayment capacity tied to power offtake agreements Align with environmental disclosure practices How Etihad Can Assist Etihad provides legal and regulatory advisory services to banks, financial institutions, and businesses, supporting compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance issued by any competent authorities.  

Shareholder Structure Requirements in Banks

Shareholder Structure Requirements in Banks Bank shareholders, especially those holding significant ownership stakes, are subject to supervisory oversight due to their influence on strategic decisions and capital soundness. Ownership of banks in Iraq may be held by individuals, companies, or foreign institutions, but all must comply with ownership thresholds, transparency requirements, and regulatory approvals for significant share acquisitions. Share transfers or new entries of major shareholders often require prior CBI review to prevent improper influence or financial instability. Transactions that typically trigger regulatory review: Acquisition of significant shareholding percentages Transfer of ownership stakes Changes in controlling shareholders Foreign shareholder entry Capital increases or capital restructuring Documentation typically required: Shareholder identification and corporate documents Source of funds disclosure Financial statements or net worth statements Business profile of corporate shareholders Declarations regarding legal standing Board/Shareholder resolutions CBI compliance expectations Maintain transparent shareholding records Obtain CBI approval for qualifying holdings Ensure shareholder financial soundness Prevent non-approved control or influence Comply with capital adequacy requirements linked to ownership How Etihad Can Assist Etihad provides legal and regulatory advisory services to banks, financial institutions, and businesses, supporting compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance issued by any competent authorities.