Official Opening

Plenary Session 1
The Role of the Central Bank in Implementing Monetary Policy
The critical role of the Central Bank in setting monetary policy, controlling inflation by adjusting interest rates and the ramifications of monetary policy for stimulating or dampening economic growth.

Plenary Session 2
Prudential Regulation and Supervision of the Iraqi Banking System and Risk Management Systems within the Commercial Banks
The development and implantation of a new prudential regulation protocol; what systems banks should adopt to monitor credit risk, operational risk and interest rate risk; the effects of the new secured transactions law on the banking industry.

Plenary Session 3
Private Banking in Iraq - Current Status and Future Growth
The role of private banks in driving the economy and underpinning economic development; the status of lending in Iraq, lending products and geographical outreach; financial soundness and liquidity of the private banking sector.

Plenary Session 4
Developments in Middle East Banking

Plenary Session 5
The State Owned Banks:  Performance Related Issues
The situation of the state-owned banks at present and their role(s) and functions in the future.

Plenary Session 6
Building a Vibrant SME Lending Industry
Banking support for small- and medium-scale enterprises – a key developmental input; the role loan guarantees can play in brokering SME finance.

Plenary Session 7
Strategy for the Microfinance Industry in Iraq - Outreach and Growth
Strategy for the Microfinance Industry in Iraq - Outreach and Growth

Breakout Session 1
The Development of New Bank Products and Services
The need for new products and services (including deposit products); the increasing role of Islamic banking; mortgage and housing finance in Iraq.

Breakout Session 2
The Improvement of Payment Systems, Check Processing, Clearing and Banking MIS Systems
Progress to date in modernizing Iraqi banking systems and challenges for the future.

Breakout Session 3
How to Support the Development of a Bankers Association and a Financial Services Training Center
Objectives, ways and means of making a bankers’ association an effective advocate of industry concerns, and establishing a sustainable bank training center in Iraq that offers an accredited training curriculum.

Breakout Session 4
Introducing International Financial Standards to Iraqi Banks
Improving disclosure standards, presentation formats, and overall transparency in financial reporting.