Baghdad – Iraq bank deposits declined during the first four months of 2026, according to new figures released by the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI). The latest data also showed a slight decrease in total credit, reflecting changes across government and private-sector financial activity.
The Central Bank reported that total bank deposits stood at 104.727 trillion Iraqi dinars, or approximately $66.8 billion, at the end of April 2026. By comparison, deposits reached 111.065 trillion dinars, or about $70.9 billion, at the close of 2025.
Government deposits recorded the largest decline during the reporting period. Central government balances dropped to 31.517 trillion dinars, equal to roughly $20.1 billion. At the end of last year, those deposits totaled 36.497 trillion dinars, or approximately $23.3 billion.
Private-sector deposits also moved lower during the same period. Deposits held by businesses and individuals declined to 48.924 trillion dinars, equivalent to about $31.2 billion. The sector previously held 50.644 trillion dinars, or around $32.3 billion, at the end of 2025.
In contrast, deposits belonging to public institutions increased slightly. Their balances reached 24.286 trillion dinars, or approximately $15.5 billion. That figure rose from 23.924 trillion dinars, or about $15.3 billion, recorded at the end of the previous year.
The Iraq bank deposits report also highlighted changes in lending activity across the financial sector. Total credit fell to 73.637 trillion dinars, equivalent to nearly $47 billion, by the end of April. At the end of 2025, total credit stood at 75.584 trillion dinars, or roughly $48.2 billion.
Private-sector borrowers continued to account for the largest share of outstanding credit. Loans extended to businesses and individuals reached 47.236 trillion dinars, representing approximately $30.1 billion. This category remained the dominant source of lending within Iraq’s banking system.
The central government ranked second in total borrowing. Government credit reached 23.915 trillion dinars, equal to around $15.3 billion. Public institutions accounted for the smallest share, with outstanding credit totaling 2.486 trillion dinars, or approximately $1.6 billion.
Banking analysts often monitor deposit and lending figures to assess financial activity and economic confidence. Deposit growth generally reflects stronger savings and liquidity, while lending trends indicate the willingness of banks to finance businesses, consumers, and public projects.
The latest figures suggest mixed conditions across Iraq’s financial sector during the opening months of 2026. While public institution deposits recorded modest growth, both government and private-sector balances declined. Lending activity also eased slightly compared with year-end levels.
The Iraq bank deposits data provides an important snapshot of the country’s banking system as Iraq continues efforts to strengthen financial stability, encourage private-sector development, and support broader economic reforms throughout 2026.