Growth and Diversification of Asset Base
Private banks to play an increasingly important role
Current Sector Dynamics, Opportunity for well-established platforms
Fragmented market with over 70 operating Banks, including 7 state owned, 45
private Iraqi (only 5 with regional investor) and 18 branches of foreign.
Dominance of state-owned banks, holding over 80% of total assets, ~90% of deposits
and ~80% of cash credit. Remaining share split within private sector.
Historically, private banks highly dependent on revenue from Central Bank of Iraq
currency auctions and FX transactions. With only a handful of banks with the right
infrastructure, technology and resources to grow sustainably.
Cash circulated outside banks significantly higher than a typical economy, with $45b
in currently outside banks (~20% of GDP). Deposits and credit to GDP Ratios at 30%
and 17% versus a MENA average of 67% and 60% consecutively as per latest data.
Overall, very low banking penetration across individuals & businesses (GPFI WB 2017).
Adults with
Bank Accounts
Acc holders with ¦ Adults who
Adults with
Credit Cards
new deposits in
the last 12 months
borrowed in last
30%
25%
2%
12 months
<3%
SME's who have
financed investment
projects
2.7%
Opportunity for banks that have invested in building a solid infrastructure and
technology platform to differentiate themselves and gain market share very
rapidly as the sector continues to develop.
Significant upside for shareholders of well-positioned banks, as a majority of
those listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange currently trading below par value.
Sources: World Bank, GPFI, Central Bank of Iraq
Why is this an attractive opportunity now?
Several initiatives being implemented to promote financial inclusion and
expand the role of private banks.
$
Financial inclusion strategy underway, with salary transfers to
government employees being gradually channeled to a selected group
of private banks. Access to salary through telecom providers' points of
sale, and digital improvements countering relatively low ATM footprint
and allowing private banks to better position their service offering.
Plans to establish a deposit-guarantee fund should help to overcome
some of the population's fear to deposit cash at banks.
Government starting to utilize conventional debt financing through
banks, rather than indirectly monetizing via the Central Bank.
International support to provide funding lines and partnerships with
selected private banks, allowing companies to start utilization
traditional trade finance products through local banks.
Recent focus on microfinance and providing guarantees and credit lines
for private banks to extend to SME's. Both by CBI & DFI's such as IFC.
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