Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Securities Commission (ISC), chaired by Faisal Al-Haimus, announced on Sunday, May 10, 2026, that it has granted the first official approval for a foreign brokerage firm to operate in Iraq’s financial markets. Arqaam Capital has become the first international entity to receive this license under the commission’s newly adopted regulatory and technical framework.
According to the ISC, this historic decision is a core part of its 2026–2028 strategy to modernize the Iraqi capital market. By integrating global brokerage expertise, the commission aims to enhance market liquidity, transparency, and efficiency, effectively aligning the Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX) with international financial standards.
Furthermore, the commission clarified that the approval follows a rigorous auditing process to ensure the firm met all technical and legal requirements. This process was designed to safeguard investor rights and ensure the integrity of cross-border financial transactions. The entry of such firms is expected to raise the institutional performance of all brokerage services currently active in the Iraqi market.
Consequently, this development marks a significant shift toward opening Iraq’s economy to global capital. By encouraging the participation of reputable foreign brokers, the ISC seeks to build regional investor confidence and attract new institutional investment, further solidifying Iraq’s position as an emerging destination for international finance.
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