EBRD and Al Mansour Bank for Investment boost trade finance in Iraq

• EBRD provides US$ 75 million trade finance limit to Al Mansour Bank for Investment (MBI) in Iraq
• Facility to support trade and expand access to cross-border financing for Iraqi businesses, including MSMEs
• Accompanying technical assistance will strengthen MBI’s trade finance capabilities through advisory services and training

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a trade finance limit of up to US$ 75 million (€65 million) to Al Mansour Bank for Investment (MBI), one of Iraq’s leading private-sector banks.

The facility is being provided under the EBRD’s Trade Facilitation Programme (TFP) and will offer guarantees and cash advances to support MBI’s trade finance activities. It will help facilitate import and export transactions for Iraqi businesses by covering political and commercial payment risks associated with cross-border trade.

The facility will help MBI expand its trade finance business, strengthen its correspondent banking network and increase the availability of trade finance in Iraq, where access to international banking services and trade-related financing remains limited.

The investment will also help Iraqi importers and exporters access international markets, while increasing the availability of trade finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). It will support trade across key sectors, including agriculture, construction, manufacturing and consumer goods, helping businesses access international markets and supply chains.

The facility will be supported by EBRD-funded technical assistance, including advisory support, specialised training, participation in the Bank’s Trade Finance e-Learning Programme and workshops on compliance, fraud prevention and risk management.

MBI is one of Iraq’s leading private-sector banks, providing retail and corporate banking, trade finance and treasury services. Established in 2006, the bank is majority owned by Qatar National Bank Group and operates a network of eight branches across Iraq. MBI supports businesses and individuals through a broad range of banking and financial services.

The EBRD began operations in Iraq in September 2025, focusing on private-sector development to improve access to finance, promote local entrepreneurship and foster sustainable long-term economic growth.