Dr. Ziyad Khalaf Receives Prestigious International Award for Leadership in Banking and Economics

Dr. Ziyad Khalaf Abdul Karim, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Development Bank for Investment and Finance, Receives the International Award for Economics and Banking Management from the Arab-European Center for Human Rights

The Arab-European Center for Human Rights has announced that it has awarded Dr. Ziyad Khalaf Abdul Karim, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Development Bank for Investment and Finance, the International Award for Economics and Banking Management.

This honor comes in recognition of his institutional achievements in the commercial, banking, and financial sectors, his vision for expansion both inside Iraq and abroad, and his efforts in advancing banking services.

The International Award for Economics and Banking Management was granted for the first time in 2021 by the Arab-European Center for Human Rights and International Law, which honors figures with pioneering initiatives and developmental programs aimed at serving humanity.

The Center has previously granted its awards to prominent political and economic leaders including King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, and Lebanese President Michel Aoun.

This international award adds to a number of honors and accolades that Dr. Ziyad Khalaf has received over the years, in recognition of his tireless and impactful efforts in the financial and banking sectors, including:

· The Award for Excellence in Wise Leadership. October 2017, from the Union of Arab Banks.

· The Results and Entrepreneurship Achievement Award, 2017, from global company Mastercard.

· An award from the Union of Arab Banks in 2018 for his fruitful cooperation and support.

· The Most Innovative and Advanced Bank Award, October 2016, from the Union of Arab Banks.

· The Fastest Growing Bank in Iraq and Corporate Banking Award from Global Financial Institutions, received by Dr. Khalaf at a ceremony in Dubai, UAE, in late 2019.

Among the most significant banking accomplishments led by Dr. Ziyad Khalaf since 2015 is his pivotal role in the foundation and advancement of the International Development Bank, established in 2011. He has played a key leadership role through prosperous as well as challenging times, shaping the bank into a leading Iraqi and regional institution with international recognition. His investment projects have reached as far as China, and he has established strong collaborations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Dr. Khalaf currently serves as Chairman of Al Sharq Insurance Company, and is a major shareholder in several companies across sectors such as automobile trading, electronic payment services, industry, construction, and contracting.

Since assuming his role at the International Development Bank, Dr. Khalaf has implemented a comprehensive strategy based on sound principles and aligned with Iraq’s economic and political landscape. His strategy focuses on integrating advanced IT systems across all banking operations and services. Under his leadership, the bank has become a front-runner in Iraq in offering electronic banking services and maintaining strong financial stability.

His tenure since 2015 is considered a "golden era" for the bank, as he introduced advanced technologies and established long-term strategic partnerships with global entities in electronic payment such as Visa and Mastercard, and with top auditing firms like Ernst & Young (as external auditor) and KPMG (for asset auditing).

Dr. Ziyad Khalaf also made the International Development Bank the first Iraqi bank to open representative offices in the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon, while also building a robust and advanced IT infrastructure for its extensive banking operations. Since May 2019, he has become a member of the Board of Directors of the Union of Arab Banks, becoming the first representative of Iraq’s public and private banking sector in the union.

In addition to his banking accomplishments, Dr. Khalaf has executed numerous investment projects and brings over 20 years of experience in contracting and general trade. He began his professional journey in banking in 2011, with a strong focus on strategic planning and good corporate governance.