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Bank of Baghdad

Bank of Baghdad is an Iraqi commercial bank established in 1992 and operating primarily in Iraq.

Last updated August 24, 2026

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History

Bank of Baghdad was established on 18 December 1992. Its formation became possible after an amendment to the Central Bank of Iraq Law permitted the creation of privately owned commercial banking entities. The establishment placed Bank of Baghdad among the institutions involved in the growth of Iraq's private commercial banking sector. The bank's ownership changed substantially in 2005, when Bahraini United Gulf Bank and Iraq Holding Company acquired a majority stake. This brought external institutional investors into the bank's shareholder base and connected it with wider regional financial interests. Four years later, in 2009, Kuwaiti Burgan Bank acquired United Gulf Bank's stake. Burgan Bank subsequently held 51.8 percent of Bank of Baghdad, giving it a controlling position. Bank of Baghdad expanded its geographic footprint in 2012 by opening its first branch in Beirut, Lebanon. The move represented an extension beyond its principal Iraqi market, although the supplied historical material does not detail the scale or duration of its Lebanese operations. A further ownership transition occurred in early 2023, when Jordan Kuwait Bank acquired Burgan Bank's stake. This replaced Burgan Bank as the major regional banking shareholder identified in the available history. The reference material does not provide the complete current ownership structure, the terms of the transaction, or subsequent strategic changes. The documented history of Bank of Baghdad is consequently defined by three themes: its creation under Iraq's framework for private commercial banks, its successive integration with regional banking groups, and its limited documented expansion outside Iraq. Information supplied for this dossier does not establish a detailed chronology of products, technology, financial results, leadership, marketing campaigns, regulatory events, or current branch operations.

  • 2023

    Jordan Kuwait Bank acquires Burgan Bank stake

    [1]

    Jordan Kuwait Bank acquired Burgan Bank's stake in early 2023.

  • 2012

    First Beirut branch opened

    [1]

    Bank of Baghdad opened its first branch in Beirut, Lebanon.

  • 2009

    Burgan Bank becomes controlling shareholder

    [1]

    Burgan Bank acquired United Gulf Bank's stake and raised its holding in Bank of Baghdad to 51.8 percent.

  • 2005

    Majority stake acquired by United Gulf Bank and Iraq Holding Company

    [1]

    Bahraini United Gulf Bank and Iraq Holding Company acquired a majority stake in the bank.

  • 1992

    Establishment of Bank of Baghdad

    [1]

    Bank of Baghdad was established on 18 December 1992 after an amendment to Iraqi banking law enabled private commercial banks.

Products and positioning

A major Iraqi commercial bank with a domestic banking role and a history of association with regional banking investors.

  • Banking

    Commercial banking

    Bank of Baghdad is identified in the reference material as a commercial bank. Its documented institutional role is within Iraq's private commercial banking sector. The supplied sources do not enumerate specific deposit, lending, payment, treasury, or trade-finance products.

Brand decisions

  • 2023

    Jordan Kuwait Bank acquires Burgan Bank stakeM&A

    Background

    Burgan Bank had held a 51.8 percent stake in Bank of Baghdad since 2009.

    Action taken

    Jordan Kuwait Bank acquired Burgan Bank's stake in early 2023.

    Aftermath

    Jordan Kuwait Bank became the regional banking institution associated with the acquired stake; the complete post-transaction ownership structure is not specified in the supplied material.

  • 2012

    Expansion into LebanonStrategy

    Background

    Bank of Baghdad sought to extend its presence beyond its principal Iraqi market.

    Action taken

    The bank opened its first branch in Beirut, Lebanon.

    Aftermath

    The opening established a documented Lebanese presence, but the supplied material does not describe its later development.

  • 2009

    Burgan Bank acquires United Gulf Bank stakeM&A

    Background

    United Gulf Bank held a stake in Bank of Baghdad following the 2005 ownership transaction.

    Action taken

    Burgan Bank acquired United Gulf Bank's stake and increased its ownership of Bank of Baghdad to 51.8 percent.

    Aftermath

    Burgan Bank became the identified controlling shareholder until its stake was acquired by Jordan Kuwait Bank in 2023.

  • 2005

    Acceptance of new majority ownershipM&A

    Background

    United Gulf Bank and Iraq Holding Company acquired a majority stake in Bank of Baghdad.

    Action taken

    The ownership transaction brought the bank under majority control associated with the two acquiring institutions.

    Aftermath

    The transaction was followed by a further change in control in 2009 when Burgan Bank acquired United Gulf Bank's stake.

Sources1 sources

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