Research Article | | Peer-Reviewed

FinTech and Traditional Banking in Iraq: A Disruptive Challenge or an Opportunity for Strategic Integration

Received: 22 July 2025     Accepted: 12 August 2025     Published: 26 December 2025
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Abstract

This study investigates the evolving relationship between FinTech and traditional banking institutions in Iraq, focusing on whether this dynamic represents disruption or an opportunity for strategic integration. The research aims to assess the extent of FinTech adoption, the readiness of Iraqi banks to engage with digital innovations, and the key enablers and barriers influencing this transformation. Additionally, it explores customer attitudes toward digital financial services and offers strategic recommendations for fostering collaboration between FinTech firms and conventional banks. Employing a descriptive–analytical research design, the study combines contextual mapping with empirical evaluation. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire targeting stakeholders in Iraq’s financial sector. The instrument included closed-ended items and Likert-scale statements to capture perceptions, experiences, and behavioral trends. Analytical techniques involved descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis using SPSS software. The data were screened for validity, and results were interpreted at a 95% confidence level. Findings indicate moderately high levels of FinTech adoption (mean = 3.60), with customer satisfaction (mean = 3.36) and perceived bank performance (mean = 3.27) also above average. The regulatory environment scored lowest (mean = 2.73), suggesting limited institutional support. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between FinTech adoption and both bank performance (r = 0.42) and customer satisfaction (r = 0.48). Regression results confirmed that FinTech usage, customer experience, and regulatory conditions significantly influence bank performance. The study concludes that FinTech presents a constructive pathway for Iraqi banks to modernize operations, enhance service delivery, and expand financial inclusion. With appropriate policy frameworks and institutional readiness, the integration of FinTech and traditional banking can foster a more innovative and resilient financial ecosystem in Iraq.

Published in International Journal of Finance and Banking Research (Volume 11, Issue 6)
DOI 10.11648/j.ijfbr.20251106.15
Page(s) 163-170
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

FinTech, Traditional Banking, Iraq, Digital Transformation, Financial Regulation

References
[1] Dao Ha, Phuong Le & Duc Khuong Nguyen (2025). Financial inclusion and fintech: a state-of-the-art systematic literature review. Financial Innovation, 11, Article 69.
[2] Ananzeh, I. N., Khalaf, L., & Khalawi, D. (2025). The role of FinTech and financial inclusion in the economic development of countries: A comparative analysis. Banks and Bank Systems, 20(1), 248–258.
[3] Emirates NBD. (2025). Dubai FinTech Summit Report.
[4] Gomber, P., Koch, J.-A., & Siering, M. (2018). Digital finance and FinTech: Current research and future research directions. Journal of Business Economics, 87(5), 537–580.
[5] Lee, I., & Shin, Y. J. (2018). FinTech: Ecosystem, business models, investment decisions, and challenges. Business Horizons, 61(1), 35–46.
[6] World Economic Forum. (2025). The Future of Global Fintech: From Rapid Expansion to Sustainable Growth. Retrieved from
[7] Boston Consulting Group. (2023). Global Fintech 2023: Reimagining the Future of Finance. Retrieved from
[8] Arner, D. W., Barberis, J., & Buckley, R. P. (2020). FinTech and RegTech: Impact on regulators and banks. Journal of Banking Regulation, 21(1), 1–14.
[9] Omar, A. A., & Hassan, H. A. (2021). FinTech growth and financial inclusion in Africa: Evidence from Nigeria. African Journal of Economic Policy, 28(2), 75–91.
[10] Alzoubi, Y. I., Al-Debei, M. M., & Al-Lozi, E. (2022). FinTech adoption in the Middle East: Empirical evidence from Jordanian banking sector. Journal of Financial Services Marketing, 27(1), 35–49.
[11] Kamel, S., & Mousa, A. (2020). FinTech and the transformation of the financial sector in Egypt: Challenges and opportunities. Middle East Journal of Management, 7(4), 289–308.
[12] Fintech Newsroom. (2025). FinTech Challenges in 2025: Navigating the Next Wave of Disruption.
[13] EVNE Developers. (2023). 10 Major Challenges in FinTech Industry in 2025. Retrieved from
[14] Boston Consulting Group (2023). Global Fintech 2023: Reimagining the Future of Finance.
[15] Fintech Newsroom (2025). FinTech Challenges in 2025: Navigating the Next Wave of Disruption. A
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  • APA Style

    Al-Husseini, E. (2025). FinTech and Traditional Banking in Iraq: A Disruptive Challenge or an Opportunity for Strategic Integration. International Journal of Finance and Banking Research, 11(6), 163-170. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijfbr.20251106.15

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    ACS Style

    Al-Husseini, E. FinTech and Traditional Banking in Iraq: A Disruptive Challenge or an Opportunity for Strategic Integration. Int. J. Finance Bank. Res. 2025, 11(6), 163-170. doi: 10.11648/j.ijfbr.20251106.15

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    AMA Style

    Al-Husseini E. FinTech and Traditional Banking in Iraq: A Disruptive Challenge or an Opportunity for Strategic Integration. Int J Finance Bank Res. 2025;11(6):163-170. doi: 10.11648/j.ijfbr.20251106.15

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ijfbr.20251106.15,
      author = {Essam Al-Husseini},
      title = {FinTech and Traditional Banking in Iraq: A Disruptive Challenge or an Opportunity for Strategic Integration},
      journal = {International Journal of Finance and Banking Research},
      volume = {11},
      number = {6},
      pages = {163-170},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ijfbr.20251106.15},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijfbr.20251106.15},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijfbr.20251106.15},
      abstract = {This study investigates the evolving relationship between FinTech and traditional banking institutions in Iraq, focusing on whether this dynamic represents disruption or an opportunity for strategic integration. The research aims to assess the extent of FinTech adoption, the readiness of Iraqi banks to engage with digital innovations, and the key enablers and barriers influencing this transformation. Additionally, it explores customer attitudes toward digital financial services and offers strategic recommendations for fostering collaboration between FinTech firms and conventional banks. Employing a descriptive–analytical research design, the study combines contextual mapping with empirical evaluation. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire targeting stakeholders in Iraq’s financial sector. The instrument included closed-ended items and Likert-scale statements to capture perceptions, experiences, and behavioral trends. Analytical techniques involved descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis using SPSS software. The data were screened for validity, and results were interpreted at a 95% confidence level. Findings indicate moderately high levels of FinTech adoption (mean = 3.60), with customer satisfaction (mean = 3.36) and perceived bank performance (mean = 3.27) also above average. The regulatory environment scored lowest (mean = 2.73), suggesting limited institutional support. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between FinTech adoption and both bank performance (r = 0.42) and customer satisfaction (r = 0.48). Regression results confirmed that FinTech usage, customer experience, and regulatory conditions significantly influence bank performance. The study concludes that FinTech presents a constructive pathway for Iraqi banks to modernize operations, enhance service delivery, and expand financial inclusion. With appropriate policy frameworks and institutional readiness, the integration of FinTech and traditional banking can foster a more innovative and resilient financial ecosystem in Iraq.},
     year = {2025}
    }
    

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  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - FinTech and Traditional Banking in Iraq: A Disruptive Challenge or an Opportunity for Strategic Integration
    AU  - Essam Al-Husseini
    Y1  - 2025/12/26
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    JO  - International Journal of Finance and Banking Research
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    PB  - Science Publishing Group
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    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijfbr.20251106.15
    AB  - This study investigates the evolving relationship between FinTech and traditional banking institutions in Iraq, focusing on whether this dynamic represents disruption or an opportunity for strategic integration. The research aims to assess the extent of FinTech adoption, the readiness of Iraqi banks to engage with digital innovations, and the key enablers and barriers influencing this transformation. Additionally, it explores customer attitudes toward digital financial services and offers strategic recommendations for fostering collaboration between FinTech firms and conventional banks. Employing a descriptive–analytical research design, the study combines contextual mapping with empirical evaluation. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire targeting stakeholders in Iraq’s financial sector. The instrument included closed-ended items and Likert-scale statements to capture perceptions, experiences, and behavioral trends. Analytical techniques involved descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis using SPSS software. The data were screened for validity, and results were interpreted at a 95% confidence level. Findings indicate moderately high levels of FinTech adoption (mean = 3.60), with customer satisfaction (mean = 3.36) and perceived bank performance (mean = 3.27) also above average. The regulatory environment scored lowest (mean = 2.73), suggesting limited institutional support. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between FinTech adoption and both bank performance (r = 0.42) and customer satisfaction (r = 0.48). Regression results confirmed that FinTech usage, customer experience, and regulatory conditions significantly influence bank performance. The study concludes that FinTech presents a constructive pathway for Iraqi banks to modernize operations, enhance service delivery, and expand financial inclusion. With appropriate policy frameworks and institutional readiness, the integration of FinTech and traditional banking can foster a more innovative and resilient financial ecosystem in Iraq.
    VL  - 11
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    ER  - 

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