The GRC
Forum.
The leading regional convening on governance, risk, and compliance — founded in Iraq to elevate the standards of the financial sector and bring its decision-makers into one room.
Founder & Convener
The GRC Forum was founded by Hisham Khalid Abbas in his capacity as Chief Executive Officer of Bayt Al-Hikma for Training and Consulting (BHTC). It was created to give Iraq — and the wider region — a serious, annual venue dedicated entirely to governance, risk management, and compliance, the disciplines that quietly hold a financial system together.
The Forum brings together regulators, central bankers, commercial bank leadership, compliance officers, auditors, and international institutions for two days of frank conversation, technical sessions, and practical commitments. From its first edition in 2024, the intention has been simple: raise the standard of what is expected of a financial institution in Iraq, and create a permanent space where that standard is set openly.
For information about future editions of the GRC Forum, sponsorship packages, institutional partnerships, or speaking proposals, please reach out directly.
the governance, risk, and compliance GRC Forum –
The Forum sponsored by ICB & GIZ
The Central Bank of Iraq ICB, as the country’s monetary authority and supervisor of its banking system.
GIZ, the German agency for international cooperation, has sponsored the GRC Forum as part of its long-standing engagement supporting institutional capacity-building in Iraq’s financial sector.
if interested in sponsorship, attendance, participation in our events.
please Email us on info@bht-firm.com
Third Edition
22 April 2026 Baghdad, Iraq
The most recent edition was attended by a large number of specialists and decision-makers from the public and private sectors. The forum continued to serve as a key platform for exchanging experiences, discussing challenges, and reviewing practical solutions — promoting transparency, sustainability, and institutional excellence in Iraq's financial and economic sectors.
Sponsors & Partners Central Bank of Iraq Ministry of Finance Ministry of Trade Securities Commission Iraqi Private Banks Association GIZ — German Agency for International Cooperation Competition Council (supporting)Insurers' Association (supporting)
Second Edition
12 June 2025 Baghdad, Iraq
The second edition brought together specialists and decision-makers from across the public and private sectors, reinforcing the Forum's role as an important platform for exchanging experiences, discussing challenges, and reviewing practical solutions that support the building of more efficient institutions capable of managing risks.
Sponsors & Partners Central Bank of Iraq Ministry of Finance Ministry of Trade Securities Commission Iraqi Private Banks Association Competition Council (supporting)Insurers' Association (supporting)
First Edition
28 May 2024 Baghdad, Iraq
The inaugural GRC Forum was attended by a large number of specialists and decision-makers from the public and private sectors. The forum aimed to highlight the latest practices in governance, risk management, and compliance, and to promote an institutional working environment based on transparency and sustainability — contributing to the development of the financial and economic sectors in Iraq.
Sponsors & Partners Central Bank of Iraq Ministry of Finance Ministry of Trade Securities Commission Iraqi Private Banks Association.
Across its three editions, the Forum has drawn participation from the most senior figures in Iraq's financial and economic landscape — among them ministers and senior officials, central bank leadership, chief executives and board members of leading Iraqi banks, regulators, and representatives of international financial institutions and development partners. The result is the rare opportunity for the people who set the rules, the people who supervise them, and the people who must live by them to address the same questions in the same room.
leadership and senior regulators
Government officials from finance and economy ministries
CEOs and board members of Iraqi commercial banks
Heads of risk, compliance, audit, and AML
Representatives of international financial institutions
CBI
Central Bank Of Iraq is the Iraq's monetary authority and supervisor of the banking system — a founding sponsor across all three editions.
MOF
Ministry of Finance of Iraq is the principal government body for fiscal policy in Iraq, representing the state's commitment to governance reform and financial transparency.
MOT
Iraqi Ministry of Trade Sponsoring the Forum in recognition of the critical role compliance and risk management play in sustainable trade and commerce.
ISC
The Iraqi Securities Commission (ISC)Securities Commission is the primary regulatory body overseeing Iraq's capital markets. contributing its authority and expertise to advance governance standards in the financial sector.
IPBL
The Iraqi Private Banks League (IPBL) is a professional association that represents and supports private banks operating in Iraq. Established to strengthen the role of the private banking sector.
GIZ
German Agency for International Cooperation GIZ Supporting the Forum as part of GIZ's long-standing engagement in institutional capacity-building and good governance in Iraq — a partner in the third edition.
Further Events Organized under BHTC.
Partnership, sponsorship, and speaking inquiries.
For information about future editions of the GRC Forum, sponsorship packages, institutional partnerships, or speaking proposals, please reach out directly. The Forum welcomes serious institutions committed to raising the standard of governance and compliance in the region.
For Organizing Inquiries