700,000 strong as KRG’s MyAccount stands firm against misinformation
Aziz Ahmad, Deputy Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, clarified the initiative's goals, successes, and safeguards, emphasizing that facts stand unaffected by election campaigns or political ambitions.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – As the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) advances its digital reforms, recent misinformation surrounding the MyAccount initiative has prompted a firm response from Aziz Ahmad, Deputy Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.
Ahmad clarified the initiative's goals, successes, and safeguards, emphasizing that facts stand unaffected by election campaigns or political ambitions.
The MyAccount program, launched with unanimous support from the KRG Council of Ministers in August 2023, aims to streamline payroll processes, reduce political influence, and bolster transparency for KRG employees.
"Let's set the record straight," Ahmad stated, stressing that this initiative is grounded in comprehensive regulatory approvals, strict compliance standards, and robust protections under Iraqi laws.
Central Bank and Banking Oversight
The initiative received formal approval from the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), which has issued clear guidelines to participating banks. According to Ahmad, all eight banks involved in MyAccount possess CBI endorsement and operate in accordance with stringent regulatory standards, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) protocols.
Several banks in the program maintain ties to prominent U.S. financial institutions, such as Citi, adding further layers of oversight and compliance.
To address security concerns, Ahmad assured that consumer rights and data are protected under Iraqi laws, including banking secrecy policies. He noted that only account holders can access their funds, and withdrawal rights are exclusively tied to individual account holders.
“No one else can withdraw a dinar from any account,” Ahmad emphasized, referring interested parties to the CBI’s official website for further verification.
Boosting Efficiency and Accountability
Since its inception, MyAccount has made significant strides in transforming the payroll landscape for public sector employees across the Kurdistan Region. To date, approximately 700,000 employees have registered, including 200,000 Peshmerga personnel.
Ahmad highlighted that more than 35,000 unified brigades backed by the United States received digital payments last month alone, a development that reduces political interference over the Peshmerga and aligns with the U.S.-led Coalition's reform requirements.
With an ambitious goal of enrolling one million participants, the MyAccount program continues to expand. Ahmad noted that civil servants now have the flexibility to register online, receiving links to complete the process at their convenience. “I’m confident the 1 million target will be met as onboarding has already moved online,” he said, expressing optimism about the program’s future reach.
Addressing Misinformation and Political Polarization
Ahmad condemned the spread of misinformation surrounding the initiative, arguing that it undermines national dialogue and credibility with international investors, banks, and traders.
He urged critics to approach the matter responsibly and consult with the MyAccount team directly, rather than politicizing the program. “Doubt is easily solved: pick up the phone or request visibility,” he suggested.
The MyAccount initiative, supported by transparent information on its official website, remains open to respectful debate. Ahmad reaffirmed the team’s readiness to address any questions, encouraging critics to engage constructively in the interest of transparency and national development.
In an environment where digital transformation is increasingly vital, the MyAccount initiative stands as a testament to the KRG’s commitment to modernization, transparency, and fiscal accountability, steering clear of political maneuvering and remaining firmly anchored in facts.