A Master’s thesis entitled “The Use of Electronic Payment Systems and Their Impact on Banking Performance: Iraq – A Standard Study for the Period 2018–2023” was discussed in the Department of Economics at the College of Administration and Economics, Al-Qadisiyah University. The thesis was presented by researcher Saja Sayyah Shakhair and supervised by Assistant Professor Dr. Shatha Salem Dali.
The study aimed to measure and analyze the impact of the development of electronic payment systems on the performance of the Iraqi banking sector, which witnessed significant development at the beginning of the 21st century. The study also sought to analyze the role of electronic payment systems in enhancing the efficiency of financial operations and to identify the factors hindering their adoption. Furthermore, it evaluated the impact of governmental and regulatory policies on developing the electronic payment infrastructure in Iraq.
The study’s results showed a balanced relationship between bank profitability and the use of electronic payment systems. Long-term results also demonstrated that investment in modern, operationally efficient payment systems—such as electronic clearing systems and retail payment systems—contributes to enhancing bank profitability and improving long-term liquidity, despite the accompanying increase in operational costs.
The study concluded that electronic payment systems in the Iraqi banking sector are still in their early stages, requiring more time to develop their reliability and expand their impact on enhancing financial and banking performance.