Sep 9, 2026 ISX Annual Investment Forum 2026
The ISX Annual Investment Forum is the flagship event of the Iraq Stock Exchange, bringing together listed companies, licensed brokerage firms, institutional investors, and regulators under one roof to discuss the state and future of Iraq's capital markets. This year's forum takes place against a backdrop of improving political and economic stability, with organizers expecting record attendance from both domestic and international participants. The opening keynote will be delivered by senior officials from the Iraqi Securities Commission (ISC), outlining the regulatory roadmap for the coming year, including planned updates to listing requirements and disclosure standards. A dedicated market outlook session will review the performance of the ISX60 and ISX15 indices over the past twelve months, with analysts offering their perspective on sector rotation and valuation trends across the exchange. Representatives from the Banking sector, historically the largest by market capitalization, will present a panel on credit growth, dividend policy, and the outlook for consolidation among smaller banks. The Telecommunications sector panel will focus on digital transformation, subscriber growth trends, and how listed telecom operators are positioning themselves against regional competitors. A separate session will be devoted to the Industry, Agriculture, and Hotels & Tourism sectors, highlighting companies that have historically been under-covered by research analysts but may offer long-term growth potential. One of the most anticipated sessions of the forum addresses foreign investment participation, featuring a panel of international fund managers who currently hold positions in ISX-listed securities. This panel will cover practical topics such as capital repatriation procedures, KYC requirements for non-Iraqi investors, and the process of opening an in-country bank account to facilitate trading transfers. A companion workshop will walk brokerage representatives through recent enhancements to remote and mobile trading platforms, reflecting the exchange's push toward greater accessibility for retail investors. The forum will also feature a corporate governance track, where listed companies share best practices around timely disclosure, minority shareholder protections, and compliance with Companies Law No. 21 of 1997. A dedicated IPO readiness session will walk prospective issuers through the exchange's listing criteria, including minimum capital thresholds, audited financial statement requirements, and minimum public float obligations. Throughout the two-day event, attendees can expect detailed discussion of dividend trends across the market, with several banks and telecom companies expected to reaffirm payout guidance for the current fiscal year. A panel on taxation and investor incentives will reiterate the capital gains tax exemption available to all investors, whether individual or corporate, domestic or foreign, and its role in attracting long-term capital. Risk management will also be addressed directly, with a session dedicated to helping new investors understand sector concentration risk and the importance of diversifying across multiple industries. The forum's exhibition hall will host booths from licensed brokerage firms, allowing attendees to compare trading platforms, commission structures, and research offerings side by side. A special session will be held for institutional investors interested in understanding the current landscape of alternative investment instruments, including the limited availability of government bonds and the current absence of mutual funds in the market. Networking breaks between sessions are designed to connect prospective investors directly with company management teams, brokers, and regulators in an informal setting. A regulatory Q&A session will give attendees the opportunity to raise questions directly with ISC representatives regarding licensing, disclosure obligations, and investor protection mechanisms. The forum will close with a roundtable discussion on the long-term outlook for the exchange, covering expected new listings, potential index rebalancing, and the broader economic reforms that could shape market activity in the years ahead. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance, as seating for sector-specific panels is limited and has historically filled quickly given strong demand from both local and international participants. This event is free to attend for registered investors and brokerage professionals, with select sessions also made available via live stream for those unable to attend in person. The forum reflects the exchange's broader mission of improving transparency, deepening market participation, and positioning the Iraq Stock Exchange as an increasingly attractive destination for both domestic and foreign capital.