ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – In a significant step forward for its digital transformation agenda, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has announced that more than 600,000 civil servants have now received their MyAccount cards, providing direct and convenient access to their salaries.

According to a statement from the KRG’s MyAccount program, this achievement is part of a larger rollout that has seen over 900,000 civil servants registered to date. The program's rapid expansion is highlighted by the fact that approximately 501,500 employees already received their July salaries through the new digital system.

Launched in 2023 under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, the MyAccount initiative is a cornerstone of the government's efforts to modernize the public payroll system, enhance transparency, and broaden banking access. It is regarded as one of the largest financial inclusion projects ever undertaken by the KRG.

To support the growing number of users, the program has significantly increased financial accessibility by installing more than 580 ATMs across 200 sites throughout the region, allowing cardholders to withdraw cash and manage their accounts with ease.

Prime Minister Barzani has consistently framed the program as a critical component of the government's broader economic reform agenda, designed to reduce the region's reliance on cash and integrate more citizens into the formal banking sector.

“Our goal is to ensure that every employee has secure, convenient, and transparent access to their salaries,” the Prime Minister stated earlier this year.

The initiative is already producing tangible results. Government data indicates that the number of banked citizens in the Kurdistan Region has surged from less than 5% before the program's launch to over 15% currently.

The rollout has also spurred investment from participating banks, which have been required to expand their branch networks, install new ATMs and Point of Sale (POS) devices, and enhance their customer services.

The MyAccount system adheres to international financial standards and includes strict compliance measures that exclude sanctioned institutions. Officials note that it has fostered stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors in delivering secure financial services.

This reform marks a dramatic shift from the previous cash-based salary distribution system, which was often plagued by delays, errors, and vulnerabilities to corruption. The MyAccount project gained substantial momentum in 2024 after the KRG partnered with several international and regional banks to build the necessary digital payment infrastructure. The program was initially piloted with employees in the education and health sectors before being expanded to all ministries.

Economic experts predict the initiative will boost consumer confidence, support local businesses by encouraging electronic payments, and contribute to greater fiscal transparency in relations between Erbil and Baghdad.

Looking ahead, the KRG has set an ambitious target to expand financial inclusion to over 50% of the population by the end of 2028, a goal that would further align the region with global trends in digital banking and financial modernization.

For more information or to resolve inquiries, citizens are directed to the program's official website or can contact the dedicated service center at 1991.