Erbil, Kurdistan Region – The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) announced it will disburse October salaries and benefits to nearly 630,000 civil servants, pensioners, and families of martyrs exclusively through its digital payment system, marking a significant step in the region's move toward a cashless public finance structure.

In a statement released on Sunday, the KRG’s Ministry of Finance and Economy confirmed that a total of 627,832 beneficiaries will receive payments directly into personal bank accounts via the MyAccount financial inclusion program. The digital disbursement covers all three provinces of the Kurdistan Region, with 319,491 beneficiaries in Erbil, 144,027 in Sulaymaniyah, and 164,314 in Duhok.

Officials emphasized that the move is part of a broader strategy to modernize salary payments, curb reliance on physical cash distribution, and enhance transparency and efficiency in public financial management.

"We are continuing our efforts to reform the salary distribution system," a ministry official said. "Shifting to direct digital transfers reduces administrative costs, improves security, and ensures timely access to funds for all beneficiaries."

The MyAccount program, launched in 2023 under the ninth KRG cabinet, is a flagship initiative of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani aimed at strengthening financial inclusion and modernizing the region’s banking sector. To date, more than 900,000 public sector employees and beneficiaries have registered for bank accounts under the scheme.

To support the transition, authorities have installed over 500 automated teller machines (ATMs) across the region, offering 24/7 access to cash withdrawals and basic banking services. This infrastructure expansion is designed to ensure easy access to funds, particularly in areas previously underserved by formal banking.

"The rollout of ATMs and the promotion of bank account registration are crucial to ensuring no one is left behind in this digital shift," the ministry noted.

The KRG is urging remaining eligible beneficiaries to complete their registration through the official MyAccount platform or its dedicated call center to future-proof their access to payments.