The local government’s financial reform program reached a major milestone this week. A record 836,000 public employees and beneficiaries in the Kurdistan Region now receive their monthly salaries directly through bank accounts. The MyAccount program announced this remarkable expansion on Tuesday. Specifically, authorities confirmed that June salaries will reach beneficiaries electronically between July 15 and July 18.
Furthermore, this modern digital system replaces traditional cash-based distribution with secure bank transfers. According to recent data, the program continues to grow rapidly. Currently, over 950,000 people have registered for the financial service. Within this group, 915,000 members already possess active bank cards.
Additionally, organizers significantly improved local banking access to support this transition. They successfully installed 640 automated teller machines across 200 different locations. Erbil currently boasts the highest number of participants, counting 380,450 registered beneficiaries. Meanwhile, Sulaimani follows with 255,100 users, Duhok has 185,700, and Halabja registers 15,210 people.
Moreover, this electronic payroll serves a very diverse group of citizens. It covers approximately 370,000 civil servants and 230,000 security personnel from the Peshmerga and Asayish forces. It also supports 211,000 retirees along with 36,000 families of martyrs.
The number of digital salary recipients has grown exceptionally fast over the past year. Twelve months ago, only 130,500 people utilized the electronic system. However, that figure climbed to 736,000 in March and reached 795,750 in May before setting the new record this July.
Ultimately, this initiative aims to increase public transparency and expand financial inclusion. By collaborating with local banking partners, the government successfully modernizes public payments and reduces reliance on cash.