Business

A Closer Look at Qi Card’s Range of Financial Services

Published

4 weeks ago

August 19, 2024

Credit: Qi Card

Since starting in 2007, Qi Card has become a significant player in Iraq’s financial services. The Iraqi Electronic Payment Systems and Rafidain Bank founded Qi Card, which has changed how financial services operate in Iraq. It offers a variety of services that have impacted the financial industry.

Biometric ID Cards: Enhancing Security

Qi Card introduced biometric ID cards, setting a new standard for secure transactions in Iraq. These cards use fingerprint-based authentication, which helps prevent fraud and identity theft. Users can access their funds and complete transactions safely and efficiently.

Qi Card’s biometric ID cards have transformed financial inclusion in Iraq. As of 2024, Qi Card serves over twelve million clients, including government employees, pensioners, and private sector workers. Bahaa Abdul Hadi, the founder of Qi Card, said, “Our biometric technology has improved security and enhanced the user experience, making financial services accessible to more Iraqis.”

Comprehensive Mobile Application: Qi Services

Qi Card’s mobile application, Qi Services, is vital to its offerings. The app allows users to check balances, transfer money, and accept payments—all from their smartphones. This easy-to-use platform helps customers manage their finances effortlessly.

One standout feature of the Qi Services app is its integration with Western Union. This partnership makes it easy for users to send money internationally, which is essential for the Iraqi diaspora, as it allows them to send money home quickly and securely.

Salary Distribution and Loan Disbursement

Qi Card is crucial for distributing salaries to government and private sector employees. This service guarantees that employers pay wages on time and securely, reducing the administrative burden on employers and providing employees with a reliable way to receive their pay.

Since 2018, Qi Card has disbursed over $4 billion in loans to more than 800,000 citizens. These loans support small businesses and individuals, contributing to economic growth. The use of multi-biometric identification makes sure that these loan disbursements are secure and accessible.

Strategic Partnerships: Expanding Reach and Capabilities

Qi Card has formed strategic alliances to enhance its service offerings. Its partnership with Asiacell and Digital Zone aims to streamline digital transactions and promote financial inclusion in Iraq. These collaborations combine the strengths of each partner to offer more comprehensive services to users.

In a significant move, Qi Card launched the ‘superQi’ app in partnership with Alipay. This app integrates various financial services, including e-commerce capabilities, making it a one-stop solution for users. Bahaa Abdul Hadi noted, “The ‘superQi’ app marks a significant leap in providing comprehensive, advanced financial services to our users, setting a new standard in the region.”

Commitment to Financial Inclusion

A key goal of Qi Card is to enhance financial inclusion. It provides access to financial services to previously underserved populations, including displaced migrants. Qi Card is filling critical gaps in the financial system, making sure that more Iraqis can participate in the formal economy, and promoting broader economic growth.

Qi Card continues to innovate with products like travel card and credit facilities, which cater to the diverse needs of Iraq’s population and provide tailored solutions that enhance financial accessibility and convenience.

Future Prospects and Industry Impact

Iraq’s fintech sector is expected to grow significantly, with an estimated annual growth rate of 20% for 2024-2025. Qi Card is well-prepared to lead this growth with its strong technological foundation and strategic partnerships. The company’s innovative solutions and comprehensive services will likely attract more users.

While Qi Card has achieved considerable success, challenges remain. Regulatory changes and technological advancements, such as blockchain and AI, present both risks and opportunities. Qi Card’s ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in navigating these changes and maintaining its leadership in the market.

Qi Card’s range of financial services highlights the company’s innovative spirit and dedication to enhancing financial inclusion in Iraq. Through advanced biometric technology, a comprehensive mobile application, strategic partnerships, and a focus on underserved populations, Qi Card is transforming the financial terrain in Iraq.

As the company continues to grow and evolve, its impact on Iraq’s economy and the global fintech industry will be significant.

Business

Michella Filipowitz: Shaping a Future of Inclusion for Children with Disabilities

Published

13 hours ago

September 15, 2024

Rosario Farell

Michella Filipowitz, a prominent model, business leader, and philanthropist, has dedicated her life to advocating for children with disabilities. Her personal story, shaped by her experiences as the mother of a child with autism, has driven her passion to build a more inclusive world where differences are not just accepted but celebrated.

Michella’s journey took a transformative turn when she became a single mother at the age of 23. Shortly after, her son, Benjamin, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. “It was an unexpected and overwhelming moment,” Michella recalls. “No one in my family had dealt with anything like this before, but with my mother’s guidance, I was able to see Benjamin’s diagnosis not as a burden, but as a new way of understanding the world.”

Benjamin’s condition is categorized as a hidden disability. Though it’s not always obvious to others, his challenges—such as delayed speech—affect his everyday experiences. “It was difficult to watch him struggle while other kids seemed to develop so naturally,” Michella shares. “It made me realize how often children with disabilities are left out or misunderstood.”

This realization sparked a new mission for Michella: to create a world where children like Benjamin are given the same opportunities as their peers. “I knew I had to be part of the solution,” she says. “Our differences are what make us unique, and we should be embracing that, not hiding from it.”

Michella is also keenly aware of how quickly people judge others based on outward appearances. “We live in a time where everything is so public and visible, but that doesn’t mean we know the whole story,” she explains. “It’s important to have empathy and not make assumptions.”

Her advocacy work has centered on changing how schools and communities treat children with disabilities. Too often, children like Benjamin are segregated in special schools, which can further isolate them. Michella believes this approach is flawed. “Children with disabilities need to learn alongside their peers,” she says. “Only then can they grow up understanding that differences are normal, not something to be avoided.”

Her vision is clear: an education system where children of all abilities are taught together, learning to respect one another from an early age. “If we can instill the values of acceptance and understanding in kids while they’re young, we’ll build a much more inclusive society,” she says.

Michella’s commitment to helping families of children with disabilities goes beyond advocacy. She co-founded the DR Family Foundation with her fiancé to provide critical support to families who are struggling with the high costs of therapies, treatments, and education. “As a single mother, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be,” she explains. “That’s why I wanted to help other families get the resources they need.”

The DR Family Foundation has already made a significant difference, helping families cover school expenses and other essential costs. The foundation’s next big initiative is creating a home for children from difficult backgrounds, offering them a safe and nurturing space where they can thrive. “It’s not just about providing shelter,” Michella says. “It’s about building a community where these children feel loved and supported.”

Reflecting on her journey with Benjamin, Michella speaks with gratitude. “He’s shown me that what others might see as a challenge is actually his strength,” she says. “His resilience and uniqueness are what make him so special, and I want to make sure other children have the opportunity to shine in their own way.”

Through her work, Michella envisions a world where children with disabilities are fully included in every aspect of life. She hopes that by advocating for inclusion and providing support through the DR Family Foundation, she can help create a brighter future for these children. “I want parents to know that they’re not alone,” she says. “With the right support, we can give our children the chance to live fulfilling, happy lives.”

Stay connected with Michella Filipowitz and her mission to create a more inclusive society for children with disabilities by following her on Instagram @princessmichella.