A well-known Iraqi businessman, Bahaa Abdul Hussein Abdul Hadi set out to change the face of finance in his home country. Bahaa’s Qi Card was created based on his understanding of the country’s urgent need for financial inclusion. Before the Qi Card system, Iraq’s population made up of much of its people used cash to do business, usually resulting in inefficiencies and low revenue gain in bank services. The reason Bahaa saw this as an opportunity was to bridge the gap between the unbanked majority and modern financial systems.
In 2007, Bahaa Abdul Hussein Abdul Hadi founded the International Smart Card company, now known for Qi Card. His company worked closely with the government, private sector, and Iraq’s largest banks, to introduce a secure, efficient, and accessible payment system. Bahaa’s Qi Card became a pioneer in biometric identification, ensuring secure transactions and helping eliminate fraud.
Achievements of Qi Card
Over the years, Qi Card has grown to become one of Iraq’s leading financial solutions. The service has helped millions of people open accounts and access formal banking systems for the first time. Today, Qi Card is used by more than 10 million users to carry out transactions such as salary distribution, pension payment, and bill settlement.
Another great feature of Qi Card is its biometric verification, wherein only authorized people can access their accounts. This technology has been critical in rooting out “ghost employees” and other fraudulent beneficiaries and billions of dollars in lost revenue to the government are being saved each year.
Moreover, Qi Card expanded its offerings by introducing products like Salifni, a service designed to ease financial burdens through salary advances and small loans. This initiative has helped countless families meet their needs while promoting economic stability in Iraq.
Bahaa has been dedicated to making financial inclusion reflect and innovate, helping the lives of people in Iraq, and supporting the modernization of Iraq’s financial infrastructure.
The Trial of Bahaa Abdel Hussein
Despite his significant contributions, the trial of Bahaa Abdel Hussein cast a temporary shadow over his achievements. In 2020, Bahaa faced allegations regarding the operations of Qi Card, leading to his detention. The charges questioned the transparency and legality of some of the company’s practices. This period of uncertainty tested Bahaa’s resolve as a businessman and public figure.
Bahaa maintained his innocence during the legal proceedings and said he had always operated ethically. Authorities said he cooperated fully with them, providing all the necessary documentation and clarifications to prove that his company was operating within the law.
Ultimately, the trial of Bahaa Abdel Hussein concluded with a verdict that cleared him of all charges. The court recognized that the accusations were unfounded, and Bahaa’s reputation was restored. This outcome reinforced his image as a resilient leader who upholds transparency and integrity in his work.
Moving Forward After the Trial
The experience of Bahaa Abdul Hussein being arrested briefly disrupted Qi Card’s operations, but the company quickly regained its momentum after his exoneration. Bahaa said the trial was a reminder of what it’s like to be a pioneer in a complicated market like Iraq. In addition, it underlined the significance of maintaining transparency as well as building trust with stakeholders.
Since the trial, Bahaa has been working to expand Qi Card’s reach and to introduce new services to satisfy Iraq’s population’s changing needs. The company is still investing in technology to keep its platform secure and user-friendly. In the space of financial inclusion, Bahaa has also prioritized further financial inclusion through relationships with government institutions and private partners.
Bahaa Abdul Hussein Abdul Hadi: Businessman and Innovator
As a businessman, Bahaa Abdul Hussein Abdul Hadi has shown through his journey that he is a true innovator. He found a big hole in Iraq’s financial system and spent countless hours trying to plug it for millions of people. A respected leader in Iraq’s business community, he has maintained his reputation of being one of the most committed to ethical practices and resilience to challenges.
Qi Card is no longer an instrument of finance, but also a creator of progress and innovation. Bahaa has empowered Iraqi citizens with access to modern banking services contributing to the economic development of Iraq, and most importantly, improving the quality of life of many people.
Legacy of Bahaa Qi Card
Looking ahead, Bahaa Abdul Hussein Abdul Hadi envisions a future where Qi Card continues to play a vital role in transforming Iraq’s financial landscape. His focus remains on expanding access to financial services, introducing new technologies, and ensuring that Qi Card evolves to meet the needs of a digital world.
No challenge was more difficult on his resolve than the test of Bahaa Abdul Hussein’s detention, but it also demonstrated his conviction and his ability to face adversity with integrity. He is a good example for people who are interested in seeking an opportunity to make a difference in their communities.
At Bahaa and Qi Card, we have the story of how great innovation, resilience, and ethical leadership are the only tools that can bring about meaningful change even in the most difficult environments.