Fears over security, a confused legal system, political uncertainty. The banks continuing to give Iraq a wide berth could be forgiven for thinking that very little has changed over the past few years. However, a visit to the country paints an altogether more optimistic picture. Courtney Fingar reports from Baghdad.

Iraq's importers and exporters are in desperate need of trade finance but the country's banks are struggling to meet this demand, reports Courtney Fingar

Although high-profile, deadly attacks are still taking place in Iraq, security experts and statistics say that the country's security continues to improve, reports Courtney Fingar

Iraq's financial institutions have made frustratingly slow progress in resolving their problems and integrating into the global economy, but the world should not lose sight of the significant achievements made since 2003, reports Courtney Fingar

There is a lot of interest from insurance companies looking to set up operations in Iraq, but the market is in limbo due to the volatile security situation. It is hoped this will change once the government is formed. Abigail Fielding-Smith reports