The role of corporate governance and financial technology applications in enhancing the financial performance of the commercial banks in Iraq

Corporate governance is an important and necessary practice to develop the proper functioning of banks to confirm banks' management integrity to fulfill obligations, and pledges and to ensure that banks achieve their objectives legally and economically. In addition to the means of control, they provide that efforts increase quality and develop performance, leading to preserving all parties' interests. Financial technology applications are also significant for banking services; therefore, the main purpose of this study is to investigate the role of corporate governance and financial technology applications in enhancing the financial performance of commercial banks in Iraq. The survey questionnaire was used for obtaining empirical data from managers working within Iraqi commercial banks. The data analysis was conducted by using SPSS, and Amos 23. The results showed that implementing corporate governance positively related to financial technology applications. The results also demonstrated that financial technology applications significantly influence the improve financial performance improvement, and there was a direct impact of corporate governance on the financial performance of commercial banks in Iraq. Furthermore, results displayed that financial technology applications in Iraqi commercial banks partially mediated the impact of corporate governance on financial performance. The study contributes to literature since there is a lack of studies combining these significant variables and examining them within the banking sector. The results provide unique information to the bank managers to improve their understanding of corporate governance and financial technology applications in Iraqi commercial banks.