The Role of Financial Knowledge in Enhancing Financial Coping: An Analytical Study of a Sample of Private Banks Listed in the Iraq Stock Exchange

Purpose: The primary objective of this research was to examine the effect of financial knowledge in enhancing financial coping within private banks in Iraq. This was conducted through an analytical study that included a group of banking institutions: Elaf Islamic Bank, International Islamic Bank, Trans Iraq Bank, and Hammurabi Commercial Bank. Methodology / Design: The research relied on a questionnaire designed to measure the two research variables. It was distributed to (93) employees working in the selected banks. Data were collected and analyzed using the statistical software (SPSS v.22), and appropriate descriptive and analytical methods were employed to test the data. Findings: The analysis revealed a significant and positive effect of financial knowledge in enhancing the level of financial coping in the banks under study. It became evident that employees who possess a strong level of financial knowledge are better equipped to effectively handle economic fluctuations and operational risks. Moreover, their ability to make sound financial decisions contributes to the stability of banking institutions operating in a challenging environment. The results also suggest that developing financial skills is not merely an intellectual asset but a strategic foundation for building more resilient and adaptive banking institutions. Originality / Value: The importance of this research lies in its contribution to bridging a clear gap in the local financial literature by linking financial knowledge to financial coping at the institutional level—an area that has not been sufficiently explored within the Iraqi context. Furthermore, the research highlights a critical banking sector within a volatile economic environment, giving it practical significance for the design of sustainable training and development programs for human resources in banks.