Abstract
This research aims to highlight the concept and importance of banking governance mechanisms, study and understand banking risks, and then examine the role of banking governance mechanisms—namely, the board of directors, disclosure, transparency, and capital adequacy—in managing banking risks in Iraqi banks. To achieve these objectives, the research sample consisted of private commercial banks listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange during the period 2010-2021, namely Baghdad Bank, Al-Mansour Investment Bank, National Bank of Iraq, and Gulf Commercial Bank. The banking risk indicators included credit, liquidity, and exchange rate. The research concluded that adherence to governance principles and mechanisms can enhance the role of banking risks in aligning with the objectives of the board of directors, transparency and disclosure, and the interests of shareholders and stakeholders, thereby increasing their confidence The study recommends strengthening the implementation of banking governance mechanisms, particularly by enhancing the role of the board of directors, improving transparency and disclosure practices, and maintaining adequate capital adequacy levels, as these measures contribute significantly to mitigating banking risks and promoting financial stability in Iraqi banks.