Mastercard and Central Bank of Syria Launch Knowledge-Sharing Exchanges for Financial Modernization
DAMASCUS & DUBAI – February 11, 2026 – Mastercard and the Central Bank of Syria announced structured knowledge-sharing exchanges and technical workshops to build institutional capacity and align regulations with international standards. The program will enhance Syria’s payments infrastructure resilience. This follows their September 2025 memorandum of understanding.
Overview
The program features tailored technical sessions delivered by Mastercard’s global experts covering regulatory capacity, compliance frameworks, and global payments trends. The scope targets policymakers, regulators, and market participants across Syria’s financial sector. No specific timelines beyond the ongoing exchanges or transaction volumes were disclosed.
Announcement Specifics
The program features tailored technical sessions delivered by Mastercard’s global experts covering regulatory capacity, compliance frameworks, and global payments trends. The scope targets policymakers, regulators, and market participants across Syria’s financial sector. No specific timelines beyond the ongoing exchanges or transaction volumes were disclosed.
Stakeholder Perspectives
“These workshops represent a pivotal step in strengthening institutional capacity and aligning our regulatory and market practices with international standards. By drawing on Mastercard’s global expertise, we are equipping policymakers, regulators, and market participants with the tools needed to modernize Syria’s financial infrastructure. This next phase of collaboration reflects our shared commitment to rebuilding trust, enhancing resilience, and advancing Syria’s reintegration into the international financial system.”
— His Excellency Dr. Abdulkader Husrieh, Governor at Central Bank of Syria
Why it matters: This underscores Syria’s push for post-sanctions financial reintegration into global markets.
“At Mastercard, we are dedicated to working with the Central Bank of Syria and local financial sector players to strengthen the country’s digital payments infrastructure and expand access to financial services for consumers and businesses. In line with our belief that capacity building is a foundational element of sustainable and inclusive financial development, we are keen to share our knowledge to support institutional learning and raise awareness about global best practices in financial systems.”
— Adam Jones, Division President, West Arabia at Mastercard
Why it matters: This highlights Mastercard’s role in MENA capacity building beyond traditional market operations.
Industry Context
The U.S. lifted comprehensive sanctions on Syria effective July 1, 2025, enabling international financial partnerships. Mastercard previously signed the memorandum of understanding in September 2025 and partnered with QNB to resume operations after 14 years.
For MENA fintech, this collaboration aids Syria’s digital transformation, potentially boosting cross-border payments and financial inclusion amid established regional hubs like Riyadh and Dubai. The initiative signals broader reintegration, with infrastructure improvements benefiting millions of users across Syria’s payments ecosystem.
Conclusion
The collaboration sets the stage for Syria’s resilient financial ecosystem, with next steps likely expanding digital infrastructure and services access as institutional capacity builds through the ongoing technical exchanges.
Sources: Zawya, SANA, OFAC, The National News
