The Middle East Syria Financial Services Search Page

Interview

Mohammad Safwat Raslan, Central Bank of Syria: Interview
OBG
plus

Interview: Mohammad Safwat Raslan, Governor, Central Bank of Syria, on sustainable progress, financial stability and rebuilding confidence Which indicators best reflect the progress made in restoring macroeconomic stability since the recent change in government? MOHAMMAD SAFWAT RASLAN: Progress should be assessed by the correction of existing monetary imbalances and by the foundations being put in…

Interview

Omar Barhamji, CEO, Al Baraka Bank Syria: Interview
OBG
plus

Interview: Omar Barhamji, CEO, Al Baraka Bank Syria, on opportunities within the sharia-compliant segment, and strategies to promote financial literacy and long-term investment How do you assess the evolving demand for Islamic financing in reconstruction-linked sectors? OMAR BARHAMJI: Reconstruction is increasing demand for sharia-compliant finance. Asset-backed instruments including murabaha (cost-plus…

Interview

Amir Rahwan, CEO, National Islamic Bank: Interview
OBG
plus

Interview: Amir Rahwan, CEO, National Islamic Bank, on how sharia- compliant lending, policy reforms and digitalisation can help accelerate the reconstruction agenda How do you expect customer preferences and demand for retail banking services in Syria to evolve? AMIR RAHWAN: Demand in retail banking is being shaped by several opposing forces. On the one hand, liquidity constraints have pushed banks…

Interview

Michel Azzam, General Manager, Bank of Syria and Overseas: Interview
OBG
plus

Interview: Michel Azzam, General Manager, Bank of Syria and Overseas, on restoring trust, expanding liquidity and financing How is demand for short-term working-capital facilities shifting in import-dependent sectors? MICHEL AZZAM: Demand continues to rise. Syria’s commercial banks are structured for this type of activity. They finance merchandise cycles and trade-related needs in line with a deposit…

Interview

Sami Mounayer, CEO, Ahli Trust Bank: Interview
OBG
plus

Interview: Sami Mounayer, CEO, Ahli Trust Bank, on the importance of digitalisation and improving information infrastructure By what means is the banking sector adapting retail and lending models for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) amid low purchasing power? SAMI MOUNAYER: The core challenge is the mismatch between household incomes and the repayment standards required for retail lending.…

Interview

Karam Bechara, General Manager, Shahba Bank: Interview
OBG
plus

Interview: Karam Bechara, General Manager, Shahba Bank, on challenges and opportunities facing the sector amid reconstruction efforts In what ways is the macroeconomic environment shaping conditions for banks and their customers? KARAM BECHARA: What we are seeing on the ground is that inflationary pressures are still present, even as headline figures show early signs of moderation from earlier peaks.…

Interview

Issa Chami, Founder and Chairman, Alpha Capital: Interview
OBG
plus

Interview: Issa Chami, Founder and Chairman, Alpha Capital, on enabling investment and financing reconstruction How would you assess the current effectiveness of the capital market framework? ISSA CHAMI: The framework is constrained by outdated regulations, weak legal infrastructure and institutional practices that do not align with the functioning of capital markets in open economies. The regulations…

Analysis

Syria’s recovery depends on global banking connectivity
OBG
plus

Islamic banking has become an established part of Syria’s financial sector since the enactment of Legislative Decree No. 35 of 2005, which established the legal framework for Islamic banking activities. As of mid-2026 the sector comprised of four licensed institutions: Syria International Islamic Bank (SIIB), Cham Bank, Al Baraka Bank Syria and National Islamic Bank (NIB). Together, these institutions…

Analysis

Financial technology players expand their banking roles
OBG
plus

Financial technology (fintech) firms are gaining market share that was formerly the preserve of established remittance service providers. Remittances have grown in importance in recent years and now constitute the largest source of foreign income for many developing economies. They also tend to be countercyclical, increasing during economic downturns or natural disasters when other capital flows generally…

Analysis

Emerging markets see digital payment platforms growth
OBG
plus

Despite the ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds experienced by the global economy, one area of the international financial system that has shown steady progression is digital payments. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, they have been spurred by a jump in remittance flows, and the greater availability of digital infrastructure and services, as well as higher demand for fast and seamless non-physical…

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Licence or Product Purchase Required

Popular Sectors

Popular Countries

Featured Reports

Contact Us