Mastercard Reconnects Syria to Global Payments Network After 15 Years of Financial Isolation
Mastercard has officially completed the technical procedures required to process international bank card transactions inside Syria, marking the country’s return to the global payments network after more than 15 years of financial isolation.
The move represents a major milestone in Syria’s efforts to modernize its banking infrastructure and accelerate digital transformation across the financial sector. It will enable point-of-sale transactions using internationally issued Mastercard cards, while also paving the way for the gradual restoration of international payment services inside the country.
According to statements from the Central Bank of Syria, the initiative is designed to reconnect Syrian financial institutions with Mastercard’s global payment ecosystem, strengthen the national digital payments infrastructure, and support broader financial inclusion efforts. The development is also expected to facilitate remittances from Syrians living abroad and improve access to secure electronic payment solutions for businesses and consumers alike.
Abdulkader Husrieh, Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, described the reconnection as a significant boost for the national economy, saying the move could help attract international investors while creating new opportunities for companies and individuals operating in the Syrian market.
Adam Jones, Mastercard’s Regional Head for West Arabia, said the company is working closely with the Syrian central bank to establish a “robust and secure payment ecosystem,” emphasizing Mastercard’s commitment to expanding financial inclusion and strengthening digital financial infrastructure in the country.
The latest development builds on a memorandum of understanding signed between Mastercard and the Central Bank of Syria in September 2025 to support the development of Syria’s digital payments ecosystem. The agreement focused on upgrading payment infrastructure, expanding access to financial services, and promoting digital financial inclusion across the country.
The announcement also comes amid broader efforts by Syrian authorities to reintegrate the country into the global financial system. Recent measures have included reactivating links to the SWIFT international banking system, rebuilding relationships with foreign banks, and allowing licensed Syrian banks and payment companies to cooperate directly with global payment providers such as Mastercard and Visa.
Industry observers believe the return of global payment networks could play a crucial role in revitalizing Syria’s banking sector, reducing dependence on cash transactions, supporting e-commerce growth, and enabling smoother financial transactions for travelers, merchants, and international businesses.
Despite the breakthrough, analysts note that the rollout of international card services across Syria is expected to happen gradually, with banks, merchants, and payment providers still needing time to expand operational infrastructure and ensure reliable transaction processing nationwide.