Obstacles to launch Mastercard services in Syria

The entry of Mastercard services into Syria remains linked to Syria's continued inclusion on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Obstacles to launch Mastercard services in Syria
5 May, 2026   11:15
NEWSDESK

The head of political affairs at the Syrian American Council, Mohammad Alaa Ghanem, revealed that he met last month in Washington with officials from Mastercard, the digital payments company. He explained that the company confirmed its infrastructure is ready to begin operations in Syria.

In a post on his X platform, Ghanem indicated that Mastercard is simply waiting for the Syrian banking sector to be fully integrated with international banks before launching its electronic payment services within the country.

He added that the only remaining obstacle to commencing operations is Syria's continued designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, clarifying that this designation remains in place despite the lifting of most other sanctions.

Sh-S

ANHA