Qatar’s QNB Group announced the launch of payment card acceptance services and digital solutions in Syria on Tuesday, May 5.

With the move, QNB becomes the first bank in the world to enable the acceptance of international payment cards in the Syrian market, according to a group statement published on its Facebook page.

The announcement comes after a decision by the Central Bank of Syria on May 4, allowing local banks and electronic payment companies to deal with global payment companies such as Visa and Mastercard.

QNB said the achievement represents an important step in developing digital payment infrastructure, and affirms the bank’s commitment to supporting economic growth, strengthening financial inclusion, and providing a secure and smooth payment experience.

Adel Al-Malki‏, senior executive vice president for retail banking at QNB Group, said the bank looks forward to providing a seamless, secure, and instant digital payment experience that exceeds its customers’ expectations.

He said that, with this step, QNB becomes the first bank in the world to support the acceptance of digital payments and international payment cards in the Syrian market, which is witnessing an accelerating transformation led by the Central Bank of Syria’s efforts to reduce reliance on cash.

The statement noted that the launch reflects close coordination among several parties, with full compliance with local regulations and international standards. A phased and organized approach will also be adopted to support the sustainable expansion of acceptance services across various sectors.

What Is the Decision to Deal With Global Payment Companies?

Central Bank of Syria Governor Abdulkader Husrieh had confirmed that the new decision allows licensed banking institutions and electronic payment companies operating inside Syria to deal with global electronic payment companies.

He added that the decision is an important step toward modernizing Syria’s financial sector.

The decision opens the door to a new phase in developing payment systems and strengthens the Syrian market’s integration into the global financial system after years of reliance on traditional and limited tools, Husrieh wrote on his Facebook page.

The decision also allows local banks and payment companies to expand the scope of their services to include more advanced and secure payment solutions, whether for individuals or businesses.

Using International Bank Cards in Syria

Central Bank of Syria Governor Abdulkader Husrieh said the most notable benefits made possible by the decision include:

• Enabling Syrians coming to visit their country to use their international bank cards easily inside Syria.
• Allowing Syrians traveling abroad to use their cards for payments around the world with greater flexibility.
• Expanding the use of electronic payment methods and reducing reliance on cash.
• Improving the user experience in payment operations inside and outside Syria.
• Supporting e-commerce and enabling startups.
• Raising the level of security and reliability in financial operations.

Cooperation with global networks will also help transfer modern expertise and technologies to the local market, positively affecting the efficiency and competitiveness of the financial sector, according to Husrieh.

He noted that the decision represents a strategic step toward a more developed and inclusive digital economy, while facilitating the movement of money and payments for Syrians inside and outside the country.

QNB Group, known as Qatar National Bank, is the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa. It was founded in 1964 as Qatar’s first commercial bank. The Qatar Investment Authority owns 50% of its shares, while the remaining 50% belongs to the private sector. The group provides comprehensive banking services and operates in more than 28 countries.

Mastercard and QNB Cooperation in Syria

Mastercard granted QNB Group, the largest financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, a license allowing it to expand payment issuing and acceptance activities inside Syria by offering Mastercard payment solutions, accepted locally and internationally, to individuals and businesses.

The step, according to a statement published by the group on January 5, 2026, came after Mastercard and the Central Bank of Syria signed a memorandum of understanding in September 2025 to support the modernization of Syria’s digital payments infrastructure and expand access to seamless, secure, and innovative digital transactions.

This cooperation marks a milestone in the ongoing partnership between Mastercard and QNB in Syria, as part of efforts to enhance the digital banking services experience.

Network Integration With Mastercard and Visa

This process began when the Central Bank of Syria announced in recent months that it had completed the settlement of a number of its external banking relationships, most recently with Austrian and French banks, in parallel with work to reactivate the SWIFT system and prepare for renewed connection to global financial networks.

An informed banking director, who requested anonymity for administrative reasons, previously told Enab Baladi that the bank is continuing work on network integration with Mastercard and Visa to enable international cards to operate through Syrian banks, and to open the way for more regular electronic payment services and external transfers.

He revealed that integration with the two companies will come to light by the end of May, representing an important step toward reintegrating the Syrian banking sector into the global financial system.