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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [BUSINESS]

2 clusters · 5 sources · 16 days · First seen · Last updated

Syrian payment ecosystem reintegration with Mastercard

Overview

Syria’s payment ecosystem has begun reintegrating with the global digital economy through a partnership between Mastercard and QNB Group. In August 2026, the two entities completed the first international card transaction in Syria in over 15 years, which involved a point-of-sale sale at a local merchant using a Mastercard issued abroad.

Following this milestone, QNB Syria and Mastercard launched Syria’s first locally issued electronic payment card that is accepted internationally. This development marks a shift from the country merely accepting foreign cards to issuing local cards connected to global networks. The initiative follows a May decision by the Central Bank of Syria allowing licensed financial institutions to work with international providers such as Visa and Mastercard.

Entities

Mastercard · Mohammed Safwat Raslan · Central Bank of Syria · QNB Group · QNB Syria

Timeline

  1. 9 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    QNB Syria and Mastercard launch first locally issued international payment card

    QNB Syria and Mastercard have launched Syria’s first locally issued electronic payment card capable of international use, marking a significant step in reconnecting the country to global payment networks.

  2. 24 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Mastercard and QNB Group complete first international card transaction in Syria in 15 years

    Mastercard and QNB Group have completed Syria’s first international card transaction in over 15 years, marking a major step in reconnecting the nation to the global digital payment network.

Sources

1-a1072.azureedge.net · ltvnews.net · syrianow.net · techafricanews.com · the-miyanichi.co.jp