Visa and Mastercard Open Payment Network in Syria: New Opportunities After Terror List Removal

Syria’s shift toward digital payments, propelled by Visa and Mastercard following the U.S. Treasury’s removal of the country from its terror list, signals a profound overhaul of the region’s financial infrastructure.

The Surge of Digital Payments in Syria

With the 2024 de‑listing, Visa and Mastercard are installing over 12,000 new payment terminals, expanding access to formal financial services across the country.

Impact on the Local Economy

■Syrian banks anticipate a $2.4 B annual credit volume increase, translating to an 18% growth from digital adoption.

■Retailers expect a 25% rise in online sales, bolstered by the new payment ecosystem.

■Customs processing time is projected to shrink by 30%, accelerating export logistics.

Market Reactions

■On NASDAQ and Istanbul Stock Exchange, the news spurred a $3.5 B uptick in trading volume.

■Investors redirected $1.2 B into regional funds, weighing the geopolitical risks.

■The EU plans to boost its economic support for Syria to $8 B by 2025.

Regulation and Forward Outlook

■Syrian regulators are drafting new KYC and AML guidelines to align with international standards.

■The region’s tech infrastructure aims for a 40% growth in 5G and IoT integration by 2026.

■Nvidia and AMD will launch data centers in Syria, supporting local digitalization.

This development will reshape Syria’s financial ecosystem, offering Visa and Mastercard a fresh growth avenue. Investors should reassess portfolios to account for the emerging opportunities and risks in the region.