For the first time in its history, the Central Bank of Syria (CBS) took part in the Sibos 2025 Global Conference, held from September 29 to October 2 in Frankfurt, Germany. The event, organized by the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), gathers the world’s top banking and financial technology leaders to discuss innovation, regulation, and cooperation in global finance.
The invitation marks a milestone for Syria’s financial sector, signaling a renewed effort to engage with international institutions after years of isolation. The Syrian delegation, headed by Abdulqadir al-Husriya, Governor of the Central Bank, represented the country amid ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening and modernizing its financial system.
Engagement Amid Financial Reform Efforts
Syria’s participation comes at a pivotal time as the government accelerates economic recovery and banking sector reform. Officials view the conference as an opportunity to gain insight into emerging trends in digital banking, cybersecurity, and cross-border payment systems.
Husriya described Sibos as a valuable arena for learning from peers and understanding how global financial systems adapt to rapid technological change. He noted that the CBS aims to use this experience to enhance national financial stability and foster innovation across the banking industry.
Building Bridges in the Global Financial Community
The conference serves as a high-level platform for dialogue between central banks, international financial organizations, and leading FinTech firms. For the Syrian delegation, participation means a chance to rebuild trust and exchange expertise with counterparts from major economies.
Husriya emphasized that direct engagement with global financial leaders could help Syria reestablish its international banking connections and explore cooperative projects in areas such as digital payments and monetary policy development.
A Step Toward Modernization and Integration
The CBS sees this event as more than symbolic—it reflects a concrete step toward modernizing the national financial infrastructure. The bank is pursuing reforms aimed at expanding access to financial services, improving regulatory transparency, and supporting a sustainable, technology-driven economy.
According to the CBS, participation in Sibos aligns with a broader national vision: creating a stable, efficient, and transparent financial system capable of supporting long-term economic development. As Syria works to rejoin the international financial community, the CBS’s involvement in Frankfurt signals a strategic move toward greater connectivity and confidence in the global market.
