Syria Weighs Creating a National Banking Association

Syria's central bank governor, Mohammad Safwat Raslan, met in Amman with the Secretary General of the Union of Arab Banks, Wissam Fattouh, to discuss the possible creation of a Syrian banking association meant to serve as a unified framework for the banking sector and coordinate efforts among banks operating in the country.

A Regulatory Framework for Banks

The two sides also discussed the advisory support the Union of Arab Banks could offer to the Syrian side, drawing on its experience in drafting banking laws and regulations. The meeting was reported by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on Monday, September 21.

On the Sidelines of the Regional Conference

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Arab Regional Conference on Supporting Development and Investment in Syria, held in Amman, which brought together banking officials from several Arab countries to discuss ways of supporting Syria's financial sector.

Bilateral Talks with Arab Banks

Earlier the same day, Governor Raslan held a series of bilateral meetings with representatives of several Arab banks in Amman, also on the sidelines of the conference. These meetings included representatives of:

• Al Ahli Bank
• Bank of the Union
• The Commercial Bank
• Bank of Beirut and the Arab Countries (Banque du Liban et d'Outre Mer)

Representatives from a number of private Syrian banks also attended the meetings, according to SANA.