QNB Group in collaboration with Mastercard issues the first internationally accepted payment card in Syria

The launch builds on QNB Group and Mastercard’s collaboration to expand secure digital payment capabilities in Syria
The locally issued card will provide eligible QNB Syria customers with simple, secure and convenient payment experiences locally and internationally

QNB Syria, a subsidiary of QNB Group, a leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa, in collaboration with Mastercard, has announced the launch of a locally issued Mastercard card. The launch, attended by H.E. Mohammed Safwat Raslan, Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, marks another important milestone in the continued development of the country’s digital payments landscape and expands access to international capabilities for eligible QNB Syria customers.

The launch builds on a series of significant milestones in Mastercard and QNB Group’s collaboration in Syria. These include enabling international card acceptance capabilities in the market, reconnecting Syria’s payments ecosystem to Mastercard’s global network, and completing the country’s first transaction using an internationally issued Mastercard card in more than 15 years. Processed through International point-of-sale infrastructure, the transaction demonstrated the readiness of the systems established to enable international card acceptance in the country.

This latest milestone extends Mastercard and QNB Group’s collaboration in Syria from acceptance to issuance, with QNB Syria introducing locally issued Mastercard cards that enable eligible customers to make secure payments internationally. As part of the launch, the first transaction using the newly issued card was successfully processed at an international point-of-sale terminal, demonstrating the Bank’s end-to-end card issuance and payment acceptance capabilities.

The locally issued card extends the benefits of secure, globally connected payments to eligible QNB Syria customers. It will enable simple, secure and convenient payment experiences while providing access to Mastercard’s global payments network. The card will be introduced through a phased and controlled rollout designed to support operational readiness as QNB Syria expands access to advanced payment products and services.

“Advancing a secure, inclusive, and interoperable electronic payments and transfers ecosystem is fundamental to strengthening Syria’s banking infrastructure and enhancing its connectivity with global payment networks. The launch of a locally issued Mastercard card through QNB Syria, enabled for international use, marks an important step in expanding access to digital banking services, strengthening the integration of the banking and monetary sectors, and empowering consumers and businesses to benefit more broadly from modern payment solutions. This milestone supports economic activity and contributes to the continued development of Syria’s payments ecosystem,” said H.E. Mohammed Safwat Raslan, Governor of the Central Bank of Syria.

“The launch of a locally issued Mastercard card through QNB Syria marks another important step in the evolution of Syria’s payments ecosystem. Building on our collaboration with QNB Group, we are bringing Mastercard’s technology, global network and payments expertise together to connect customers to secure digital payment experiences and the global economy,” said Adam Jones, division president, West Arabia, Mastercard.

“For the first time in more than 15 years, customers and businesses in Syria are gaining access to international payment capabilities through both the acceptance of internationally issued cards and the introduction of locally issued QNB Syria cards. This represents a significant step forward for the country’s payments landscape and reflects QNB Group’s commitment to leveraging its international network, local infrastructure and strategic partnerships to provide customers and businesses with greater choice, security and connectivity,” said Mr. Khalid Ahmed Al Sada, Senior Executive Vice President, QNB Group Corporate and Institutional Banking and Chairman of QNB Syria.

As Syria’s payments landscape continues to evolve, the introduction of locally issued Mastercard cards through QNB Syria represents an important step toward expanding access to digital financial services and fostering greater connectivity between consumers, businesses and the global economy.

About QNB
QNB Group is a leading financial institution in the Middle East and Africa and one of the most valuable banking brands in the region. Present in more than 28 countries across Asia, Europe and Africa, it offers tailored products and services supported by innovation and backed by a team of over 31,000 professionals dedicated to driving banking excellence worldwide.
www.qnb.com

About Mastercard
Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a resilient economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.