Jordanian banks are exploring opportunities to expand into Syria’s banking sector through partnerships with existing lenders or new acquisitions, Al Mamlaka News reported citing the head of the Association of Banks.

Jordan, being one of Syria's neighbours, had strained relations with the previous Assad regime and has cautioned against greater access to the Syrian market, following the creation of the latest republic, backed by Turkey. However, since calm and relations have improved in recent months, there has been a big push by expatriate Syrians in Amman and the Jordanian government to engage with Damascus. 

Maher Al-Mahrouq, the association’s director general, said “several Jordanian banks are already present in Syria and that others are assessing routes for further expansion.”

“Total assets of Jordan’s banking sector have exceeded JOD70bn, while credit facilities stand at more than JOD37bn,” Al-Mahrouq added.

 He noted that Jordan’s banking sector was keen to grow regionally, citing its resilience and capital strength.

Syria’s central bank governor, Abdul Qader Al‑Husriya, has previously explained the depth of Jordanian involvement in Syria’s financial system.

Al‑Husriya said, “Three banks were licensed in Syria between 2005 and 2010 with Jordanian participation, demonstrating long-standing banking ties between the two countries.”

“There are banks that were licensed during that period with Jordanian participation, which confirms the existence of an established Jordanian banking footprint in Syria,” adding that the sector is seeking to rebuild on those foundations.

Momentum for deeper cooperation was reinforced in December 2025, when the Jordanian-Syrian Banking Summit was held under the patronage of Adel Sharkas and Al-Husriya. The summit brought together regulators and banking executives from both countries to discuss practical steps for reintegration.

Adel Sharkas, governor of the Central Bank of Jordan, said, "The meetings will reinforce cooperation between both countries in areas including banking supervision, financial technology, and financial inclusion." 

“A stable and well-capitalised banking sector positions the kingdom to play a role in regional reconstruction finance, while Syrian authorities see cross-border banking ties as a pathway to restoring confidence and mobilising investment,” he added.

Earlier In November 2025, a delegation from Syria’s central bank concluded a visit to Jordan’s Banking Studies Institute and the Jordanian FinTech Academy to review the kingdom’s experience in building institutional capacity and strengthening regulatory and technical frameworks in the financial sector.

Sharkas said "the meetings were intended to showcase Jordan’s banking and financial expertise to the Syrian delegation and to explore partnership opportunities that could support Syria’s economic reconstruction," according to Petra.

The Central Bank of Jordan has also stepped up technical cooperation with its Syrian counterpart in recent months. This has included hosting 16 Syrian central bank staff for specialised training and dispatching technical teams to Damascus around six months ago to provide on-the-ground assistance.

"Jordan’s fintech sector has developed into a regional model, driven by close cooperation between the central bank and the private sector, these efforts have helped build advanced financial infrastructure, particularly in electronic payment systems." Sharkas added.