The Central Bank of Syria (CBS) has issued a new directive requiring all financial institutions operating in Syria to guarantee customers' right to full withdrawal from their current accounts and term deposits in all currencies, without any restrictions on amounts or timing, effective from 5 July 2025, Syria Steps reported on May 9.

According to the directive, current account holders and term deposit owners have the right to withdraw their funds fully or partially at any time, regardless of the amount.

Banks must immediately fulfil requests to break term deposits before their maturity date, while applying legal procedures such as deducting agreed interest.

The directive says that banks must inform customers of these changes through all available communication channels, warning that financial and administrative penalties will be imposed on any bank failing to implement these instructions, in accordance with Cabinet Resolution No. 5/727/2024.

A banking source clarified that the decision applies only to cash deposits made after 7 May 2025, emphasising that money transfer amounts are not included and will continue to be processed according to previously established mechanisms and controls.

The source noted that the decision aims to strengthen confidence in the banking sector, warning that non-compliance with the instructions will result in penalties for violating banks under applicable laws.