Exclusivity: We are committed to controlling the exchange market withprofessionalism, integrity and transparency
The governor of the Central Bank of Syria, Abdul Qader al-Hosriya, stressed that the new phase that the financial sector is entering after the lifting of sanctions requires a radical transformation in the work mechanisms based on "institutional construction, not patchwork", and a comprehensive re-engineering of the financial sector, markets and related professions in line with the requirements of an economy that is oriented towards openness and stability.
In a post on his personal Facebook account, Friday, April 24, 2026, Al-Hasariyya explained that the Central Bank adopts a "different approach" in managing the relationship with the concerned parties based on a clear vision that "puts the interest of the people first", followed by the state as a service entity, then local financial institutions, and up to international institutions that deal with Syria, which may be affected by any imbalance in work mechanisms or weakness in financial discipline.
The governor of the Central Bank stressed that the bank's new strategy is based on "a balanced and transparent exchange market in which the price is set according to the real supply and demand mechanisms, away from the administrative pricing that has historically led to imbalances that have benefited the few at the expense of the majority".
Exclusive: Monetary stability is no longer an option
Any manipulation of the exchange rate or speculation on citizens' livelihoods "will not be acceptable, and monetary stability is no longer an option, but a direct responsibility that affects people's lives and livelihoods", he said.
The Central Bank is "committed to controlling the market according to the highest levels of professionalism, integrity and transparency" and with a level of discipline not known in the country since "more than 70 years, and to hold accountable anyone who tries to exploit this vital sector for illegal gains", he said.
He concluded by saying that the new language adopted by the bank "is not a theoretical rhetoric but a pledge to implement", stressing that work is being done at a steady pace to translate this vision into practical measures that restore confidence in the financial sector and support the path of economic recovery.
Creating the Damascus market for foreign currency and gold
In a post on his official Facebook page, on Thursday, April 23, 2026, the governor of the Central Bank of Syria, Abdul Qader al-Hasriya, announced the creation of the "Damascus Market for Foreign Currency and Gold", a step he described as pivotal in the path of developing monetary policy and enhancing financial stability in the country.
Al-Hossiriya said that the decision to establish the platform comes in implementation of the bank's strategy, especially its second pillar related to the establishment of a balanced and transparent exchange market, and based on the Prime Minister's Decision No. 189 of 2025.
The Governor explained that the new market, which is being launched for the first time in Syria in accordance with international standards, will operate electronically with the aim of regulating trading operations and unifying the price reference, in a way that reduces distortions and reflects the forces of supply and demand accurately and in real time. The platform will also provide up-to-date and reliable data that enhances transparency and raises the level of confidence among customers, as part of a clear effort to reduce unregulated speculation and end the black market and parallel markets that have accompanied the country for decades.
The bank indicated that the market will be managed through an upgraded technology platform that adopts the best international practices, with the participation of parties committed to technical and supervisory standards, providing a modern and effective trading environment that enhances the efficiency of the foreign exchange and gold market and supports the goals of monetary stability in the short and medium term.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Syria stressed that this decision comes within a broader package of measures aimed at restructuring the exchange market and regulating the financial professions associated with it, stressing the commitment of the Central Bank of Syria to continue implementing its comprehensive strategy to achieve balance in the exchange market and support the path of economic recovery.
What is Resolution No. 189?
According to the data of the Directorate of Economic Research, General Statistics and Planning at the Central Bank of Syria, Resolution 189 of 2025 relates to the unification of the exchange rate bulletins issued by the Central Bank, according to which the exchange rate bulletins issued by the Central Bank are unified into a single bulletin called the "Official Bulletin" issued on a daily basis, specifying:
The exchange rate of the US dollar against the Syrian pound (buying, selling, average), and other foreign currency exchange rates based on the study of the changes in the foreign exchange market and the economic reality in Syria, and the Central Bank also issues a daily bulletin called the "Cross Bulletin" in which the cross rates of the US dollar against other foreign currencies are determined.