Safwat Raslan Tells FATF Paris Syria Builds Transparent Financial System Ahead Of Mid-2027 Review

Syria seeks FATF confidence

Safwat Raslan, governor of the Central Bank of Syria and head of the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Combating Authority, told the FATF plenary meeting in Paris that Syria’s goal “is not limited to meeting the requirements for exiting the gray list, but to building an effective and sustainable national framework.” Raslan said Syria is working to build a stronger, more transparent, and resilient financial system by reinforcing compliance with countering money laundering and terrorist financing standards.

Raslan vows reforms5 of 5 outlets reported it▾

Al-Dali, Director of International Cooperation at Syria’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Commission, said Damascus is moving forward with efforts to meet FATF standards ahead of a planned review of Syria’s financial system in mid-2027. Al-Dali added that a mutual evaluation of Syria’s anti-money laundering framework is scheduled to begin in mid-2027, potentially opening the way for a review of Syria’s status on the FATF grey list.

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Reporting for this sectionAl-Jazirah Netسانا

Meetings in Paris

Raslan held meetings in Paris with representatives of international and European financial institutions and banks to discuss reconnecting Syria with the European banking system, developing banking relations, and strengthening cooperation channels. The Central Bank of Syria said a working meeting was hosted by Bank Al Khaliji France S.A., with representatives from banks including First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Banque de France, and Fransabank.

The Syrian Arab News Agency said the discussions focused on restoring banking relations, expanding the correspondent banking network, facilitating trade finance, and developing international payment and money-transfer channels. The FATF plenary meeting in Paris was chaired by the United Kingdom and brought together representatives from more than 200 jurisdictions and international organizations after Syria’s absence of more than 15 years.

Reporting for this sectionwww.jordannews.jo

What comes next

Raslan said Syria is treating the FATF file as a national responsibility linked to protecting the economy, safeguarding the integrity of the financial system, and upholding the rule of law.

Raslan said Syria’s reforms aim to build a sustainable framework capable of identifying and managing risks and implementing international standards, leading to practically measurable results.

Al-Watan quoted economist Dr. Basim Al-Mustafa saying compliance with FATF standards is not only about having legislation and supervisory procedures, but about “how effectively they are implemented and the ability of the relevant institutions to demonstrate tangible results.”

Al-Watan added that restoring correspondent banking relationships, enabling international transfers, and financing trade require a high level of trust and compliance that cannot be achieved merely by amending laws.