The Syrian Future Movement is closely following the launch of the “National Strategy for Combating Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and the Proliferation of Weapons,” which took place on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus, under the auspices of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Authority, and in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The launch was attended by the Ministers of Interior, Justice, Finance, Economy, Industry, and Communications, reflecting the government’s significant interest in this vital issue.
The Syrian Future Movement welcomes this step and considers it a realization of the “New Syria” vision of building a transparent and institutionalized financial system capable of restoring international confidence and attracting investments.
This strategy, which follows the establishment of the Authority as an independent body, is a pivotal step in the path of institutional and financial reform.
The Movement also supports the statement made by the Chairman of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Authority, Governor of the Central Bank of Syria Safwat Raslan, that the strategy “is not merely a new document, but rather an opportunity to solidify a shared national vision and unify the efforts of all relevant parties.”
We view this strategy as a comprehensive framework for enhancing the efficiency of the anti-corruption system, strengthening the integrity of the financial system, and creating an attractive environment for investment and sustainable development.
The Syrian Future Movement notes that this step comes within the context of ongoing efforts to meet international requirements and be removed from the grey list as soon as possible.
We also followed with interest the statement by the Acting Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme, Rouhi Al-Afghani, that the strategy “constitutes the framework that gradually redirects financial flows towards official channels, thereby protecting the Syrian economy from risks through transparent financial systems.”
We see this strategy as a genuine opportunity to rebuild trust with international financial institutions, attract investments, and support the economic recovery process, especially in light of the “early indicators of economic recovery” mentioned by the UN representative.
The Syrian Future Movement reiterates its unwavering support for developing the financial and banking sector and enhancing transparency, as published on its official website:
- The statement on the launch of the “Civil Affairs” application (dated June 21, 2026), which emphasized that automating administrative services contributes to reducing corruption.
- The statement on “Mastercard’s Return to Syria and the Enhancement of Digital Transformation” (dated May 10, 2026), which welcomed the move that reconnects the Syrian market to the global payments network.
- The study “Central Bank of Syria’s Strategy 2026–2030” (dated May 7, 2026), which indicated that digital transformation in the financial and banking sector is a fundamental pillar for achieving monetary stability and sustainable development.
The Syrian Future Movement affirms that the success of the strategy depends on the institutions’ ability to implement it effectively and on the concerted efforts of all stakeholders.
Based on its national responsibility, the Syrian Future Movement recommends the following:
- Accelerating the implementation of the necessary legislative and institutional reforms to keep pace with international standards for combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Combating terrorism and addressing any legal loopholes that might hinder the achievement of the strategy’s objectives.
- Strengthening the capabilities of national personnel in the areas of financial analysis, criminal investigation, and combating financial crimes through specialized training programs and the exchange of expertise with international financial institutions.
- Activating the role of the private sector (banks, exchange companies, and the real estate sector) as a key partner in the strategy’s success through awareness campaigns and training to ensure compliance with international standards and the reporting of suspicious activities.
- Enhancing cooperation with international organizations and sister and friendly nations to exchange information and expertise and coordinate efforts in combating transnational financial crimes, in line with the Minister of Justice’s emphasis that this responsibility is “collective and requires effective international partnership.”
- Launching national awareness campaigns on the dangers of money laundering and terrorist financing, targeting all segments of society, particularly the financial, banking, and private sectors, to promote awareness of the importance of complying with international standards.
The Syrian Future Movement reiterates its welcome of this important step and affirms that combating money laundering and terrorist financing is not merely an international obligation, but a national and moral duty, and a fundamental condition for restoring confidence in the national economy and attracting investments. And achieving sustainable development.
The Syrian Future Movement will remain supportive, critical, and observant of this path, striving to build a new Syria on the foundations of transparency, justice, and good governance.
