Syria to Launch New Currency in January 2026 Under Presidential Decree

Damascus – EcoPulse24

In a historic economic move, the Central Bank of Syria has announced the official introduction of a new Syrian currency starting January 1, 2026, under Presidential Decree No. 293 of 2025. This initiative seeks to restore confidence in the Syrian pound and overhaul the monetary system following years of war and economic downturn.

Central Bank Governor Abdelkader Hasriya stated that the decree gives the Central Bank full authority over the exchange process and locations, describing the measure as a 'pivotal national milestone' reflecting the start of a new economic phase. The currency swap will begin on January 1, 2026, and details will be explained transparently at a press conference on Sunday, December 28, 2025.

The new Syrian currency will initially include six denominations (10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 500 pounds), followed by additional notes (1, 5, and 1000 pounds). The banknotes will be cotton-based, durable, and feature minimalist, modern designs without traditional imagery. High-security features will be included, especially in the 1000-pound note, and accessibility elements will aid the visually impaired.

As part of the reform, two zeros will be dropped from the Syrian pound to simplify transactions and strengthen local currency confidence. Prior to the announcement, the exchange rate stood at approximately 11,057 pounds per US dollar.

A three-month coexistence period will allow both old and new currencies to circulate, with dedicated centers across Syria offering free exchanges. All bank balances will convert to the new pound on January 1, 2026. The Central Bank will remain the sole authority for old currency exchanges for five years.

This decision comes as part of transitional government efforts to rebuild the economy after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, ending 14 years of civil war. Hasriya previously noted that Syria's economy is growing faster than World Bank projections (which forecasted 1% growth in 2025), driven partly by the return of 1.5 million refugees.

Hasriya also revealed meetings with Visa and plans to launch digital payment systems in cooperation with Mastercard, aiming to position Syria as a financial hub for the Levant. Since April 2025, the Central Bank has been in talks with the IMF and World Bank on currency and payment system development, monetary policy, and financial stability.

The Central Bank has categorically denied rumors of a digital currency launch, asserting that any new currency issuance will be officially announced only through its approved channels.

Final technical and logistical preparations for the launch continued from December 25 to 27. Hasriya described the new currency as 'a symbol of financial sovereignty post-liberation and a decisive step toward economic recovery.'