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Qatari Group Eyes Major Banking Stakes in Syria

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Qatari group Estithmar Holding plans to acquire a 60% stake in Shahba Bank and a 30% stake in Syrian International Islamic Bank.
The deals would be the first foreign banking acquisitions in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, after the lifting of US sanctions.
Estithmar Holding, led by Moutaz and Ramez Al-Khayat, aims to boost capital and improve communication with correspondent banks.
The acquisitions await regulatory approval.

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Story summary

Qatari group Estithmar Holding plans to acquire a 60% stake in Shahba Bank and a 30% stake in Syrian International Islamic Bank.
The deals would be the first foreign banking acquisitions in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, after the lifting of US sanctions.
Estithmar Holding, led by Moutaz and Ramez Al-Khayat, aims to boost capital and improve communication with correspondent banks.
The acquisitions await regulatory approval.