Syria’s new rulers have named Maysaa Sabrine as the governor of the Central Bank of Syria, making her the first woman to lead the institution in its over 70-year history. Sabrine, who previously served as the bank’s first deputy governor, steps into this role amid a transformative period for the nation following the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad on December 8, 2024.
The appointment was confirmed by a senior Syrian official, marking a pivotal moment for gender equality in Syrian governance. Sabrine, with her extensive experience in the banking sector, is well-positioned to navigate the economic challenges that Syria faces, including rebuilding after years of civil war, managing a heavily sanctioned economy, and implementing reforms to liberalize trade and currency regulations.
Her appointment comes at a time when the central bank has begun to take steps toward economic liberalization, such as removing the need for pre-approvals for international trade and easing foreign currency restrictions. Despite these efforts, the bank and the country at large continue to operate under stringent U.S. sanctions.
This appointment underlines a shift in Syrian leadership roles, with Sabrine being the second woman appointed by the new administration led by Ahmad al-Sharaa. It represents a significant stride towards inclusivity and diversity in the country’s financial governance.