Join us at the Banking on Stability: Rebuilding Global Financial Bridges to a Post-Crisis Syria event with Clifford Chance featuring Syria’s Central Bank Governor, Dr. Abdulkader Husrieh, on Friday, December 5th, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Clifford Chance Offices (Two Manhattan West, 375 9th Avenue). Lunch will be served. The discussion will be held under the Chatham House Rule.

The reconstruction of Syria and its reintegration into the global economy are critical for stability in Syria and the region. Financial institution relationships are crucial in this regard, and Western-aligned governments are encouraging the re-establishment of such relationships. However, the lifting of sanctions is just the beginning. Many global and regional financial institutions and their regulators, mindful of continuing risks in Syria with respect to stability, anti-money laundering and terrorist financing controls, and the potential for corruption and other illicit activity, remain reluctant to engage. Our program will address various aspects of re-establishing banking and trade relationships, focusing on present initiatives and paths for navigating remaining challenges.

Program:
Welcome & Opening Remarks – George Kleinfeld (Clifford Chance) and Mohannad Aama (ABANA President).

Syria Central Bank Perspective – Remarks from Central Bank of Syria’s Governor, Dr. Abdulkader Husrieh.

U.S. Treasury Perspective – Insights from Treasury Dep. Assistant Secretary Scott Rembrandt.

Panel Discussion: What do Western Banks Need to See in Syria Before Taking on Risk – Moderated by Jamal El-Hindi, Counsel, Clifford Chance (former Dep. Director, FinCEN, US Treasury Department) with panelists from the Wolfsberg Group, Federal Reserve Bank of NY, U.S. Syria Business Council, EY Dubai, and others.

Panelists:

• John Edward (“Ned”) Conway, Executive Secretary, The Wolfsberg Group
• Jacqueline Shire, Head of AML and Trading Compliance, Federal Reserve Bank of New York
• Sameer Saboungi, Managing Director and General Counsel, U.S. Syria Business Council
• Abubakr Ebrahim, Partner, Financial Crimes Compliance, EY Dubai
• Michael Matossian, Global Head of Regulatory Compliance, Arab Bank Group

Audience Q&A and Reception – Open discussion followed by a networking reception.

Please note:
– Registration closes 24 hours before the event (December 4th at 12:30 pm).
– If you are a non-member who would like to attend, please reach out to our team at events@abana.co.
** For any questions, please email events@abana.co

Registration