Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, has announced its expansion into Syria after the United States lifted sanctions on the country in June 2025. Following the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issuing General License 25, which suspends sanctions targeting Syria, Binance removed the nation from its restricted list, enabling Syrians to access Binance’s full suite of products and services.
This development allows Syrian residents to securely engage in trading major cryptocurrencies via spot and futures markets, as well as benefit from staking, interest-earning products, and Binance Pay. Binance emphasized educational initiatives and support to ensure a smooth onboarding process for Syrians entering the digital asset economy for the first time.
Economic instability in Syria has been severe, with the economy shrinking over 60% since 2010 and the Syrian pound losing more than 99% of its value. This has resulted in significant local interest in cryptocurrency as a hedge against inflation and a stable alternative to local fiat currency. The relaxation of sanctions is expected to boost liquidity and trading volumes, especially in stablecoins, as Syrians seek economic resilience and new investment opportunities.
The U.S. Administration’s move aligns with broader objectives to stimulate investment in Syria and stabilize its economy. Experts note previous similar sanctions relaxations, such as those related to Iran, triggered increased local crypto adoption and trading activity. Syria's formal entry into global crypto markets could mirror these trends, raising demand for Bitcoin and stablecoins and fostering both local and international investment.