Damascus Securities Exchange

History

Decree No. (55) (Securities Market Law)

On 1 October 2006, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad issued Decree No. (55) (Securities Market Law) ("the Decree"), providing for the establishment of a stock market in Syria. The market was to be known as the DSE. This decree stipulated that the market be self-financed, provided that it covers Government deficits. The Decree also provides for the opportunity to convert the market into a joint stock company.

The DSE was to be ran by a board of directors consisting of 9 members. The Prime Minister was to appoint these members based on recommendations provided by the Syrian Commission on Financial Market & Securities.

Official opening

The first official trades on the DSE were launched on 10 March 2009.

Syrian war

Main article: Syrian civil war

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), between March 2011 when the uprising began, and May 2012, the value of the Syrian pound had fallen 45 percent and the Damascus stock exchange decreased 40 percent.

Damascus Securities Exchange closing and reopening (December 2024 - June 2025)

On 8 December 2024, the Assad regime collapsed during a major offensive by opposition forces. The stock exchange was closed during the days leading up to the collapse. On 2 June 2025, the stock exchange reopened following a six-month closure. Syrian Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barnieh attended the reopening of the market and noted that the exchange “will operate as a private company and serve as a genuine hub for Syria’s economic development, with a strong focus on digital,” The move to reopen the market also comes as international restrictions on Syria's financial systems begin to ease in light of the United States and European nations announcing the lifting of sanctions that were applied to the system under the al-Assad dynasty’s rule.

References

References

1. "ANIMA News : Damascus Stock Exchange proceeded on its first operation on Thursday 30th of January".
2. "FEAS History".
3. "DSE {{!}} الأخبار".
4. "Damascus Securities Exchange".
5. "AFP: Syria launches first stock exchange".
6. {{usurped
7. (2025-06-02). "Damascus stock exchange reopens after 6-month closure".
8. "Another sign of Syria’s rebuilding: The Damascus stock exchange opens again".
9. "U.S., EU, UK Ease Syria Sanctions to Support Reconstruction".