NRC Report: Exploring blockchain options for humanitarian transactions into Syria

Published on January 9, 2026

Humanitarian operations in north-west (NW) and north-east (NE) Syria have long relied on money service providers (MSPs) and cash-carrying practices.  MSPs are non-bank providers that make money available in different geographic locations. The banking sector in NW and NE Syria is volatile and the security situation unstable. Banks are largely absent and MSPs are often the only option for humanitarian operators to receive and exchange funds.

The combined impacts of international sanctions and other restrictive measures, fragmented control and systemic derisking by global financial institutions have significantly impeded humanitarians’ ability to move funds into Syria reliably and transparently. This report by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), with contributions from FinTech experts and other key informants, explores the potential for integrating blockchain-based crypto assets and stablecoins into humanitarian payments to improve delivery. 

NRC Exploring blockchain options for humanitarian transactions into Syria.pdf
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