-The first executive program of the Economic Modernization Vision contributed to strengthening growth momentum, encouraging investment, and deepening partnership with the private sector.

-Expectations indicate that national economic growth will rise to 3% in 2026 with the commencement of major infrastructure projects, and exceed 4% in 2028.

-Foreign reserves at the Central Bank increased to USD 28.5 billion by the end of January 2026, sufficient to cover more than ten months of the Kingdom’s imports of goods and services.

-The monetary policy of the Central Bank of Jordan has proven successful in maintaining monetary and financial stability, thereby supporting the economy’s ability to grow within a balanced and sustainable framework.

-Inflation stabilized at a level below 2% in 2025, with expectations for it to remain around this level in 2026.

-The Jordanian banking sector demonstrated high resilience and robustness in the face of surrounding conditions and played a pivotal role in supporting growth and stabilizing the national economy.

Al-Salem:

-The Banking Summit is a key annual milestone for strategic dialogue on the future of the banking sector and a platform for the exchange of perspectives.

-International reports and credit rating agency assessments confirmed the soundness, stability, and shock-absorption capacity of the Jordanian banking system.

The Association of Banks in Jordan held the 2026 Banking Summit entitled “Shaping the Future of Financial Innovation” under the patronage of the Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan, His Excellency Dr. Adel Al-Sharkas, with broad participation from leaders of the banking and financial sectors, as well as experts and specialists from local and international institutions. The Summit was convened at a time when the world is experiencing rapid economic changes, underscoring the need to enhance resilience and the capacity to adapt to such changes. During the Summit, a range of economic and financial issues at both the global and regional levels were discussed, including global and regional economic prospects and their implications for the national economy, in addition to addressing key banking issues, foremost among them the future of banking in light of accelerated digital transformation.

In his opening address at the Summit, Dr. Al-Sharkas stated that the global economy faced intertwined challenges during 2025, including shifts in trade policies—particularly those related to tariffs—alongside regional and international geopolitical disruptions. He noted that these conditions continue to reshape the global economic landscape amid open-ended scenarios with multiple possibilities, requiring heightened vigilance, flexibility, and close coordination among various policies to strengthen the resilience of the global economy and sustain support for sustainable development.

Dr. Al-Sharkas pointed out that 2025 constituted a test of the resilience and fortitude of the Jordanian economy and its ability to adapt to external conditions. He explained that the Jordanian economy continued its path of improvement, recording growth of 2.7% in the first quarter of 2025 and 2.8% in both the second and third quarters, following growth of 2.6% for the full year 2024. He emphasized that this performance reflects the firm commitment of the government and national institutions to implementing the Kingdom’s comprehensive reform agenda, supported by the positive performance of several economic indicators, particularly those related to the external sector.

Dr. Al-Sharkas affirmed the success of monetary policy in achieving its objectives of maintaining monetary and financial stability and supporting economic growth within a balanced framework. He cited the strong performance of monetary indicators, noting that foreign reserves at the Central Bank rose to USD 28.5 billion by the end of January 2026, covering more than ten months of imports of goods and services. He also noted that the dollarization ratio declined to 17.6% by the end of 2025. He added that inflation in 2025 aligned with Central Bank estimates, remaining below 2%, with expectations for it to remain around this level in 2026, thereby preserving purchasing power and enhancing the planning and investment environment.

Dr. Al-Sharkas praised the efforts of the Jordanian banking sector in applying good governance, institutional discipline, and prudent risk management. He noted that banks maintained their soundness, profitability, and stability despite heightened geopolitical uncertainty, market volatility, and rapid financial innovation—reflected clearly in their 2025 financial results and their continued role as a primary financing channel for economic sectors. He highlighted that banks’ assets grew by 6.0% by the end of 2025 to reach JOD 74.1 billion, deposits increased by approximately 7.1% to JOD 50 billion, and credit facilities grew by 3.7% to reach JOD 36.1 billion by year-end 2025. He also commended the banking sector’s adoption of digital solutions and modern financial technologies, leveraging the advanced digital infrastructure provided by the Central Bank, which enabled approximately 84% of banking services to be conducted electronically without the need to visit bank branches.

Dr. Al-Sharkas further noted that the value of transactions executed through national payment systems (eFawateercom, CliQ, JoMoPay) exceeded JOD 42 billion during 2025—more than 100% of GDP. He explained that, recognizing the importance of keeping pace with technological developments, the Central Bank launched in July 2025 the “Regulatory Framework for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Jordanian Banking Sector”, aimed at providing regulatory guidance to help financial institutions adopt AI technologies in a measured and responsible manner.

He added that the Central Bank successfully completed all its projects under the first executive program (2023–2025) of the Economic Modernization Vision and confirmed its continued role in advancing digital transformation, cybersecurity, green finance, artificial intelligence, financial innovation, and future skills development under the targets of the second executive program (2026–2029).

For his part, Mr. Bassem Al-Salem, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Banks in Jordan, affirmed that the Banking Summit has become a key annual platform for strategic dialogue on the future of the banking sector and for exchanging views on regional and international economic and financial challenges, as well as reviewing development pathways in the financial industry. He expressed his appreciation to the Governor of the Central Bank for his patronage and continuous support of the banking sector.

Mr. Al-Salem explained that this year’s Summit is being held amid a global environment characterized by heightened risks and slowing growth in some major economies, alongside the emergence of new opportunities in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable finance. He noted that discussion themes focus on global economic prospects, macroeconomic and sectoral risks, the future of banking in light of technological acceleration, and the role of sustainable finance in supporting economic growth in Jordan and the region.

He emphasized that the Jordanian economy has demonstrated its ability in recent years to withstand and adapt to challenges, supported by prudent monetary and fiscal policies, gradual structural reforms, and effective public-private partnerships. Meanwhile, the banking sector continues to play its pivotal role as a key driver of growth by financing productive sectors, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, promoting financial inclusion, and adopting modern digital solutions.

Mr. Al-Salem added that international reports and credit rating agency assessments have confirmed the soundness, stability, and resilience of the Jordanian banking system, reflecting the strength of regulatory frameworks, capital adequacy, and risk management quality. He stressed that the coming phase requires intensified efforts to keep pace with global transformations in financial technology, data analytics, and green finance, ensuring competitiveness while maintaining a balance between stability and growth.

He concluded by affirming that the Summit represents a platform for responsible dialogue and knowledge exchange, expressing hope that its outcomes will contribute practical ideas and constructive recommendations that support decision-makers and enhance cooperation among stakeholders, leading to a shared vision that shapes a prosperous future for the banking sector and the Jordanian economy.

The Summit also featured a number of dialogue sessions. In the first session, entitled “Global Economic Outlook,” Mr. Christian Fang, Sovereign Ratings Analyst at Moody’s, noted that the global economic outlook for 2026 remains negative due to uncertainty in global economic policies and rising debt levels, despite the relative resilience of some economies. In the second session, “Middle East and North Africa Economic Outlook,” Ms. Alia Moubayed from Jefferies discussed regional growth trajectories, challenges related to geopolitical tensions, and opportunities for economic transformation. The third session focused on “The Future of Banking,” including artificial intelligence and emerging technologies and their impact on the financial industry, with the participation of several international experts from global financial institutions.

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The Association of Banks in Jordan (ABJ) and BAFT (Bankers Association for Finance and Trade) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a general framework for cooperation aimed at supporting the development of the banking and financial services sector.

The MoU establishes a general framework for cooperation between the two organizations, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration in areas of mutual interest and supporting the development of the banking and financial services sector. The MoU aims to create opportunities for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and engagement between the Jordanian banking sector and the international banking community.

Under the MoU, ABJ and BAFT intend to explore avenues of collaboration related to professional development, industry education, policy dialogue, and participation in regional and international banking initiatives and events. The partnership also emphasizes cooperation based on mutual understanding, good faith, and shared objectives.

The MoU serves as an initial step toward potential future collaboration between ABJ and BAFT, with the ultimate goal of contributing to the advancement of best practices and professional standards in the banking sector.

Commenting on the signing, Dr. Maher Mahrouq, Director General of the Association of Banks in Jordan, emphasized that the MoU aligns with ABJ’s role as the voice of the banking sector in Jordan, noting that the partnership will contribute to capacity building, international exposure, and the advancement of professional standards within the Jordanian banking community.

Tod Burwell, President & CEO, BAFT, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: “We are very pleased to formalize this Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Banks in Jordan. This agreement represents an important step toward strengthening collaboration with the Jordanian banking community and advancing our shared commitment to knowledge exchange, professional development, and the promotion of best practices. It strongly aligns with BAFT’s mission to build a global community of banking and financial services professionals.”

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• Sharkas: The convening of the Banking Summit embodies a shared will to strengthen banking dialogue and develop financial cooperation between the two countries.
• Sharkas: The Central Bank of Jordan is fully prepared to share its expertise with the Central Bank of Syria.
• Al-Salem: The gathering of Jordanian and Syrian banking and economic leaders represents a clear translation of the political and economic will between the two countries.
• Al-Salem: The Jordanian banking sector places its expertise, institutional capabilities, and long-standing experience at the disposal of brothers in Syria.
• Governor of the Central Bank of Syria: The Summit lays the foundation for a new phase of integration between the two countries.
• Governor of the Central Bank of Syria: Syria is entering a new phase of rehabilitating facilities and expanding its productive base.
• Al-Mahrouq: The size of the banking branch network and the volume of credit facilities make it a sector capable of meeting the economy’s financing needs with high efficiency.
• Al-Mahrouq: The strength of financial indicators—capital adequacy, liquidity, and non-performing loan ratios—reflects the reputation of the Jordanian banking sector.

The Association of Banks in Jordan held the Jordanian–Syrian Banking Summit under the patronage of the Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan, Dr. Adel Al-Sharkas, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, Dr. Abdulkader Husrieh.

The Summit was attended by the Chairman of the Association’s Board of Directors, Basem Al-Salem, the Head of the Government Economic Team, Dr. Muhannad Shehadeh, Chairmen of banks’ Boards of Directors and their General Managers, as well as the Chairman of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, the Director of Amman Industry, regulatory bodies, the Jordan Securities Commission, and representatives of the exchange and insurance sectors.

The high level of representation at the Summit reflected the shared desire to launch a new phase of financial and banking cooperation between the two countries, in line with regional economic developments and Syria’s reconstruction path.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Al-Sharkas affirmed that the ongoing economic recovery process in the Syrian Arab Republic, along with the steps taken to reintegrate Syria into regional and global markets and the international financial system—through the removal of restrictions and the return of Syrian institutions, foremost among them the Central Bank of Syria, to operate within the regional and international financial framework—creates opportunities to open new horizons for trade and investment, strengthen economic development pathways, and support higher levels of stability and prosperity. He stressed that economic relations between Jordan and Syria hold particular weight, based on the deep historical, geographical, and social ties that connect the two countries, making economic cooperation between them a shared driver of growth and sustainable development, in line with the visions and directives of the leaderships of the two brotherly nations aimed at deepening cooperation and joint action at all levels.

In this context, Dr. Al-Sharkas welcomed the renewed momentum in bilateral cooperation, noting that the volume of trade exchange between the two countries witnessed a notable recovery during the first three quarters of 2025, reaching approximately USD 400 million, reflecting a positive trend that paves the way for greater expansion and diversification in cooperation areas in the coming period.

On the banking front, Dr. Al-Sharkas emphasized that the doors of the Central Bank of Jordan are open to entering into close cooperation with the Central Bank of Syria, including the transfer of Jordan’s accumulated expertise in financial, banking, and supervisory fields, in a manner that enhances the capability and resilience of the Syrian financial system and contributes to opening new channels for economic and financial cooperation between the two countries.

He also highlighted the strength and resilience of the Jordanian banking sector, noting that it occupies an advanced position regionally, represents a cornerstone of macroeconomic stability, and serves as a main driver of economic activity. He pointed out that banks in Jordan were able to mobilize savings amounting to approximately JOD 49.3 billion, provide credit facilities of around JOD 36.2 billion, and maintain a presence in 16 countries. He further noted that four Jordanian banks are listed among the top 1,000 banks globally, based on the financial results of 2024.

Dr. Al-Sharkas stated that the Jordanian banking sector has proven on multiple occasions its ability to absorb shocks and emerge stronger by developing innovative financial solutions that enhanced its efficiency and its capacity to keep pace with global financial and technological developments. In this regard, he affirmed that Jordanian banks are well positioned to support reconstruction and development efforts in the Syrian economy, particularly since three Jordanian banks are currently operating in the Syrian market. He noted that expanding and deepening this presence would directly contribute to transferring accumulated banking expertise to the Syrian banking sector and developing financial products and services that meet current requirements.

Dr. Al-Sharkas also pointed out that Jordan has achieved a success story and a qualitative leap in digital financial services and electronic payments, as reflected in indicators related to the spread of electronic banking channels and the growing use of digital payment tools. He stressed that this progress was driven by the widespread use of internet and mobile banking services, which enhanced financial inclusion, improved service delivery efficiency, and raised the quality of banking services provided to both individuals and businesses.

He concluded by emphasizing that there are wide and promising opportunities for cooperation to transfer Jordan’s experience in banking, digital financial services, and fintech to the Syrian side, thereby supporting the modernization of Syria’s banking sector, increasing its integration into regional and international financial markets, strengthening financial and banking linkage between the two countries, and supporting efforts aimed at reconstruction and sustainable economic development in Syria.

For his part, Basem Khalil Al-Salem, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of Banks, welcomed the participating delegations, stating that the meeting of Jordanian and Syrian banking and economic leadership under one roof represents a clear translation of a political and economic will moving toward building a deeper and more systematic phase of cooperation between the two countries.

He noted that the relationship between Jordan and Syria is deeply rooted, shaped by connected geography, shared history, a common culture, and extended family ties across generations. He stressed that Jordan has remained keen on Syria’s stability and prosperity, while Syria has remained a natural depth for Jordan and an important economic and social partner.

He added that the current opportunity appears favorable to deepen cooperation not only at the governmental level, but also through the private sector—especially banks, which have the ability to play a pivotal role in supporting economic integration and rebuilding the ties that have been affected in recent years.

Al-Salem emphasized that Jordan’s vision toward Syria is aligned with what His Majesty King Abdullah II has repeatedly affirmed regarding the necessity of standing by the Syrian people and supporting their efforts to restore stability and prosperity.

He stated that the Jordanian banking sector has demonstrated over past decades its ability to adhere to international standards, maintain strong levels of capital, ample liquidity, high asset quality, and effective governance—factors that have contributed to stability and supported economic growth. He noted that this strength is the result of effective supervision exercised by the Central Bank of Jordan for more than half a century, as well as the qualified human capital possessed by the banking sector.

Al-Salem explained that the Jordanian banking sector now stands on the threshold of an advanced stage, confidently moving toward digital banks supported by artificial intelligence, instant payments, and advanced compliance systems—making it a natural and worthy partner for supporting the development of financial sectors in the region.

He affirmed that Syria’s challenges are significant, but the opportunities of the coming phase are broader and more diverse, whether in energy, transport, agriculture, industry, trade, and services, or in the substantial financing needs for reconstruction, restructuring the banking sector, developing technical systems, and building human capital.

He announced that the Jordanian banking sector places its expertise, institutional capacities, and long-standing experience at the disposal of its Syrian counterparts, proposing a framework for Jordanian–Syrian banking dialogue based on practical principles, including forming a joint banking committee, ensuring a safe and transparent environment to attract financing, expanding banking partnerships, strengthening digital and technical integration, developing compliance and governance mechanisms and data exchange, and establishing a shared vision for a modern banking sector in Syria capable of supporting reconstruction and sustainable development.

Meanwhile, Dr. Abdulkader Husrieh, Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, affirmed that the meeting comes at a critical stage in which the global economy is witnessing major transformations related to political fluctuations, inflation cycles, supply chains, and rapid developments in financial technology.

He stated that banks in Syria and Jordan have played an important role in recent years in maintaining financial stability, securing financing for productive sectors, supporting bilateral trade, and developing digital infrastructure, noting that this meeting establishes a new phase of integration between the two countries.

Husrieh explained that exchange rate stability and effective monetary policy constitute the basis for any investment environment, and that the Central Bank of Syria is working to strengthen its monetary tools, improve reserve management, and develop cash flow monitoring systems in cooperation with international institutions. He also highlighted efforts to modernize banking legislation in line with global standards in governance and credit regulation, and to develop financial infrastructure by upgrading the real-time gross settlement system, launching a national banking networks center, implementing a national credit classification system, and enhancing cybersecurity.

He stressed the importance of practical cooperation between Jordanian and Syrian banks through developing settlement and transfer channels, launching joint financing programs for industry, agriculture, energy, and transport sectors, exchanging expertise in risk management, enhancing financial inclusion and digital transformation, and organizing joint meetings to identify financing needs.

He confirmed that Syria is entering a new phase of rehabilitating facilities and expanding its productive base, noting broad investment opportunities in food and manufacturing industries, modern agriculture, energy, construction, transport, and technology. He called for banking partnerships that enable turning these opportunities into actual projects.

Dr. Maher Al-Mahrouq, Director General of the Association of Banks in Jordan, presented a comprehensive overview of the Jordanian banking sector, affirming that it is one of the most important pillars of the national economy and among the most regulated sectors due to the advanced supervisory framework led by the Central Bank of Jordan.

He explained that the sector consists of 15 Jordanian banks and five foreign banks, including Islamic and commercial banks, and that the size of the branch network and the volume of credit facilities make it capable of meeting the economy’s financing needs with high efficiency.

Al-Mahrouq noted that the sector is characterized by diverse services and the ability to reach various segments of society, supported by a modern banking services ecosystem anchored in digital transformation and compliance with cybersecurity standards, with 84% of services now provided through electronic channels.

He further stated that the sector’s total assets are equivalent to GDP, deposits amount to 112% of GDP, while credit facilities are approaching USD 50 billion—indicators that confirm the banking sector as one of the main engines of economic growth. He added that the strength of financial indicators—capital adequacy, liquidity, and non-performing loan ratios—reflects the reputation of the Jordanian banking sector and the confidence of international institutions in it.

The Summit concluded by emphasizing that the coming phase will witness practical steps to strengthen Jordanian–Syrian banking cooperation through the formation of joint committees, launching financing programs, exchanging expertise, developing technical systems, and creating a safe and transparent financial environment, in a manner that contributes to supporting reconstruction in Syria and enhancing economic integration between the two countries.

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The session was opened by Dr. Maher Al-Mahrouq, Director General of the Association of Banks, who welcomed attendees from the banking sector and the UKEF delegation, which included Mr. Joseph Chakra, Regional Head for the Middle East at UKEF, and Ms. Michelle Leung, UKEF Manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Jordan. Dr. Al-Mahrouq also expressed his appreciation to the British Embassy in Amman for its support in coordinating the meeting.

Dr. Al-Mahrouq explained that the objective of the meeting was to gain a clearer understanding of the agency’s operating mechanisms, guarantee and financing programs, and to discuss future cooperation opportunities with banks in Jordan, as well as to review the agency’s first successful transaction in Jordan and benefit from it as a model.

He noted that Jordan’s banking sector has extensive experience in trade and project finance, pointing to the role UKEF could play as a strategic partner in strengthening banks’ capacity to finance major transactions and large-scale projects through guarantees and risk-sharing mechanisms. He added that UKEF’s financing policy toward Jordan, including its high financing ceiling, represents an important opportunity for banks—particularly amid the expansion of energy, infrastructure, and productive sector projects in the Kingdom. He also highlighted the flexible repayment terms provided by UKEF, noting that they offer banks broader options to design financing solutions aligned with the nature of each project.

Dr. Al-Mahrouq encouraged bank representatives to study the programs offered by UKEF and benefit from them, especially given the agency’s successful experiences in supporting major projects regionally and globally.

For his part, Mr. Joseph Chakra delivered a comprehensive presentation on UKEF’s operations, noting that it is the world’s first export credit agency and holds a financing portfolio exceeding GBP 80 billion, in addition to a financing appetite for the Jordanian market reaching up to GBP 3 billion.

The presentation reviewed the agency’s key programs, including: bank loan guarantees of up to 100%, buyer credit with repayment terms that may extend up to 15 years and 22 years for clean energy projects, direct financing for large-scale projects, the ability to provide financing in local currencies in more than 60 markets, including the Jordanian dinar, financing of up to 85% of contract values that include at least 20% UK content, and coverage of insurance premiums.

The session featured an extensive technical discussion reflecting the strong interest of banks in mechanisms for cooperation with UKEF. Questions addressed multiple aspects of the financing process. Banks inquired about the possibility of financing projects with a high level of local content, and the UKEF team confirmed that only a minimum of 20% UK content is required. The discussion also covered the possibility of working with international contractors, with clarification that UKEF cooperates with EPC contractors from various countries provided that sufficient UK content is included. Questions also touched on the potential for building new partnerships with banks that are not yet accredited by UKEF, and the delegation affirmed the agency’s openness and cooperation with a wide network of international financial institutions. Financing in local currency was also discussed, with the agency confirming its availability in more than 60 countries, including Jordan. Bank representatives also expressed interest in the available financing limits, and it was clarified that UKEF can cover up to 85% of contract value and finance insurance premiums. Finally, interest was shown in the flexibility of different financing structures, including Islamic finance and PPP arrangements, and the delegation confirmed UKEF’s ability to support diverse financing models that meet project needs.

At the conclusion of the session, participants emphasized the importance of maintaining ongoing communication between Jordanian banks and the UKEF team to explore opportunities for developing joint projects that could benefit from innovative financing solutions, thereby supporting economic development in Jordan.

These meetings, organized by the Association of Banks in Jordan, reflect its commitment to enhancing knowledge and networking between the banking sector and various stakeholders, and to building international partnerships that serve both the banking sector and the national economy.

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Amman – Wednesday, 19 November 2025

The Association of Banks in Jordan, in cooperation with Jordan Commercial Bank, held an introductory workshop titled “The Jordanian Banking Sector and Future Job Skills.” The workshop targeted a group of students from the University of Jordan enrolled in the Labor Market Skills course taught by Dr. Raad Mahmoud Al-Tal.

The workshop was opened by the Director General of the Association of Banks, Dr. Maher Al-Mahrouq, who welcomed the participants and expressed his appreciation to Dr. Raad Al-Tal for his initiative and efforts in coordinating this workshop. He also commended the ongoing cooperation of Jordan Commercial Bank in supporting training activities. Al-Mahrouq emphasized the importance of strengthening communication between the banking sector and youth, and enabling the new generation to understand the nature of banking work and the skills required in light of the rapid technological transformations affecting the sector.

For his part, Dr. Raad Mahmoud Al-Tal, Professor of Economics at the University of Jordan, thanked the Association for its prompt response and excellent preparation for the workshop, noting the importance of such events in enhancing students’ readiness to enter the job market and providing them with practical knowledge about the requirements of banking work.

Fadi Mashharawi, Director of Studies, Policies, and Planning at the Association of Banks, presented a comprehensive overview of the pivotal role played by the Jordanian banking sector in supporting the national economy and stimulating growth through financing various economic sectors. Mashharawi also provided an extensive presentation on the main characteristics and indicators of banks operating in the Kingdom, in addition to discussing modern trends such as digital transformation and financial inclusion and the resulting changes in the banking job market and emerging job requirements. He also highlighted future skills related to digital fields such as data analysis, cybersecurity, and technical systems management, as well as professional and technical certifications that enhance graduates’ competitiveness in the job market.

During the workshop, experts and HR professionals from Jordan Commercial Bank—Aroubah Al-Shaar and Osama Al-Natoor—delivered a set of advanced topics related to digital transformation in the banking sector, including the growth of electronic banking services, the role of artificial intelligence, the development of electronic payments, and the impact of these changes on job structures. They also discussed hiring mechanisms in the banking sector, criteria for selecting candidates, strategies for effective job preparation, practical tips for writing a CV, preparing for interviews, avoiding common mistakes made by graduates, and showcasing the essential technical and behavioral skills.

The students engaged actively in open discussions about employment opportunities and professional development in the banking sector, raising questions about required skills and future trends in banking careers.

At the end of the workshop, participation certificates were distributed to the students in a positive atmosphere that reflected their interest in the banking sector and their desire to develop skills that meet the demands of the evolving job market.

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-The Index provides an accurate reading of the public pulse and enhances banks’ ability to develop their services and guide their future strategies.

-We seek for the Index to become a trusted national reference that reflects the strength of the banking sector and reinforces public confidence in it.

-Launching this Index marks an unprecedented step in measuring banking influence in Jordan according to a scientific methodology.

The Association of Banks in Jordan, in partnership with the Makana 360 platform, launched the first edition of the ABJ Influence Index, which is the first of its kind in Jordan to monitor and analyze the presence of banks in Jordan and their influence on digital platforms and media outlets, in addition to analyzing levels of public satisfaction and the quality of access to banking services.

The launch of this Index comes as a pioneering step aimed at enhancing transparency and providing an accurate picture for decision-makers about customer trends and interactions, which is reflected in the development of services and the enhancement of public confidence, in addition to raising the level of positive competition among banks.

Dr. Maher Al-Mahrouq, Director General of the Association of Banks in Jordan, confirmed in his speech at the launch ceremony that the ABJ Influence Index is the first of its kind in Jordan to measure the presence of banks on digital platforms and media outlets, and to monitor public trends and the quality of access to banking services. He pointed out that the Index represents a qualitative shift in monitoring the public pulse and understanding the level of social and digital influence of the banking sector.

Al-Mahrouq said that launching the Index comes to enhance transparency and provide accurate and reliable data that help bank administrations understand general trends and improve the quality of services, noting that the Index is characterized by a comprehensive analytical methodology that combines digital data, media coverage, app evaluations, and public opinions.

Al-Mahrouq explained that the Index provides a reference standard that enables each bank to evaluate its competitive position and anticipate changes in public opinion. It also contributes to building a unified sectoral image that enhances confidence in the Jordanian banking sector. He added that the Index provides practical insights that help banks develop their products, media and marketing plans, and direct their investments toward the most influential channels.

Al-Mahrouq stated that the Index will be issued quarterly to measure changes in public trends, the effectiveness of digital and media campaigns, and support future decisions in the fields of digital transformation and financial inclusion.

For his part, Mr. Abdurrahman Al-Husami, CEO of Makana 360, said:

“ We are pleased to partner with the Association of Banks to launch the first national reference for measuring banking influence. The ‘Banking Influence Index’ was designed to be a practical tool for senior management; it simplifies reading the public pulse, media appearance, and the quality of the digital and service experience, and turns them into actionable decisions. The Index is updated quarterly and is based on advanced Arabic monitoring and analysis through digital platforms, media outlets, and app evaluations, with strict adherence to objectivity and methodology. Our goal is for the Index to contribute to enhancing trust in the sector, accelerating digital transformation, and directing investments toward the communication channels that most affect customer satisfaction.”

A comprehensive Index… and results that reflect the strength of the sector’s presence

The ABJ Influence Index relies on an advanced analytical methodology that combines digital and media data with public impressions to measure banks’ influence comprehensively and accurately. The Index recorded 76.3 points in the third quarter of 2025, a score that reflects the important presence of banks in Jordan across various influence dimensions.

The Index is based on four main pillars representing the most important dimensions of bank presence: presence on social media, media appearance, public impressions (Sentiment), and accessibility and reliability. Each pillar is given a relative weight that reflects its importance, and more than 20 sub-indicators are measured within these pillars, such as the number of conversations, volume of engagement, app evaluations, media coverage, and content related to social responsibility.

Data is collected from social media platforms, news, forums, and app evaluations during a specific time period, then analyzed using advanced techniques in public opinion measurement and natural language processing. The weights assigned to each pillar are then calculated to reach the overall Index score, which expresses the level of digital and media influence and public satisfaction with the banks.

1. Presence on social media – 70.7 points

This pillar represents 42% of the total weight of the general influence Index. It showed wide interaction between the public and banks, especially in interactive campaigns and content related to savings services, prizes, and supporting entrepreneurship. Among the results shown by the Index:

• More than 222,000 digital conversations about banks during the third quarter.
• More than 1.2 million digital interactions across various platforms.
• The results show that Facebook represents a primary popular platform for banks, accounting for 86% of the total 5.6 million followers.
• Instagram stands out as an area for modern communication and visual narrative content, while X (Twitter) maintains its role in specialized discussions and financial awareness.
• A notable increase in engagement in community campaigns, savings campaigns, and competitions.

2. Media appearance – 79.2 points

This pillar represents 22% of the overall weight and recorded a strong presence for banks across local and international media outlets, where topics related to digital transformation, financial inclusion, and social responsibility constituted wide coverage areas. Key results include:

• Strong visibility for banks in high-reach media outlets that achieved more than 66 million international views for content related to banks in Jordan.
• Diversity of media coverage in digital transformation, green financing, and financial inclusion.
• Increased engagement with community initiatives and national activities.

3. Public impressions (Sentiment) – 71.9 points

This pillar represents 10% of the overall Index weight. It showed that most general impressions toward banks tend toward neutrality and positivity, with key factors strengthening customer trust such as branch service quality and employee professionalism. The most important results in this pillar:

• Positive and neutral impressions together reached 96% of total conversations.
• Positive impressions are mainly driven by the quality of service in branches and employee behavior, reflecting a strong and positive customer experience in direct interactions.
• Continued high trust in banks as safe and reliable financial institutions.

4. Accessibility and reliability – 84.5 points

This pillar achieved the highest value among the sub-indicators and represents 26% of the overall Index weight. It confirmed users’ interest in digital services and mobile applications, along with high engagement with promotional campaigns for banking services, cards, and financing. The most notable results:

• Strong engagement with promotional campaigns for cards and payment services.
• High customer reliance on mobile applications and electronic transfers.
• User impressions were 72% positive, mainly driven by ease of use and speed of app performance— the two most appreciated features, reflecting the importance of a smooth digital banking experience.
• Sentiment analysis shows that interest rates were not a major driver of negativity during Q3. This decline in the impact of interest rates can be linked to the reduction in interest rates during the same period, which eased discussions about borrowing costs and decreased public sensitivity to this issue.

Prominent trends highlighted by the Index

In addition to the main indicators, the new Index showed several notable results, including:

• Increased community interactions related to health, education, and women’s empowerment—topics most associated with public trust—reflecting wide public interest in human and social impact themes.
• Employees and branches remain the strongest element of trust, as in-branch service quality and employee professionalism formed one of the most important drivers of customer satisfaction. This remains a distinctive strength of banks in Jordan despite digitalization, reflecting the vital role of the human element.
• Digital transformation clearly appears in public discussions, with strong awareness content related to cybersecurity and fraud prevention, and thousands of interactions around posts and activities related to fraud prevention, anti–money laundering, and customer data protection—reflecting rising digital awareness among the public.
• Results of the Index for Q3 2025 showed that most banks in Jordan fell within the strong performance category, with some banks achieving leading performance that reflects their digital readiness, media influence, and strong relationship with the public.

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On 12 November 2025, the Association of Banks in Jordan held a meeting attended by the training and development managers of member banks to discuss banking training programs and enhance their effectiveness in line with the needs of the banking sector.

The meeting was chaired by the Association’s Director General, Dr. Maher Al-Mahrouq, who welcomed the attendees and thanked them for their participation. He emphasized the importance of such meetings in strengthening cooperation between the Association and member banks, and highlighted the vital role of banks as key partners in the success of training programs and activities.

During the meeting, participants shared their views on the Association’s training activities and programs, as well as the topics they would like to see implemented to meet the professional development needs of the Jordanian banking sector.

This meeting comes as part of the Association’s ongoing efforts to enhance active partnership with member banks to achieve training objectives, thereby contributing to improving the efficiency of training programs and developing the skills of banking personnel.

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The Association of Banks in Jordan, in cooperation with OJAG Corp, held an executive dialogue session titled “Understanding the Increasing Threats and Building a Culture of Prevention,” on Monday, 3 November 2025, at the Association’s headquarters in Amman, within the series of banking dialogues for leaders of the banking sector (C-Suite Banking Dialogues).

The session, which was dedicated to executive directors and senior managers in the banking sector, aimed to strengthen strategic awareness among banking leadership of the risks of cybercrimes and their consequences, and to provide them with practical tools to adopt an effective leadership approach in the fields of cybersecurity, data protection, and compliance with financial crime prevention requirements.

The session hosted the American expert Scott Augenbaum, retired Special Supervisory Agent from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and one of the most prominent international experts in the field of cybercrime prevention, where he presented a rich interactive presentation based on his experience spanning more than thirty years in investigating thousands of real cyber cases.

During his remarks, Augenbaum explained that cybercrimes are witnessing an unprecedented acceleration in terms of size and complexity, pointing out that global spending on cybersecurity is doubling annually, while the rate of breaches and losses continues to rise, which reflects – according to his description – a gap between technical spending and human behavior.

He indicated that 95% of breach incidents around the world are due to simple human errors, stressing that the solution begins with changing the institutional mindset toward cybersecurity and moving from reaction to a proactive preventive culture within institutions.

He also presented what he described as the “Four Facts of Cybersecurity,” which include: no one expects to be a victim, cybercrime is often invisible until the damage occurs, law enforcement does not possess magical solutions to restore stolen data or money, and most incidents can be avoided through awareness and simple practices.

Augenbaum explained that today’s attackers do not need advanced technical skills, but rather exploit social engineering and artificial intelligence to deceive users and access their accounts, warning that excessive trust in technical systems without sufficient training represents one of the biggest security vulnerabilities in institutions.

During the session, the speaker addressed a number of practical issues, such as business email compromise (BEC), ransomware attacks, and fraud methods based on artificial intelligence and digital identity spoofing. He presented real examples from the United States and the world, confirming that many of these cases could have been prevented through simple preventive measures.

He also emphasized the importance of identifying the “core data” or the “institutional crown” of each financial institution, and applying the principle of “least privilege” when granting access to sensitive information, in addition to enabling two-factor authentication for all essential accounts, including email, cloud records, and social media platforms.

Augenbaum indicated that building an institutional cybersecurity culture is not achieved unless senior management adopts this file as a strategic priority and works on involving all technical, financial, legal, and human resources departments in the security governance system.

At the end of the session, Augenbaum expressed his appreciation for the level of interaction and comments by representatives of Jordanian banks, confirming that cybersecurity is a collective responsibility that requires awareness, commitment, and continuous cooperation between various parties. He added: “We can reduce 90 to 95% of attacks if we invest in the human being as much as we invest in technology.”

This session comes within the efforts of the Association of Banks in Jordan to enhance the capabilities of the banking sector in the fields of cybersecurity, governance, and risk management, in a way that contributes to protecting the financial system and establishing confidence in the digital banking environment in the Kingdom.

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The Association of Banks in Jordan held, on Sunday, 2 October 2025, the Executive Compliance Officers Forum (CCOs Forum) under the title: “Strategic Leadership in Compliance, Financial Integrity, and Data Protection: A Roadmap for Leaders of the Banking Sector,” in cooperation with OJAG Consulting.

The forum was opened by Dr. Maher Al-Mahrouq, Director General of the Association, who emphasized that this meeting comes within the series of banking dialogues for the executive level (C-Suite Banking Dialogue Series) that the Association organizes periodically, with the aim of enhancing communication between the Association and senior executives (C-Level) in the banking sector, and exchanging expertise on strategic issues of importance to the sector.

Al-Mahrouq explained that the forum focuses on specialized issues in compliance with combating financial crimes and data protection in the digital age, in addition to the role of banking leadership in reinforcing institutional integrity. He pointed out that the nature of the meeting is based on dialogue and the exchange of ideas, not traditional training, which allows for effective participation and direct interaction among attendees.

The forum began with a presentation delivered by Mr. Peter entitled “Compliance Enforcement Trends in Combating Financial Crimes,” in which he reviewed the most prominent global trends in enforcing laws and financial supervision, and the latest priorities of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Justice in the areas of anti-money laundering, combating the financing of terrorism, and international sanctions.

He also discussed real examples from global cases such as HSBC, Danske Bank, and Lafarge, explaining how governance failures and weak institutional oversight led to severe financial and legal consequences. He emphasized the importance of adopting the Risk-Based Approach, and enhancing communication between financial institutions, supervisory authorities, and law enforcement agencies, stressing that banking leadership bears direct responsibility in consolidating a culture of compliance and accountability by directing resources toward priority risks and strengthening institutional transparency.

For his part, Mr. Michael Olmsted, former U.S. federal prosecutor in the Anti-Money Laundering Section at the U.S. Department of Justice, presented privacy concerns in the banking sector, in which he addressed the increasing challenges related to the protection of personal data in financial institutions and the balance between privacy requirements and regulatory disclosure obligations. He also reviewed international legal frameworks such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Jordanian Personal Data Protection Law, in addition to the complex aspects of cross-border data transfers and dealing with regulatory bodies in cases of financial investigation.

Olmsted called for adopting “Privacy by Design” practices within banks’ technical systems, appointing specialized Data Protection Officers (DPOs), and reviewing disclosure policies to ensure compliance with international standards.

At the conclusion of its proceedings, the forum emphasized that data protection and financial integrity represent two fundamental pillars for sustaining trust in the banking sector, noting that the coming stage requires banking leadership to achieve alignment between digital innovation and regulatory compliance requirements, and to enhance partnership with supervisory authorities locally and internationally.

The forum concluded with an open discussion session that focused on the role of senior leadership in shaping a culture of compliance, and on ways to achieve balance between technological development and the requirements of integrity and transparency, in a manner that strengthens the resilience and sustainability of banking institutions in facing future challenges.

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On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the Association of Banks in Jordan held a dialogue meeting with the Central Bank of Jordan, attended by His Excellency Mr. Mohammad Amairah, Executive Director of the Financial Stability Department at the Bank, along with members of the Association’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Committee.

The meeting was held as part of the Association’s commitment to strengthening dialogue and cooperation between the banking sector and relevant national institutions, with the aim of discussing the challenges facing SME financing and exploring ways to develop a supportive financing environment for this vital sector. The meeting also sought to gather the committee’s views and proposals regarding mechanisms for joint cooperation with the Central Bank, as well as key instructions and regulations that could enhance banks’ ability to finance various categories of SMEs.

Dr. Maher Al-Mahrouq, Director General of the Association, opened the meeting, stressing the importance of convening specialized meetings that bring together banking experts and decision-makers to exchange practical opinions and recommendations. He noted that this is the second meeting held by the Association at this level, following an earlier meeting dedicated to bank compliance managers. Al-Mahrouq praised the positive cooperation extended by the Central Bank in organizing such discussions, expressing his gratitude to the Governor of the Central Bank, Mr. Mohammad Al-Amairah, and all the team for their continued support.

Al-Mahrouq also explained that efforts to enhance SME financing began many years ago, and that banks have led the transformation by establishing specialized departments dedicated to SME financing. He emphasized that these efforts are commendable and form a strong foundation for expanding financing services for SMEs, particularly since this segment continues to require further support to meet its financing needs.

For his part, Mr. Amairah presented the main challenges affecting SME financing from both the supply and demand sides. He praised the role of banks and the Central Bank’s efforts in supporting this sector due to its positive impact on economic growth and job creation. He noted that the Central Bank is working with various partners to address these challenges. Al-Amairah also discussed the National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2023–2028, which focuses on increasing SME financing, in addition to highlighting the importance of reviewing and unifying the national definition of SMEs.

Committee members noted that the Central Bank’s directives for SME financing have enabled the banking sector to strengthen its support for this segment. They also emphasized the importance of the financing programs provided by the Central Bank in past years—especially the COVID-19 financing program—which had positive effects not only on SMEs but also on the broader economy, contributing to the resilience and flexibility of the national economy.

The committee members further indicated that some technical aspects require additional dialogue to improve them, particularly those related to major challenges such as information gaps in the SME market (information asymmetry). They emphasized the need for collaboration with other national institutions in this area. Al-Mahrouq explained that the Association aims to cooperate with national institutions to enhance financial information on economic sectors, which would help reduce information gaps.

In conclusion, both sides affirmed the importance of continued cooperation between the Central Bank and the Association of Banks to review related policies and regulations, and to develop practical programs that enhance banks’ capabilities in modern financing tools directed toward the SME sector, in a manner that supports national objectives and strengthens the resilience and flexibility of the national economy.

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