Recently the citizens of Syria and Iran who arrive to Armenia have problems with opening bank accounts and transferring their money. Whereas the Central Bank of RA said to “1in.am News and Analysis” that there exist no limit concerning accounts for foreign citizens. The central bank mentioned that limitations refer to the sphere of anti terrorism struggle and to the money laundry according to UNO Security Council’s decision and is directed against people included in the lists connected to terrorism.
The chief body is the Central bank of RA has made no such decision. And many Armenians arriving from Syria have got a document proving their identity and have a temporary status in RA. Thus, they have all the rights to open accounts and do transfers.
Namely, “HSBC Bank Armenia” told us that it is ready to open accounts for Syrian citizens. But there is one condition: the accounts open for their personal parsimony and for current payments. But the bank has a right to refuse to open an account in case there are cash flows from business activities.
Coming back to Persian-Armenians it must be said that the bank can open accounts for citizens of Iran only if the person has a residency in any other country.As it is reported from the bank they have to follow the limitation put on international public by international organizations as well as the inner limitations of HSBC group.
“HSBC Bank Armenia” and other banks of Armenia are under the control of the Central bank of RA and are regulated by RA law-system. “As a member of HSBC group, our bank follows the sanctions accepted by the UK against Syria and Iran”, bank informed.
The director of the Union of Armenian banks Seyran Sargsyan confirmed in the interview with us that there are common standards for both local and international banks and they all follow the sanctions against other countries accepted by international organizations.
For transferring their business to Armenia, Syrian-Armenians may need the help of the government, thus bringing the issue into another plane.
It is unknown how much money has been transferred till now, as it is a commercial secret.
