Sharkas explained that regulation and innovation are not opposing directions, but rather complement each other, saying: "Innovation does not need less regulation, but smarter regulation; successful regulation that allows it to grow with confidence and security without affecting the stability of the financial system or the rights of consumers"
- A boom in digital payments
The Central Bank Governor revealed record figures achieved by the digital payments sector in the Kingdom during 2025, where the number of electronic payment transactions exceeded 700 million, with a total value exceeding 50 billion Jordanian dinars, representing about 118% of the gross domestic product. Confirming that these figures reflect a structural shift in the pattern of economic activity and the development of the financial infrastructure in the Kingdom.
Sharkas pointed out that the Central Bank has developed an integrated system that includes digital financial identity, electronic verification (e-KYC), open financial services (Open Finance), regulatory technology (RegTech), in addition to the regulation of virtual assets. He also highlighted the efforts of the Bank's "Regulatory Lab" (Regulatory Sandbox), which included 12 start-ups to test their solutions in the fields of banking, insurance, open services and virtual assets under direct regulatory supervision.
Sharkas confirmed that the stability of the banking sector, monetary solidity, advanced infrastructure, along with human competencies and the strategic location of Jordan, constitute solid foundations that make the Kingdom a destination and attractive to regional and international investments and companies in the field of financial technology.
