In a significant sign of traction for the nascent Syrian fintech sector, Bitknz has officially crossed the 5,000-user mark. The Damascus-based startup, which focuses on simplifying cross-border transfers and payments, reached this milestone just weeks after its public launch. Founder Shady Zitoun, a fintech veteran with experience at Bitpanda, Finastra, and Citibank, announced the achievement as a validation of the platform’s mission to solve acute financial logistical challenges facing the region.
Building From Lived Experience
According to Zitoun, the growth to 5,000 users represents more than just a metric; it signifies a growing layer of trust in a market where financial stability is often volatile. In his announcement, Zitoun emphasized that Bitknz was not conceived in “fancy offices,” but was built from a deep understanding of the “daily reality” and financial friction witnessed in the region over the last several years. The startup aims to address the disconnect between global financial systems and local needs, providing a digital lifeline for users who require reliable methods to move value in and out of the country.
Bridging The Financial Gap With Crypto Rails
Bitknz operates as a digital multi-currency wallet designed to bridge the gap between traditional cash economies and the digital asset world. The platform enables users across EMEA to receive money in stablecoins or Bitcoin, effectively bypassing traditional banking bottlenecks. Crucially, the app includes practical features for the local market, such as QR-code based payments for merchants and a network of trusted local partners for seamless cash-outs. By allowing merchants and individuals to maintain balances in stable USD, the platform also offers a hedge against local currency fluctuations, a critical feature in high-inflation environments.
Leveraging Global Expertise For Local Impact
The startup’s rapid adoption is underpinned by a technical infrastructure built to global standards, leveraging Zitoun’s background in European fintech and banking. Bitknz is positioning itself not just as a wallet, but as infrastructure for borderless digital payments. As the company moves into 2026, leadership has teased further expansion and feature rollouts aimed at solidifying its position as a primary financial tool for the underbanked in the region.
About Bitknz
Headquartered in Damascus, Bitknz is a digital financial platform designed to simplify cross-border transfers and payments across EMEA. The company offers a secure, multi-currency wallet that facilitates instant transfers using blockchain technology (Bitcoin and Stable USD). Bitknz empowers merchants with QR-based POS systems and provides users with a network of local agents for cash-out services, aiming to make digital finance fast, secure, and borderless.
Source: Linkedin
