CBK participates in “Kosova Finance Forum 2025”: Discussions focus on financial stability, inclusion, technological innovation and regional cooperation

The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK) participated in the “Kosova Finance Forum 2025” as an institutional partner, organizing a high-level regional panel on financial stability and regional cooperation. CBK was also represented at various levels in other panels and working groups held during the forum, covering topics within its scope. The forum featured a comprehensive agenda with panels and workshops addressing key topics such as financial stability, digitalization, insurance, cybersecurity, and the impact of artificial intelligence on the financial sector, with CBK directors and representatives actively participating in several of them.

In his opening remarks to the attendees, the Governor of the CBK, Mr. Ahmet Ismaili, welcomed the forum and praised it as an important new initiative and platform for open and constructive dialogue on the future of finance.

Governor Ismaili emphasized that financial stability, financial inclusion, technological innovation, and regional cooperation are essential pillars for building a more sustainable economic future, underlining the importance of undertaking deep structural reforms to address current challenges. He noted that the region’s economies have demonstrated resilience, with positive growth rates and a gradual decline in inflation.

“Kosovo has demonstrated its commitment to preserving financial stability, with a sound, liquid banking system carefully supervised by the CBK, while reforms are advancing toward digitalization, strengthening consumer protection, and alignment with EU standards. Therefore, we believe it is difficult for any single country to address global challenges without proper cooperation,” Governor Ismaili stated.

He further emphasized that financial stability remains a core objective for all central banks in the region, especially in an environment marked by geopolitical uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and monetary tightening in global markets, at a time when non-traditional risks from climate change to cybersecurity are on the rise. This clearly reflects the complexity and interconnectedness of the challenges facing the financial sector today, along with the need to protect consumers and personal data.

During his remarks, Governor Ismaili also addressed the importance of European financial integration, describing it as a strategic pillar for stability, development, and institutional transformation.

CBK organized the high-level regional panel titled “Financial Stability, Challenges for Central Banks, and Regional Cooperation”, moderated by Mr. Selim Thaçi, IMF Representative in Kosovo. In addition to CBK Deputy Governor Mr. Dardan Fusha, panelists included Deputy Governors and senior officials from regional central banks: Ms. Natasha Ahmetaj from the Bank of Albania, Mr. Nikola Fabris from the Central Bank of Montenegro, and Ms. Milica Arnaudova Stojanovska from the National Bank of North Macedonia. The discussion focused on strengthening macroeconomic resilience, addressing common challenges, and enhancing inter-institutional coordination in the region. The panelists highly valued the ongoing cooperation between peer central banks in the region.

CBK’s participation in this Forum reflects its proactive role in fostering professional dialogue and promoting cooperation to build more resilient, secure, and integrated financial systems in the region, in line with the fourth objective of CBK’s strategic plan: an open approach toward initiatives from civil society, organizations, and professional forums.