Governor Ismaili participates in panel on banking and financial Innovation as part of the “French Business Day” Conference

The Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK), Mr. Ahmet Ismaili, participated in the panel titled “Kosovo’s Banking and Financial Sector: A Real Opportunity for French Investors”, held as part of the “French Business Day” conference. The conference was organized by the Embassy of France in Kosovo and the European Investors Council, bringing together senior representatives of local and international institutions and featuring four thematic panels focused on current issues.

During the panel discussion, Governor Ismaili presented key developments in the country’s economy, the reforms undertaken by the CBK, and the state of financial stability. He emphasized that Kosovo’s banking sector remains among the most resilient in the region, supported by high levels of capitalization and liquidity, as well as a low level of non-performing loans, and continues to play a key role in supporting economic activity and the country’s sustainable development.

Furthermore, Governor Ismaili outlined the CBK’s commitment to strengthening the regulatory and supervisory framework, promoting innovative financial products and services, and advancing financial inclusion, with the aim of creating a sustainable and competitive financial sector integrated with international markets.

Financial stability is further reinforced by a legal and regulatory framework harmonized with that of the European Union, as well as using the euro as legal tender, which ensures legal certainty and equal competitive conditions for businesses and investors from EU countries. In this context, the CBK Governor highlighted the importance of financial innovation and digitalization as essential prerequisites for creating an attractive environment for foreign investment.

Additionally, Governor Ismaili elaborated on the need to diversify sources of financing beyond the banking sector, including the advancement of guarantee schemes and the development of the capital market, with the aim of expanding opportunities for trade and investment and increasing competition in the economy.

He also addressed the digitalization and integration agenda in the financial sector, including the modernization of the payments infrastructure through the TIPS Clone instant payments project, progress toward SEPA membership, open banking, and regional initiatives aimed at increasing the efficiency and interoperability of financial systems. The European Union Growth Plan and other projects with international financial institutions, which are expected to be ratified by the Assembly, also contribute to the achievement of these objectives.

Alongside fostering innovation, CBK is strengthening the supervision of financial service providers, enhancing cybersecurity standards, and reinforcing consumer protection, ensuring that the modernization of the financial system is accompanied by the full preservation of financial stability.

In conclusion, Governor Ismaili emphasized that Kosovo’s financial sector combines stability, modernization, and innovation within a competitive framework harmonized with the European Union. With a stable and competitive banking system, modern infrastructure, growing potential in the fintech sector, and an attractive tax environment, Kosovo has the potential to become a strategic investment destination, offering clear prospects for long-term growth and European integration.

The CBK participated in this conference as part of its proactive role in fostering professional dialogue and promoting cooperation, aimed at building more sustainable, secure, and integrated financial systems in the region, in line with the CBK’s Strategic Plan.