Governor Ismaili meets World Bank Vice President Ms. Antonella Bassani in Washington DC

As part of the 2026 Spring Meetings in Washington DC, the Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosova (CBK), Mr. Ahmet Ismaili, accompanied by Non-Executive Board Member Ms. Latifi Jashari, Deputy Governor Mr. Fusha, and other associates, held a bilateral meeting with the World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, Ms. Antonella Bassani.

During the meeting, discussions focused on developments in Kosovo’s financial sector, with an emphasis on the modernization of the payment system and regional integration in the Western Balkans.

Governor Ismaili highlighted the CBK’s commitment to advancing payment infrastructure and accelerating the integration process into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), describing it as a strategic priority for the country’s economic development.

Developments related to the instant payments system through the Bank of Italy’s TIPS Clone solution were also discussed, along with steps to expand additional services. The importance of implementing the newly ratified financial sector financing project was also emphasized, as well as advancing the regulatory framework for deposit insurance, with the aim of increasing coverage and further strengthening financial stability.

Ms. Bassani reaffirmed the World Bank’s readiness to support the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosova and the reforms undertaken, highly appreciating the achievements made to date.

Finally, the two sides also discussed further deepening cooperation between the CBK and the World Bank Group, focusing on the development of the financial sector and strengthening the institutional capacities of the CBK.