High-Level regional Conference on Crypto-Assets and Digital Money, organized by the CBK opens in Prishtina

The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosova (CBK) opened the High-Level Regional Conference on Crypto-Assets and Digital Money, held under the theme “Policy and Regulatory Frameworks in a Changing Landscape”, taking place in Prishtina on 3 and 4 June 2026.

This high-level event brings together representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), governors and representatives of central banks from the region, senior officials of financial institutions, international partners, representatives of academia, the financial sector, and experts in the field of digital finance.

The conference coincides with the first visit to Kosovo of Mr. Tobias Adrian, Financial Counsellor of the IMF and Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department, who is participating in several sessions of the two-day agenda, including the keynote address, discussions with central banks from the region, a meeting with the domestic financial sector, and a public lecture.

Opening the Conference, the Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosova, Mr. Ahmet Ismaili, emphasized that rapid technological developments, including crypto assets, digital forms of money, decentralized finance, artificial intelligence, and modern payment systems, are profoundly influencing the functioning of the global financial sector.

He underlined that these developments are now part of the strategic agenda of central banks, regulators, and the financial industry, creating opportunities to enhance efficiency, financial inclusion, transparency, and reduce the cost of financial services. At the same time, Governor Ismaili stressed that these developments also bring significant challenges for financial stability, consumer protection, market integrity, the prevention of money laundering, and the preservation of trust in the financial system.

In this context, Governor Ismaili noted that for Western Balkan countries, which are characterized by open economies, close financial interconnections, and significant remittance flows, digital finance represents an important opportunity to advance regional integration, modernize financial services, and further align with the European financial market.

He highlighted Kosovo’s progress in modernizing payment infrastructure, advancing instant payments, and pursuing integration into the Single Euro Payments Area, as part of the CBK’s efforts to provide faster, safer, and more efficient services for citizens and businesses.

Governor Ismaili emphasized that financial innovation must be supported by clear, proportionate, and risk-based frameworks, which enable technological development while preserving financial stability, protecting consumers, and strengthening market integrity.

At the conclusion of his remarks, Governor Ismaili expressed appreciation for the continued cooperation with the International Monetary Fund, particularly with the Monetary and Capital Markets Department, which has provided important support in strengthening institutional capacities, modernizing the financial sector, and advancing reforms in Kosovo.

In his keynote address, Mr. Tobias Adrian, Financial Counsellor of the IMF and Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department, while presenting key global developments, emphasized the importance of building sound and harmonized policy and regulatory frameworks to address the opportunities and risks arising from the digital transformation of finance, while preserving financial stability, market integrity, and public trust.

A welcome address was also delivered by the caretaker Minister of Finance, Mr. Hekuran Murati, who presented views on the importance of interinstitutional coordination, economic policies, and the creation of conditions for development, innovation, and macroeconomic stability.

The Conference will continue with professional presentations and discussions by central banks from the region, IMF representatives, the financial sector, and international partners.
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The second day of the agenda will also include a meeting with domestic financial sector stakeholders, the presentation of the IMF Global Financial Stability Report, and a public discussion between Governor Ismaili and Mr. Tobias Adrian at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Prishtina.