CBK launches Financial Accessibility Awareness Week for persons with disabilities

The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK) as part of its financial education activities, in cooperation with the Kosovo Disability Forum (KDF), the Kosovo Banking Association (KBA), and with the support of the European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE), has launched the campaign “Economy for All,” marking the Financial Accessibility Awareness Week for persons with disabilities.

The purpose of this campaign is to promote financial inclusion and equal access, while encouraging cooperation between the financial sector and organizations representing persons with disabilities, to build a more inclusive and accessible financial system for all citizens.

At the launching ceremony, CBK’s Deputy Governor Ms. Nesrin Shileku-Shala emphasized that financial inclusion is one of the CBK’s strategic priorities for the 2024-2028 period, focusing on consumer protection, financial education, and equal access to financial services.

In her remarks, Ms. Shileku-Shala highlighted that the CBK has undertaken a series of concrete initiatives to make the financial system more inclusive, including the implementation of the Basic Account with Services, which enables citizens to open bank accounts free of charge or for a symbolic fee, in line with EU Directive 2014/92/EU. This account is offered free of charge to vulnerable consumers, including persons with disabilities.

Aligned with the goal of improving accessibility, the CBK is also placing special importance on financial education as a tool for citizen empowerment. Through its financial education platform, the CBK has created an Education Corner in Sign Language, where educational materials tailored for persons with disabilities have been published. The aim is to ensure that all citizens have equal opportunities to understand and manage their personal finances in an informed manner.

In this regard, there remains room for further development, including the adaptation of informational materials, creation of audiovisual guidelines, full alignment of digital services with international accessibility standards, and strengthening staff capacities for inclusive communication. These efforts represent opportunities for joint improvement in building a financial system that serves every citizen, without exception.

Although significant progress has been achieved, the CBK recognizes that there are still opportunities for further development, particularly in adapting educational materials, improving digital accessibility, and training staff for inclusive communication.

Through new regulations on the Development, Distribution, and Advertising of Banking Products and Services, as well as on Information and Transparency in Insurance, the CBK is integrating the protection of vulnerable consumers into market conduct supervision, ensuring equal access, clear information, and the prevention of any form of discrimination.

In conclusion, the CBK reaffirmed its commitment to aligning its regulatory and supervisory framework with European Union standards, viewing the financial inclusion of persons with disabilities as a cornerstone of economic justice and sustainable development.