Governor Ismaili participates as panelist at the IDA World Bank Treasury Executive Forum

The Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK), Mr. Ahmet Ismaili, participated as a distinguished panelist at the Executive Forum organized by the International Development Association (IDA) and the World Bank Treasury.

The panel was moderated by Mr. Jorge Familiar, Vice President and Treasurer of the World Bank. In his remarks, Governor Ismaili highlighted Kosovo’s transformative journey from an IDA recipient to a donor, emphasizing the pivotal role of strong institutions, sound financial management, and strategic international partnerships in advancing Kosovo’s sustainable development and global integration.

Governor Ismaili outlined Kosovo’s key milestones in strengthening financial stability and market development, including the country’s first sovereign credit rating, the introduction of liquidity management instruments such as the Overnight Lending Facility and REPO operations, and the modernization of Kosovo’s payment infrastructure. He also discussed the CBK’s progress in aligning Kosovo’s financial sector with European Union standards, enhancing investor confidence, and deepening regional and international financial integration.

Reflecting on Kosovo’s participation in the World Bank’s Reserve Advisory and Management Partnership (RAMP), Governor Ismaili highlighted major steps taken to modernize the CBK’s reserve management framework. These include the adoption of a new Investment Policy, the development of a strategic asset allocation approach, and the enhancement of governance practices through the establishment of a newly structured Investment Committee.

On the topic of digital innovation, Governor Ismaili shared Kosovo’s advancements toward joining the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), the expansion of open banking frameworks, the modernization of national registries, and initiatives to promote broader financial inclusion. He emphasized that embracing digitalization is critical for central banks to ensure resilience and relevance in a rapidly evolving financial ecosystem.

The Forum also served as an important platform for exchanging views on strengthening international and regional cooperation among countries and institutional investors. Governor Ismaili reaffirmed Kosovo’s commitment to fostering regional partnerships to advance financial stability, enhance market liquidity, boost investor confidence, and support financial stability across the Western Balkans.

The Central Bank of Kosovo expresses its appreciation to the World Bank Treasury for convening this important forum and reaffirms its dedication to strengthening public financial management, advancing digital transformation, and promoting resilient, inclusive economic growth.

The Executive Forum brought together central bank Governors, Finance ministers, and over 100 senior representatives from around the world.