High-Level panel of regional central banks on Crypto-Assets, Digital Money, and Regulatory Frameworks held in Prishtina

As part of the regional Conference on Crypto-Assets and Digital Money, organized by the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosova (CBK), a high-level session was held with the participation of representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and central banks from the region.

The session was held under the theme “Policy and Regulatory Frameworks in a Changing Landscape”, addressing the impact of crypto-assets, digital forms of money, and financial innovation on financial stability, regulatory supervision, payment systems, and the integrity of financial markets.

NIn the first part of the session, thematic presentations were delivered by representatives of central banks from the region, including Mr. Trajko Slaveski, Governor of the National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia; Mr. Ahmet Ismaili, Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo; Ms. Gordana Kalezić, Vice Governor of the Central Bank of Montenegro; and Ms. Valentina Semi, senior representative of the Bank of Albania.

Through structured presentations, the participants presented the latest developments in digital finance, modernization of payment systems, advancement of supervision, and alignment of regulatory frameworks with international and European Union standards. The discussions highlighted common regional priorities, including the need for coordinated policies, enhanced supervisory capacities, and a prudent approach to new technological developments.

Subsequently, during the high-level panel of regional central banks, with the participation of Mr. Tobias Adrian, Financial Counsellor of the IMF and Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department, and moderated by Mr. Mark Horton, Deputy Director of the IMF’s European Department, discussions focused on risks to financial stability and monetary policy transmission, cross-border regulatory coordination, the development of digital financial services, and the supervision of stablecoins and crypto-asset markets.

Participants emphasized that the development of digital finance should be supported by risk-based regulation, effective supervision, consumer and investor protection, preservation of financial integrity, and stronger regional and international cooperation. In this regard, the discussion also addressed the importance of managing risks related to cybersecurity, the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing, as well as the potential implications of central bank digital currencies.

The panel discussion concluded that, in the face of a rapidly changing financial environment, regulatory and supervisory authorities should develop clear, proportionate, and harmonized frameworks that enable responsible innovation while safeguarding financial stability, market functioning, and public trust.

The conference is serving as a regional platform for the exchange of experiences, best practices, and institutional perspectives among policymakers, regulators, and international experts, with the aim of promoting the sustainable development of digital finance in support of the economy, citizens, and the stability of the financial system.

The commitment was reiterated to support the digital transformation of the financial sector through responsible policies, the strengthening of institutional capacities, the modernization of financial infrastructure, and further alignment with European and international standards.