PRESS RELEASE
First Deputy Governor Zaçaj at the Payment Balkan Forum 2026

On 14 May 2026, the Balkan Payment Forum 2026 took place, convening representatives from central banks, international financial institutions, the banking sector, fintech industry, and payment experts from across the region and the European Union to exchange views on developments in financial innovation and digital transformation.

At the opening of the Forum, the First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Albania, Ms  Holta Zaçaj, delivered the keynote address, emphasising the role of the Bank of Albania in supporting Albania’s economic and financial development and outlining the progress made in recent years in modernising the monetary policy framework, payment systems and regulatory framework in alignment with European Union standards.

The Deputy Governor emphasised the importance of the payment systems modernisation as a key element for increasing financial inclusion and for the country’s European integration.

In her speech, Ms Zaçaj addressed the reforms undertaken by the Bank of Albania to modernise payment systems and promote the use of electronic payments, underlining that Albania’s accession to SEPA constitutes a historic achievement for the country’s financial integration.

She noted that, during the first six months of SEPA operations, around 363,000 transfers were processed, amounting to EUR 4.3 billion, while the cost of cross-border transfers for Albanian citizens and businesses has declined significantly.

These figures demonstrate the positive impact of the Bank of Albania’s reforms in the field of payments and financial digitalisation. In 2025, 67% of bank payments were executed using debit and credit cards, while 20% were initiated via internet or mobile phone. At the same time, the number of electronic payments per adult reached 29 payments, three times higher than in 2020.

For the first time, the frequency of card payments exceeded that of cash withdrawals, signalling a structural shift in consumer’s payment behaviour and the enhancement of financial inclusion in Albania.

The First Deputy Governor further highlighted the progress made in aligning the regulatory framework with European Union standards, promoting the development of open banking, modernising payment infrastructure and enhancing financial education.

As part of this forum, the Bank of Albania organised a reception at the premises of the Museum of the Bank of Albania for Forum participants, following commemorative events marking the 100th anniversary of the Bank of Albania and of the national currency.

In her welcoming remarks, Deputy Governor Zaçaj reflected on the history and evolution of the Bank of Albania as a cornerstone institution for the country’s economic and financial development, noting that over the years it has evolved in line with best European standards and today stands as a modern institution with advanced payment systems, a regulatory framework aligned with international standards, and an important role in safeguarding Albania’s financial and macroeconomic stability.