PRESS RELEASE
Supervisory Council Decisions at the meeting on 1 July 2015

In its meeting on 1 July 2015, the Supervisory Council of the Bank of Albania:

• Analysed the interim monetary policy report, and decided to keep the key interest rate unchanged; 
• Reviewed the latest developments in Greece, and the potential spillover effects they may have on macroeconomic and financial developments in Albania;
• Reviewed and approved:

      1. Amendments to the Regulation 'On the capital adequacy ratio' and 'On the risk management from large exposures of banks'.

According to the amendments, banks' investments in the Albanian government debt securities, in foreign currency, may be risk-weighted for 50 per cent. At the same time, according to the amendments approved in the regulation 'On the risk management from large exposures of banks', in calculating permissible exposures to the Albanian government for investments in foreign-currency securities, banks will benefit a reduction by 50 per cent.

     2. Decision 'On the approval of the regulation On consumer and mortgage loans for households'

Through this regulation, the Bank of Albania aims at completing the regulatory framework of the supervisory authority, related to consumer protection, and enhancing competition and transparency for consumer and mortgage loans offered by banks and non-bank financial institutions. This regulation has been drafted in conformity with the international best practices.

     3. Decision 'On granting preliminary approval for conducting additional financial activity by Banka Alpha Albania sh.a'

Provision of safe box services, from the supervision perspective, does not affect the financial position and supervision indicators. Safe boxes are held at the bank and are made available to the client after the signing of a rent agreement between the client and the bank of the terms of use.