Ismaili and Malaj discuss integration into SEPA and the transformation of payments

Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK) Ahmet Ismaili held a meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to Kosovo, Petrit Malaj, focusing on developments in the financial sector, bilateral cooperation and changes to the payments system.

According to a CBK statement, the governor briefed the ambassador on the stable condition of Kosovo’s financial sector, progress in financial supervision and efforts to align legislation and regulations with European Union standards.

Ismaili also presented the measures taken to update the payments infrastructure, as well as Kosovo’s inclusion in European systems.

During the discussion, attention was paid to processes related to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), the creation of an instant payments system and the TIPS Clone project. According to the CBK, these initiatives aim to make payments faster, safer and more efficient for citizens and businesses.

The meeting also addressed issues related to consumer protection, financial education, expanding access to financial services and cybersecurity during a period of rapid digital development.

A particular part of the discussion focused on cooperation between the CBK and the Bank of Albania, especially in financial supervision, payment systems and financial education.

Ambassador Petrit Malaj praised the reforms and initiatives undertaken by the CBK, while commending the cooperation between the Central Bank of Kosovo and the Bank of Albania.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their willingness to continue institutional cooperation and the exchange of experience, with the aim of developing and integrating the financial systems of Kosovo and Albania.