Sllaveski: Alta Bank customers have withdrawn 2 million euros; weekly limit set at 10,000 denars

Governor Trajko Sllaveski said at an extraordinary news conference that around 2 million euros had been withdrawn from Alta Bank in Macedonia by the end of yesterday.

“We were informed that by the close of business yesterday, approximately 2 million euros had been taken out of the bank through cash withdrawals and other transfers. Because of this amount, the VISA center temporarily suspended the use of cards, but the service was restored today at 12:00,” Sllaveski said.

According to him, customers with accounts at Alta Bank AD Bitola will be able to use up to 10,000 denars a week from their funds through payment cards issued by the bank. The measure is temporary.

The governor explained that the restriction was introduced to allow people to make their everyday payments.

“In the interest of the public and to ensure that everyday payments can be made, a weekly limit of 10,000 denars has been set on withdrawals from individuals’ accounts. This limit can be accessed through cards issued by the bank,” he stressed.

The measure was taken following reports that Alta Bank AD Belgrade’s license had been revoked and that conditions had been met for bankruptcy proceedings to begin in Serbia.

Sllaveski also announced that the Executive Board of the National Bank, at a meeting held on November 1, 2026, approved the appointment of a temporary administrator at Alta Bank AD Bitola. The decision is now in force and provides for the bank’s assets to be temporarily managed by people appointed by the National Bank, who will perform their duties within the authority defined for them.

Domestic payments between the accounts of individuals and legal entities within the bank will continue without any limit on the amount.

The governor said that Alta Bank AD Bitola has high capital and liquidity levels, a loan portfolio of solid quality, and meets all supervisory requirements.

The National Bank emphasized that the measures are temporary and are intended to protect the bank’s assets and depositors’ interests. Sllaveski also urged individuals and companies with loans at the bank to continue making their payments regularly and on time.