Sllaveski: Alta Banka is financially stable as search for new owner continues

National Bank Governor Trajko Sllaveski said Alta Banka has a high level of liquidity, while non-performing loans account for 2.9 percent of its loan portfolio.

According to him, the bank’s capital ratio is nearly 26 percent, well above the legal minimum of 8 percent and the level below 2 percent that would indicate insolvency. Sllaveski said the appointed administration is intended to protect the bank’s financial position, while the National Bank is working to find a new owner.

He explained that on November 1, the National Bank’s Executive Board placed “Alta Banka AD Bitola” under administration following developments in Serbia. The revocation of the operating license of “Alta Banka Belgrade” overnight on October 30–31, 2026, meant that its owner was no longer able to meet its obligations. As a result, approval to acquire shares in the Bitola bank was also withdrawn, along with voting rights.

The governor recalled that until a year ago, the banking institution was called “Stopanska Banka AD Bitola”. He said its ownership structure and weak corporate governance had created significant risks, while support from its sole shareholder was practically impossible.

Sllaveski said the most appropriate way to address this risk would be to bring in a strategic investor, particularly a financial institution that could provide more efficient management and reorganize the bank’s operations.

He added that the National Bank had previously approved an application by a large, stable domestic bank to acquire shares in the institution then known as “Stopanska Banka AD Bitola”.