The Bank of Albania has reported the conclusion of Albania’s Financial Sector Assessment Program, conducted jointly by the International Monetary Fund and World Bank and coordinated domestically by the central bank. The assessment found substantial progress since the previous 2013-2014 review, including healthier financial institutions, a more diversified financial system, modernized payment infrastructure, expanded financial intermediation and wider use of technology. It also found that closer alignment with European Union rules has supported more effective and comprehensive supervision. The review examined crisis management, systemic risk assessment and the alignment of microprudential and macroprudential supervision with international standards. It also covered cyber defenses, digital finance, financing for small and medium-sized enterprises and capital market development. Its recommendations are intended to strengthen risk management and the financial system’s capacity to withstand future shocks while increasing support for the real economy. The conclusion follows earlier coordination between the Bank of Albania and World Bank on the assessment and wider 2026-2027 financial sector reforms. Albanian authorities will analyze the assessment documents and use the recommendations to guide medium-term reforms, including legal and operational changes linked to EU alignment.
Source: 2026-09-29Bank of Albania
Bank of Albania concludes IMF and World Bank financial sector assessment, review finds healthier institutions and stronger oversight
The Bank of Albania has concluded the IMF-World Bank assessment of Albania’s financial sector, which found healthier institutions, stronger oversight and a more diversified system than in 2013-2014. Recommendations focus on resilience, risk management and financing the real economy. Authorities plan to incorporate them into medium-term reforms and EU alignment work.