In remarks at an international internal audit conference in Tirana, the Bank of Albania highlighted internal audit as a core pillar of governance, risk management and financial stability, and said it has continued to strengthen the function within the central bank as the third line of control in line with international standards. The speech did not announce new regulatory measures, but set out the central bank’s view that internal audit has become more strategic as the financial sector faces digitalisation, technological innovation, cyber risk and other global challenges. The Bank of Albania linked this approach to the existing banking law and regulatory framework, which place weight on internal governance, risk management and independent control functions. It said the internal audit function has been supported through external quality assessments, periodic self-assessments, stronger reporting, cooperation with the Audit Committee and Supervisory Council, and involvement in operational risk and business continuity management projects. The central bank also pointed to Albania’s progress in aligning with European and global internal audit standards, including the 2025 Global Internal Audit Standards.
Bank of Albania 2026-05-11
Bank of Albania highlights stronger internal audit role as third line of control and alignment with 2025 global standards
The Bank of Albania, in a speech at an international internal audit conference, underscored internal audit as a core pillar of governance, risk management and financial stability, and described its role as the third line of control in line with international standards. It highlighted enhancements to the internal audit function through external and self-assessments, strengthened reporting and governance cooperation, and progress in aligning with European and global internal audit standards, including the 2025 Global Internal Audit Standards.