The Bank of Albania published remarks by First Deputy Governor Holta Zaçaj at the Balkan Payment Forum 2026, where she reviewed the central bank’s recent work on payment-system modernisation rather than announcing new measures. She presented payment reforms as a key part of financial inclusion and Albania’s European integration, and described the country’s accession to SEPA as a major step in aligning the payments framework, infrastructure and regulation with European Union standards. Zaçaj said that in the first six months of SEPA operations around 363,000 transfers worth EUR 4.3 billion were processed, while cross-border transfer costs for Albanian citizens and businesses declined significantly. She also pointed to a broader shift toward digital payments in 2025, with 67% of bank payments executed using debit and credit cards and 20% initiated via internet or mobile phone. Electronic payments per adult reached 29, three times the 2020 level, and card payments exceeded cash withdrawals for the first time. The speech also highlighted progress in open banking, payment infrastructure and financial education.
Bank of Albania 2026-05-14
Bank of Albania reviews SEPA progress and rising electronic payment use at Balkan Payment Forum
The Bank of Albania published remarks by First Deputy Governor Holta Zaçaj highlighting payment-system modernisation, including Albania’s accession to the Single Euro Payments Area as a key step in aligning with EU standards and supporting financial inclusion. She reported that in the first six months of SEPA operations around 363,000 transfers worth EUR 4.3 billion were processed with lower cross-border transfer costs, alongside growth in digital and card payments and progress in open banking, payment infrastructure and financial education.