The Central Bank of Montenegro (CBCG) reported that it ranked 12th among 185 central banks in the Gender Balance Index 2025, alongside updates on Governor Irena Radovic’s engagement at the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings focused on cooperation and preparations for future membership in the European System of Central Banks (ESCB). During meetings in Washington, Radovic discussed central banks’ roles in addressing economic challenges and safeguarding financial stability with European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde, with a focus on strengthening cooperation as the CBCG aligns with ESCB standards and best practices. She also participated in the World Bank’s Women Lead initiative and an OMFIF roundtable presenting the Gender Balance Index 2025, which measures women’s representation in leadership across more than 300 financial institutions; Radovic linked leadership diversity to inclusive and sustainable development and highlighted CBCG initiatives on financial education and access to financial services. Separate discussions with the governors and vice-governors of Danmarks Nationalbank, Sveriges Riksbank and the Bank of Finland centred on further strengthening the CBCG, including organisational and functional transformation needed for full compliance with ESCB standards.