CBK participates in the “Brezovica Economic Forum 2025”: Access to finance and alternative funding opportunities for the Western Balkan economies

The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK) participated in the “Brezovica Economic Forum 2025” as an institutional partner, organizing the panel of deputy governors to discuss access to finance, investment opportunities and regional cooperation.

The panel co-organized by the CBK and the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce (KCC), with the participation of Governor Mr. Ahmet Ismaili, focused on the topic “Access to Finance and Investment Opportunities”. It addressed key developments in the financial ecosystems of the participating countries represented by the panelists and presented the strategic vision for diversifying funding sources, advancing European integration, and modernizing financial infrastructure.

In his opening remarks during the panel on “Access to Finance and Investment Opportunities”, Governor Ismaili highlighted the central role of Kosovo’s financial sector in supporting the real economy. He underlined that the financial system represents 157% of GDP, with banks holding the largest share of assets, pension funds serving as long-term investors, and microfinance institutions playing a key role in financial inclusion.

He emphasized that Kosovo’s banking sector has experienced steady development over the past two decades, maintaining sufficient liquidity, strong capitalization, and high profitability.

Governor Ismaili also underscored three major achievements of Kosovo in the past two years: the first sovereign credit rating of BB-, its removal from the IMF and World Bank list of conflict-affected countries, and significant progress in financial integration through SEPA and the TIPS Clone project, bringing the country closer to European financial infrastructure.

He added that the use of the euro has ensured monetary stability, predictability, and lower transaction costs, while further integration into European payment and financial infrastructure strengthens investor confidence and creates new opportunities for investment.

Through innovation, legal reforms, and international cooperation, the CBK is reinforcing financial stability, expanding financial inclusion, and positioning Kosovo as a regional hub for FinTech and modern financial services, while closely monitoring the crypto-asset market.

The Governor of the CBK also addressed the need to diversify financing sources beyond the banking sector, the role of guarantee schemes, and the development of the capital market to expand investment opportunities and enhance competition. In this regard, integration into SEPA, the fast payment system (TIPS Clone), open banking and digital identity, expanding financial inclusion, and developing a modern capital market aimed at creating a modern, transparent, and EU-aligned economy that supports sustainable growth and investment remain key priorities.

Panel discussions highlighted that beyond the strong financing provided by banks, the capital market is essential for long-term growth and diversified funding in Kosovo and the region. A

strong infrastructure and regulatory framework for capital markets, including corporate bond issuance, investment funds, and investor protection, would create new opportunities for enterprises and investors and improve long-term economic competitiveness.

Regional cooperation was also seen as a cornerstone for integration, efficiency, and investment attraction. Initiatives such as SEPA, TIPS Clone, and other regional financial integration projects stand as practical examples of success that can be replicated in capital market development, increasing efficiency and accelerating alignment with the European Union market in the spirit of a shared market for savings, investment, and capital.

The CBK participated in the forum as part of its proactive role in fostering professional dialogue and promoting cooperation to build more stable, secure, and integrated financial systems in the region, in line with its Strategic Plan.