AML/CTF Forum 2025:
Compliance challenges in the face of technological developments
On June 20, 2025, the regional forum on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CTF) was held in Pristina. The event was organized by the Albanian Association of Banks (AAB) in cooperation with the Kosovo Banking Association (KBA). This initiative reflects a joint commitment to strengthening inter-institutional cooperation and enhancing compliance with international standards in the banking sectors of Albania and Kosovo.
The forum brought together key stakeholders from the financial sectors of both countries, including representatives from member banks of AAB and KBA, Financial Intelligence Units, the Bank of Albania, and the Central Bank of Kosovo. Discussions focused on high-risk customer typologies—including cases involving call centers and cryptocurrencies—as well as the challenges posed by innovation, digitalization, Open Banking, and preparation for SEPA integration.
In their opening remarks, Mr. Petrit Balija, Chief Executive Officer of KBA, and Mr. Spiro Brumbulli, Secretary General of AAB, emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation and knowledge sharing between institutions. Common challenges require coordinated responses, with banking associations playing a key role in guiding the sector toward higher standards of transparency, integrity, and security.
The Albanian Association of Banks (AAB), through representatives of its Compliance Committee and member banks, shared concrete experiences from day-to-day practice and offered valuable insights into improving existing risk management mechanisms. The discussions also highlighted the importance of new technologies and models that optimize compliance with legal obligations, underscoring the need for sustainable and regionally applicable solutions.
The forum served not only as a platform for dialogue but also as a concrete step toward harmonizing practices and preparing to meet Moneyval requirements in both countries. Broad participation including supervisory institutions and field experts made this event a key reference point for the ongoing advancement of the banking sector.
GALLERY
