2024
Protect yourself, protect your banking
In October, recognized globally as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the AAB launched a wide-reaching initiative to educate the younger generation through a series of open lectures at major universities across the country. This effort by AAB aims to increase young people’s awareness of the importance of security in the digital world, equipping them with knowledge and protective practices against cyber threats.
Throughout the month, AAB visited various universities in Tirana, Elbasan, and Durres, including Polis University, “Aleksander Xhuvani” University in Elbasan, European University of Tirana, “Aleksander Moisiu” University in Durres, Tirana Business University College, Agricultural University of Tirana, and Metropolitan University of Tirana. Field experts, AAB’s Cybersecurity Committee members, and professionals from various financial and security institutions in Albania led these lectures. They shared their experiences and practical advice on the protective measures needed to defend against cyber attacks.
Participants in these lectures had the opportunity to learn from experts like Ms. Blerina Tushe from Banka Kombëtare Tregtare, Mr. Reglendi Xhango from OTP Albania Albania, Ms. Entela Prifti from Raiffeisen Bank, Mr. Ermal Galo from Union Bank, and Mr. Fatjon Muca from Fibank Albania. These experts discussed various topics, including the challenges and threats of cybersecurity in the banking sector, strategies for protecting personal and institutional data, and steps that must be taken to avoid online risks.
AAB remains committed to strengthening its collaboration with educational institutions, contributing to the education and awareness of young people for a safer future in the digital era. This initiative will continue to develop in close cooperation with universities and field professionals, serving as a platform for educating young generations on the importance of cybersecurity and data protection in an increasingly digital world.
In celebration of International Savings Day, AAB, in partnership with the German Sparkassenstiftung for International Cooperation (DISK Albania), organized a “Savings Game” training event from October 31 to November 1. This two-day interactive workshop welcomed 55 participants, including junior bank employees, interns, trainees, and students from the University of New York Tirana and Polis University.
Aligned with AAB’s commitment to financial education, the training emphasized practical skills in household budgeting and effective savings accumulation. Participants engaged in experience-based learning, covering fundamental economic principles for managing personal finances and selecting reliable financial institutions for their savings. This event was an engaging, practical opportunity for participants to enhance their financial literacy and develop sustainable savings habits.
For the second consecutive year, AAB answered the call of the Ministry of State for Youth and Children by participating in an informative panel at Rin Camp 2024.
This year’s Rin Camp took place from August 30 to September 2, 2024, in Dhërmi, Vlora, bringing together 100 young people aged 20-26. The event aimed to engage and support these young individuals by promoting personal and professional development, as well as empowering them through a series of activities and informational panels. Organized under the framework of the National Youth Strategy 2022-2029, the event was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of State for Youth and Children and the National Youth Agency.
On August 30, Mr. Spiro Brumbulli, AAB Secretary General, along with Mr. Albert Shehu, Director of Individual Banking at the Banka Kombëtare Tregtare (BKT), Mr. Gjergj Karasani, Responsible for Credit Management at Credins Bank, and Mrs. Alma Derraj, Director of Alternative Channels Management at Union Bank, participated in the informative panel on “Financial education and financial responsibility”. They engaged the audience on topics including digitalization, credit, interest rates, financial advice, and cybersecurity.
AAB and its member banks have consistently participated in numerous initiatives aimed at empowering young people, driven by the belief that investing in the next generation is an investment in the future of our country.
Albania’s National Winners Compete at the European Final
The final of the European Money Quiz 2024 took place in Brussels on April 19, with 26 countries competing. The Albanian team, comprising Edea Blaceri and Martin Leci from “Imelda Lambertini” school in Elbasan, secured 19th place overall. The top three teams in the European Money Quiz 2024 were from Austria, the Czech Republic, and North Macedonia.
As a special highlight, the Albanian team attended the “Opening Bell Ceremony” and rang the bell of the Belgium Stock Exchange, an honor granted to them after being ranked among the three winners of a side competition organized during the event.