2025
On 15 December, AAB in cooperation with the Balance Center, organized an online workshop dedicated to improving access to finance for women entrepreneurs, with the aim of strengthening their financial capacities.
The event brought together around 25 women entrepreneurs, who were introduced to financial practices and instruments that contribute to the growth and sustainability of their businesses. During the workshop, informative sessions covered key topics such as SEPA, banking products tailored for businesses, financing opportunities for women-led enterprises, as well as online sales and the use of digital channels.
The discussion panel featured experts from ProCredit Bank, including Ms. Blerta Selamaj, Coordinator of Business Development Function; Ms. Erinda Ropi, Deputy Head of Department, Business Support and Digital Channels Department; and Ms. Fortesa Jakupi, Head of Business Support and Digital Channels Department, along with Mr. Spiro Brumbulli, Secretary General of AAB.
The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session, during which participants shared their day-to-day challenges and discussed practical solutions. Special attention was given to instant payments, presented as an innovative and facilitating solution for women-led businesses and start-ups, enhancing the efficiency and speed of financial transactions.
On 11 December, AAB in cooperation with Blinking, organized a professional workshop in Tirana dedicated to the future of remote client acquisition (digital onboarding), as well as key aspects related to regulatory compliance and anti-money laundering (AML).
The event brought together representatives from the banking sector, specifically from Alternative Channels, Compliance, and AML functions, creating a valuable platform for the exchange of experiences, best practices, and discussion of the current challenges faced by the banking industry in the context of digitalization.
During the workshop, innovative solutions and approaches were presented with the aim of simplifying and securing the digital onboarding process. A key part of the agenda was a live demonstration of the digital solution, delivered by Mr. Miloš Misojčić and Mr. Mladen Tušup, showcasing in a practical way how technology can enhance business performance while simultaneously meeting regulatory requirements.
The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session, providing participants with the opportunity to address technical and operational topics, as well as to discuss next steps and potential collaboration opportunities.
AAB participated in the roundtable discussion “Challenges in Financing Agricultural Technology: Transformative Adaptation in the Face of Social and Climate Developments,” organized by REC Albania in collaboration with key stakeholders from the financial and insurance sectors.
The discussions focused on the role of financial institutions in supporting farmers through tailored products that enable investment in innovative technologies, which contribute to both adaptation and mitigation of climate change effects, as well as increased agricultural efficiency. Participants emphasized the importance of collaboration between government policies, financial products, and farming communities to maximize the impact of funds dedicated to the sector.
The roundtable highlighted the pivotal role of the banking sector in driving agricultural investments by offering farmers tailored, accessible, and specialized financial solutions.
Banks pointed out challenges faced on the ground, the importance of risk assessment, the need for improved financial information, and the necessity of developing sustainable financing instruments that support the adoption of new technologies.
REC Albania also presented the findings of the “Solutions Connecting Farmers ” initiative, which over two years has introduced technologies such as solar-powered irrigation systems and biomass shredders to farmer groups, demonstrating the opportunities created when financing is combined with innovation.
The meeting further underscored the need for deeper financial literacy for farmers, as well as more effective insurance schemes for agricultural production and assets, aiming to enhance investment sustainability and reduce risk for the banking sector.
Tirana, February 26, 2025 – McKinsey & Company, in collaboration with the Albanian Association of Banks (AAB), organized the Albania Banking Roundtable, an event that brought together high level banking executives to discuss key industry developments and challenges.
The discussions focused on the findings of the Global Banking Annual Report 2024, which provided insights into global trends, strategic priorities, and best practices from leading financial institutions in the industry. A key topic addressed was the growing gap between banks in the adoption of mobile banking and its impact on business growth, operational efficiency, and customer experience. Additionally, broader changes in the financial sector that are transforming the future of banking in Albania were also discussed.
The event served as a platform for open dialogue on industry challenges and opportunities, encouraging reflection on the paths banks can take to adapt and advance in an increasingly dynamic financial environment.
