Skopje, 16 December 2024   

The National Bank Governor, Anita Angelovska Bezhoska, together with Vice Governor Emilija Nacevska, welcomed the representatives of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) led by Visar Perani, Country Officer to our country, on the occasion of the presentation of the IFC project on advancement of digital financial services and promotion of financial inclusion in the region, as part of their strategic commitments to creating an advanced and sustainable digital ecosystem. The initiative aims to support innovation, help build capacity of financial service providers and promote a competitive and inclusive financial environment.

It was emphasized that the National Bank’s regulation and activities have significantly contributed to digital transformation of the financial system, which is, in fact, one of its strategic goals. It was highlighted that the new payment legislation has enabled liberalization and opening of the market for new payment service providers, thus encouraging innovations introduced by fintech companies.

In the meeting, IFC offered support to the National Bank in several areas. The Governor pointed out that it would be of particular importance for the payment service providers to be supported in the area of operational preparation for joining the EU payment systems and effectively utilizing the opportunities offered by SEPA (expected for early next year), in the field of instant payments, as well as in the area of preparation of a new medium-term Payment System Development Strategy of the country.

IFC representatives emphasized the significance of harmonizing regulatory frameworks with international standards, ensuring payment systems interoperability and encouraging partnerships among banks, fintech companies and other private sector stakeholders. The meeting marked the initial step in exploring opportunities for joint collaboration to strengthen the region's financial ecosystem.