The Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo, Ahmet Ismaili, held a meeting with the Vice President of the World Bank, Antonella Bassani, as part of the 2026 Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C.

According to a statement, the meeting discussed developments in Kosovo’s financial sector, with a particular focus on modernising the payment system and regional integration in the Western Balkans.

Governor Ismaili highlighted the commitment of the Central Bank of Kosovo (CBK) to advancing payment infrastructure and accelerating integration into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), describing this process as a strategic priority for the country’s economic development.

The meeting also addressed developments related to the fast payment system through the Bank of Italy’s TIPS Clone solution, as well as steps to expand additional services. The importance of implementing the newly ratified financial sector project was also emphasised, along with advancing the regulatory framework for deposit insurance, aiming to increase coverage and strengthen financial stability.

On her part, Bassani reconfirmed the World Bank’s readiness to support the CBK and ongoing reforms, praising the progress achieved so far.

Finally, both sides discussed further deepening cooperation between the CBK and the World Bank Group, with a focus on financial sector development and strengthening institutional capacities.