Skopje, 24 November 2025 (MIA) – Fintech innovations are significantly improving access to finance for citizens and SMEs, cutting transaction costs and promoting new digital services, Governor of the National Bank, Trajko Slaveski, said at the Conference on European Economic Integration (CEEI 2025) – ‘CESEE’s financial future: funding growth and innovation’  in Vienna, organised by the Austrian National Bank.

According to Slaveski, the National Bank has set up a platform to support fintech investments, including the Innovation Gateway and a Fintech Working Group, as well as a 2023–2027 strategy to support innovative companies and startups. The Law on Payment Services and Payment Systems is aligned with EU standards, allowing for faster and cheaper payments and the licensing of five payment institutions and three electronic money providers so far.

Slaveski, as reported by the National Bank, emphasized that Macedonian banks are actively investing in digitalization, incorporating biometric identification, cloud technologies, and artificial intelligence, and that collaboration with fintech companies is increasing. The National Bank is also developing regulatory measures to safeguard against online fraud and personal data misuse, while promoting financial and digital literacy.

The Governor underscored that the confidence in the domestic currency is crucial for the development of local capital markets, adding that regional integration and closer ties with the EU and Eurozone could lower financing costs, boost trust, and increase investment.

The National Bank affirmed that it will continue to back innovations in the financial sector, ensuring stability and creating conditions for sustainable economic growth.

Photo: National Bank