The first nine candidates for the Supervisory Council of the Bank of Albania are presented to the Assembly

2026-02-03 07:23:00, Aktualitet CNA

The first nine candidates for the Supervisory Council of the Bank of Albania are

The Albanian Parliament held today a hearing session with some of the candidates who have applied for membership of the Supervisory Council of the Bank of Albania.

Candidate Erjona Bejleri, in presenting her vision, emphasized that supervision should place greater emphasis on the sustainability of banks' business models, and not just on financial indicators.

According to her, strong capital and liquidity are essential, but do not guarantee long-term stability if profitability relies on narrow, concentrated or short-term strategies. She underlined that understanding how banks generate income, manage concentration and adapt to structural changes is key to preventing future risks.

Ms. Beyleri also committed to prioritizing strengthening corporate governance in substance. According to her, effective boards, independent oversight, and a culture that challenges management decision-making constitute the first line of defense against financial instability.

Candidate Arben Zibri placed emphasis on strengthening the macroprudential framework, the early use of warning indicators and data-based macroprudential instruments. According to him, another priority should be to increase the economy's access to finance. According to him, the low level of lending, especially to small and medium-sized enterprises, limits their growth and, in general, the increase in productivity of the Albanian economy.

Candidate Matilda Shehu, in her presentation, placed emphasis on financial consumer protection. She spoke in favor of the creation of the institution of the financial ombudsman. She also emphasized the need to strengthen the implementation of ESG (environmental, social and governance) in the activity of the banking system in the country.

Candidate Saimir Muçmata also focused on consumer protection, through measures such as standardizing pre-contractual information, fair treatment, establishing effective mechanisms for handling complaints, and measures against unfair and misleading practices. He proposed establishing an office for alternative dispute resolution at the Bank of Albania.

Candidate Eni Xheko placed emphasis on contributing to strengthening the institution's independence and transparent decision-making, on the stronger connection between Central Bank policies and the real economy, and on working to improve financial education and institutional accountability.

Candidate Emis Cerava, in his presentation, focused on the need to boost lending in key sectors of the economy, such as agriculture and tourism. He also spoke out for careful monitoring of financing in the construction sector, as well as the need to develop new banking and financial products.

Candidate Fatmira Kola emphasized the importance of increasing trust in the institution, through increased transparency and communication with the public.

Candidate Aleksandër Çavo emphasized the focus on strengthening the legal dimension in banking supervision, with particular attention to digital risks. He proposed building a legal framework for the use of artificial intelligence in the banking system.

Candidate Adela Karapici proposed establishing a financial education curriculum throughout the education system. She also placed emphasis on strengthening the institutional independence of the Bank of Albania.

At the end of 2025, the mandate of the six members of the Supervisory Council of the Bank of Albania ended. Three of the new members must be proposed by the Albanian Parliament itself, through the Committee on Economy and Finance, while three other candidates will be proposed by the Council of Ministers./ Monitor