The second edition of Future of Fintech – “Reshaping the Future of Finance in Albania” concluded at the Center for Openness and Dialogue (COD), bringing together leaders from across the Western Balkans to explore how digital innovation, regulatory modernization, and public-private collaboration can shape the future of finance in the region.
The event marked a milestone for Albania’s digital journey, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the Bank of Albania, and brought together over 60 stakeholders — including policymakers, central banks, startups, financial institutions, and investors.
Organized by INNVEST in collaboration with the Albanian Investment Corporation, Future of Fintech 2025 provided a high-impact platform for sharing insights, launching initiatives, and accelerating digital finance adoption. The event was proudly supported by Visa, the event’s Gold Sponsor, whose commitment to advancing digital payments helped drive forward key discussions on the future of fintech in the region.
“The best way to predict the future is to invent it. We have to learn how to embrace change — and INNVEST will lead the way,” said Fabiola Duro, Founder of INNVEST | IMAA.
Key Moments & Speakers
Opening Remarks:
Elira Kokona – Executive Director of the Albanian Investment Corporation, emphasized the importance of digital infrastructure and innovation in attracting sustainable investments and supporting Albania’s 2030 digital agenda.
“This is a national transformation, as we proudly integrate into smart cities and invest in trust tech and the future,” she stated. Kokona highlighted AIC’s commitment to building smart cities and modern financial infrastructure through innovation that fosters transparency, security, and resilience. She concluded with a strong call for startups and institutions to collaborate, reinforcing that fintech is a catalyst for progress.
Prof. Dr. Luljeta Minxhozi – First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Albania, reflected on the evolution of fintech and the central bank’s role in enabling a safe, inclusive, and modern financial ecosystem.
“It’s a special year for the Bank of Albania, as it creates a new position to guide the country in a new direction, with developments in the payment system paving the way for modern, user-friendly instruments that meet EU standards, despite the many challenges faced,” said Minxhozi.
She underlined Albania’s SEPA membership and its importance for cross-border transactions and EU alignment, emphasizing the Bank’s dedication to supporting innovation while ensuring financial stability.
Government Perspectives:
Delina Ibrahimaj – Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate, highlighted public-private cooperation as critical to boosting digital payment adoption. She called out the inefficiencies still present in public services and underscored that fintech solutions must be central to improving systems.
“In the past decade, we’ve achieved 70% of public transformation, but to complete it, we must simplify the system, reduce costs, and promote digital payments, as the finance sector can’t advance without them,” said Ibrahimaj.
She noted the need for greater awareness and usage of electronic payments as a tool for empowerment and modernization.
Startup Spotlight – RPay:
Anisa Kaltanji – Strategic Business Development Manager at Blessed Investment, delivered a powerful presentation focused on the company’s flagship app, POK, calling it Albania’s #1 fintech platform.
“POK is Albania’s top fintech app, revolutionizing e-commerce and digital payments, but we need policymakers to address regulations to maintain this momentum,” she said.
Kaltanji called for proactive support from the regulatory environment to help Albanian fintech scale and innovate further, highlighting POK’s seamless QR payment solutions as a model of fintech-driven transformation.
Event Highlights
B2B Matchmaking Sessions: More than 10 curated meetings took place between startups, investors, banks, tech providers, with the Visa Team and the Durana Tech Park Team. These sessions were designed to foster partnerships, explore funding, and identify scaling opportunities, particularly focusing on the growth and digital transformation of Albania’s fintech ecosystem.
Audience & Impact:
60 attendees from across Albania and the Western Balkans.
5 speakers and panelists from government, finance, and tech.
Wide online reach and ongoing engagement via #FutureOfFintech.
Looking Ahead
The Future of Fintech 2025 reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to becoming a regional leader in digital finance, with a focus on inclusive innovation, practical regulation, and stronger ecosystems for MSMEs and startups.
“Transparency, innovation, and public-private cooperation are not options—they are essential,” said Fabiola Duro.
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