In a bold move to advance digital banking and strengthen collaboration with the growing Fintech ecosystem in Albania, Tirana Bank, part of the BALFIN Group in collaboration with Startup Albania organized a high-level forum at the Pyramid premises.
This forum was an important step for the development of digitalization and innovation; an initiative that aligns with the BALFIN Group's strategic vision to empower various sectors in Albania and the region.
The event brought together representatives from Albania’s most promising startups and key leaders from Tirana Bank to foster a constructive dialogue about innovation, partnership, and the future of financial services. The interested audience consisted of tech enthusiasts, young entrepreneurs, and bank executives.
The forum brought a panel spirit, with question and answer sessions, while there were also moments of networking. Discussions focused on Digital Onboarding, user-oriented digital experiences, Open Banking integration, as well as Tirana Bank's innovative journey and partnership opportunities in digital services.
Olivier Baur, Deputy CEO of Tirana Bank, opened the forum by sharing the bank’s vision for the future: “We are not just adapting to the future of banking, but we are contributing to its definition. Tirana Bank is becoming a customer-centric digital platform and on this journey, we welcome startups and fintechs. Only together can we reshape the way financial services are provided in Albania.”
Blerina Nasto, Digital Transformation Manager, emphasized that collaboration is the key to sustainable innovation: “Digital transformation is no longer an option, it is a strategic necessity. At Tirana Bank, we believe that true innovation happens when we open doors to collaboration. Through partnerships, we can accelerate our journey, unlock new value, and protect services in an evolving landscape.”
The forum also highlighted the bank's commitment to supporting companies in their early stages, such as small businesses.
Marsela Kajo, Head of the Small Business Department, presented a special offer: “At Tirana Bank, we have created a specific package where we offer the account and online banking platform free of charge for six months. This allows startups to register in the banking system, test the platform and operate with full functionality before deciding to become regular customers during their growth process.”
An important part of the conversation focused on infrastructure and technology.
Andi Qirjazi, Head of the Information Technology Department, shared some data on the bank's technological developments: "Tirana Bank is committed to implementing the latest solutions based on Cloud technology, ensuring that our infrastructure supports growth, security and speed. We also offer our services using the PSD2 standard, one of the safest ways to enable cooperation with Fintechs. Our strategy in the field of IT is built on strategic partnerships with global technology leaders such as IBM, Microsoft, Oracle and Cisco, to guarantee maximum availability and excellent service quality."
Regarding information security – an issue of particular importance for digital ecosystems – Eni Pali, Head of Information Security at Tirana Bank, assured participants that for the bank, it is an absolute priority.
“With the increase in cyber attacks at a global and local level, we have strengthened our defenses, aligned ourselves with international standards and regularly conduct penetration testing through specialized third parties. During the implementation of Open Banking, we faced several challenges, including the creation of a security certificate – an obstacle that we managed to successfully overcome in close cooperation with the Bank of Albania.”
The Forum represents a key strategic moment for Tirana Bank, as it continues to position itself as the preferred financial partner for startups, digital businesses and technology-driven companies. With the support of BALFIN Group, Tirana Bank will continue to play an important role in the digital transformation of the financial sector in Albania.
