Banking, Finance & Fintech in Albania

Andoni Law & Tax advises banks, non-bank financial institutions, payment providers, fintech operators, investors and international groups on banking and financial regulatory matters in Albania. Our work sits where financial regulation, corporate structuring and day-to-day compliance meet.

Albania's financial sector is supervised primarily by the Bank of Albania, while certain market segments fall under other supervisory authorities. For a new entrant, the first questions are usually the same: does the planned activity require a license or registration, which authority is competent, and how should the project be structured so that the regulatory file is credible from the start.

We help clients answer these questions early, prepare the documentation, and keep the activity compliant once it is running — coordinating, where needed, with the client's technical, financial and compliance teams.

Who This Hub Is For

This practice area is designed for:

• banks and non-bank financial institutions operating in Albania
• fintech companies and payment service providers entering the Albanian market
• founders and investors assessing a licensed financial activity
• international groups extending financial operations to Albania
• companies that need AML/KYC policies and compliance support
• lenders and borrowers negotiating loan, credit or security documentation
• operators facing supervisory questions, reporting duties or regulatory change

When This Service Is Appropriate

Clients typically contact us in situations such as:

• planning to offer payment, e-money, lending, exchange or other financial services in Albania
• being unsure whether a business model triggers a licensing or registration requirement
• preparing a license application or responding to comments from the competent authority
• building or updating an AML/KYC framework before launch or after a regulatory review
• negotiating or documenting a financing transaction with an Albanian counterparty
• dealing with reporting obligations, notifications or changes that may require prior approval

Why Legal Support Matters

Financial regulation is one of the areas where early mistakes are hardest to repair. An activity classified incorrectly, a file submitted with gaps, or a compliance framework built after launch rather than before it may lead to delays, additional requests or, in certain cases, regulatory measures.

A regulatory file is judged on its completeness and internal consistency: corporate documents, capital evidence, governance, policies and business plan must tell the same story. We review the project as a whole before anything is filed, so weaknesses are identified while they are still easy to fix.

Our role is legal — we do not replace auditors, accountants or technical consultants, but we coordinate with them so the legal and regulatory side of the project stands on solid ground.

How We Work

1. We assess the regulatory position

We review the business model and determine whether, and under which regime, the planned activity may be regulated in Albania, before any structural decision is made.

2. We design the structure

We advise on the corporate form, governance, capital and shareholder documentation that the regulatory framework expects, aligned with the commercial goals of the project.

3. We prepare the file

We draft and review the application materials, internal policies and supporting documents, and identify missing or inconsistent items before submission.

4. We handle the procedure

We assist with submissions, follow-up and responses to requests from the Bank of Albania or another competent authority, where applicable.

5. We support ongoing compliance

After launch, we assist with reporting, notifications, policy updates and legal questions arising from regulatory change or supervisory review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who regulates banking and financial activity in Albania?

Banks, payment institutions and several other financial operators are supervised by the Bank of Albania, while certain market segments fall under other supervisory authorities. The competent regulator depends on the specific activity, which we assess at the outset.

Does my business model need a financial license in Albania?

It depends on how the activity is structured and carried out. Some models fall clearly under a licensing regime, others may not, and the answer often turns on details. We review the model before recommending a route.

Can a foreign company offer financial services in Albania?

In certain cases, yes, but many financial activities require a local presence, license or registration before services are offered. Authorizations issued in other countries, including EU member states, do not automatically extend to Albania.

Do you assist with AML/KYC compliance?

Yes. We draft and review internal policies, customer due diligence procedures and related documentation, and we advise on regulatory expectations in coordination with the client's compliance team.

Can you support international groups?

Yes. We regularly work with international clients and align the Albanian regulatory requirements with the group's broader legal and compliance framework.

Planning a Banking, Finance or Fintech Project in Albania?

Contact Andoni Law & Tax to review your business model, the applicable regulatory framework and the practical steps for structuring, licensing and operating your project in Albania.

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