Ahmet Ismaili

Governor - Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo

Keynote Speaker

Panel I

Ahmet Ismaili serves as Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK) and chairs its Executive Board. With nearly two decades of experience in banking and finance, he has held high-level leadership roles across both the public and private sectors. He previously served as General Director of the State Treasury and held key governance positions in the Kosovo Energy Efficiency Fund (KEEF) and the Health Insurance Fund (HIF). Dr. Ismaili holds a PhD in Economics from Pristina Public University and has taught banking and finance at the University of Prishtina. He represents Kosovo on the IMF Board of Governors and as Alternate Governor for the World Bank Group (WBG).

Agron Demi

Co-Founder & CEO - Atlas Institute

Trainer

Agron Demi is the CEO and Co-Founder of the Atlas Institute, dedicated to sustainable development and the green transition in the Western Balkans. He previously served as Executive Director of the Balkan Green Foundation and spent over 15 years at the GAP Institute, including roles as Executive Director, and Research and Program Director. Agron has worked as a consultant for organizations such as Navanti Group, NDI, Eurofound, and various UN agencies. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Public Administration and Social Work, and has completed executive programs in NGO Management from Harvard Kennedy School, and strategic leadership from Maastricht School of Management.

Alban Hashani

Executive Director - Riinvest Institute

Presentation

Mr. Hashani currently serves as the Executive Director at the Riinvest Institute. He also lectures Economics in the university. He earned his degree from the University of Prishtina and pursued further academic training, including a PhD, at Staffordshire University in the UK. His research interests include transition economics and industrial economics. Alban oversees numerous research and development projects at Riinvest, shaping policy discussions and academic dialogue. He is fluent in Albanian, English, and Serbo-Croatian, supporting his broad engagement in both local and international contexts. His work bridges research, policy, and education in Kosovo’s evolving economic environment.

Arben Malaj

President - Institute for Public Policy and Good Governance

Speaker

Prof. Dr. Arben Malaj is a renowned economist and academic with extensive experience in both public service and education. He holds a degree in Finance from the University of Tirana and has been a faculty member there since 1993. Prof. Malaj served as Albania’s Minister of Finance and Economy, represented the country at the World Bank, and was a member of Parliament for over a decade. He co-founded the Institute for Public Policies and Good Governance and has held leadership roles, including Rector of Luarasi University and Honorary Counsel of Austria in Albania.

Argjira Kadrijaj Dushi

Head of Retail Business, Digital Banking and Marketing - BPB Bank

Presentation

Mrs. Kadrijaj Dushi leads Retail Business and Digital Banking at BPB Bank, where she’s driven major digital initiatives since joining two years ago. With over 17 years in financial services, she combines expertise in SME development and digital transformation, always prioritizing customer needs. Her PhD research in business economics explores how digitalization impacts SME productivity, aligning closely with her professional mission. Through her strategic leadership and innovation mindset, she continues to shape BPB’s digital evolution and contribute to broader sectoral growth in Kosovo.

Artan Sadiku

Managing Partner & Head of Financial and Investment Services – EMPWOER

Presentation

A seasoned banking executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in retail banking, strategic planning, risk management, and financial innovation. Successfully managed a €410M-asset bank and led impactful partnerships with international donors to drive financial growth. Skilled in SME development, financial inclusion, green finance, and women’s entrepreneurship, with a strong track record in launching non-financial services and innovative products like factoring, leasing, and crowdfunding. At USAID IPAF, led Kosovo’s first sovereign credit rating and initiated a €10M loan guarantee program unlocking €100M in diaspora investments. Holds a doctorate in financial and knowledge management from the University of Ljubljana, and the International School for Social and Business Studies.

Arton Lena

Chief Executive Officer at WVP Fund Management Tirana

Trainer

Arton Lena is the Executive Director of WVP Fund Management Tirana with over 15 years of experience in finance, focusing on portfolio management, investments, financial product sales, and insurance. He holds a Master’s in International Business from the University of Vienna and additional certifications, including Financial Advisor and Broker from the Vienna Stock Exchange Academy, and licenses for trading on European exchanges (XETRA) and insurance advising. Arton was a co-founder of Eurohaus AD in Skopje and has worked with a Canadian hedge fund. He founded WVP Fund Management AD in 2014 and currently serves on multiple boards, including WVP Penzisko Društvo and Bluesmart Investment.

Avni Ponari

CEO - SIGAL

Keynote Speaker

Avni Ponari is the founder and CEO of SIGAL Insurance Group and chairs several boards within the group across Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. Since 1999, he has led SIGAL to become a leader in the regional insurance industry. Mr. Ponari is also the President of the Albanian Basketball Federation and Honorary Consul General of Japan in Albania. He is a key investor and entrepreneur, with ventures in the automotive, tourism, and financial sectors. A recipient of numerous national and international awards, he holds degrees in Marine Studies and Law and is active in promoting economic and cultural cooperation.

Besnik Berisha

Managing Director - Kosovo Credit Guarantee Fund

Panelist

Besnik Berisha has over 20 years of experience in banking and development finance in Kosovo and Albania, specializing in SME business development. He held senior roles at ProCredit Bank in both countries and has been Managing Director of the Kosovo Credit Guarantee Fund since 2017. An expert in SME financing, Mr. Berisha holds a degree in Economics from the University of Prishtina, an MBA in Financial Management from the University of Ljubljana, and graduated from the ProCredit Academy in Germany. He began his PhD in Knowledge Management in Slovenia in 2018. Born in Mitrovica, he lives there with his family.

Blerim Camaj

Head of the Civil Registration Agency of Kosovo

Panelist

With nearly 10 years of experience, Blerim has served as the Director General of the Civil Registry Department, overseeing critical processes related to data security and the country’s liberalization efforts. As a key driver of initiatives that align with the European Union’s standards, he has played a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity and security of civil data.

Damien Sorrell

Head of Regional Hub for the Western Balkans - EIB

Presentation

Since September 2024, Damien Sorrell has served as the Head of the European Investment Bank’s Regional Hub for the Western Balkans. A qualified lawyer in both France and England & Wales, he holds law degrees from King’s College London and Université Paris I, as well as a master’s in international relations from Geneva’s Graduate Institute. Damien joined EIB in 2010, working across MENA, Africa, and Asia as legal counsel. He later helped open the Bank’s Beirut office and advanced financial inclusion in the EU neighborhood. His experience spans project finance, sovereign lending, and development-oriented investment strategies

David T. King

Professional Development Economist

Presentation

Dr. David T. King is a seasoned development economist with over 30 years of global experience. He has led seven USAID projects across the Western Balkans, managing nearly $100 million to promote private sector growth, SME financing, and macroeconomic reform. His work spans 20 countries with organizations like the World Bank, EBRD, PwC, and Deloitte. Previously, he held senior roles at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, OECD, and Citibank. A former entrepreneur and award-winning Small Business Leader, Dr. King holds a PhD in Economics from Tulane and has lectured at top institutions worldwide.

Endrit Çela

Partner and Fund Manager - AMF Capital

Presentation

Endrit Çela is a Partner and Fund Manager at AMF Capital, an investment firm based in Frankfurt. With over a decade of experience in the German financial market, including his time at Shareholder Value Management (2017–2024), he brings deep expertise in capital markets. He co-founded the podcast INVESTMENTBABO and hosts Capital Markets Quickie. In 2020, he launched Fondsgipfel-Akademie, serving over 5,000 financial advisors in the DACH region. Endrit studied Political Science and Global Governance and is a certified Investment Fund Manager. Born in Albania and raised in the U.S., he has lived in Germany for over 15 years.

Florin Aliu

Finance Researcher

Presentation

Florin Aliu specializes in financial research, with expertise in cryptocurrencies, exchange rate volatility, and stock market inefficiencies in Central and Eastern Europe. He has published extensively on these topics, contributing to the academic understanding of both traditional and emerging financial systems. In 2024, Florin was awarded the Emerald Literati Award for Excellence for his outstanding peer-review contributions. Known for his analytical depth and commitment to advancing financial knowledge, he is a respected figure in economic research focused on market behavior and volatility.

Gazmend Rrustemi

Member of the Management Board - BPB Bank

Panelist

Gazmend Rrustemi is a Management Board Member at BPB Bank, driving the bank’s strategic transformation since 2017. With nearly 20 years of industry experience and an academic background in computer engineering, he merges technical expertise with practical leadership. His work has strengthened BPB’s IT systems, digital channels, product development, and operations. Gazmend’s focus on operational excellence and customer service has been central to the bank’s ongoing success. His ability to bridge technology and banking operations continues to contribute not only to BPB’s growth but also to broader innovation and progress within Kosovo’s financial sector.

Gazmend Selmani

Founder - IBAS

Panelist

Founder of the first Neobank in the Western Balkans, architect of the IBAS solution, eKosova, eTrust, and many others. Over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience in Kosovo, the USA, the UK, and Europe.

Gem Maloku

Acting President of the Management Board at NLB Banka

Panelist

Mr. Maloku is a seasoned finance professional with over two decades of experience. He graduated from RJR Reynolds High School in the U.S. and completed his university studies in Pristina. A Fellow of the ACCA in the UK, he also holds an Executive MBA from IEDC – Bled School of Management. His career began in 2001 with KPMG-Barents, followed by Deloitte Kosovo, where he advanced to Senior Auditor. Since 2008, he has held key leadership roles at NLB Banka, including Chief Risk Officer and Board Member. He has also chaired several national finance committees and contributed to major financial legislation in Kosovo.

Igor Madzov

Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer - FinqUP

Trainer

Igor Madzov is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and ecosystem builder advancing fintech and AI innovation in Southeast Europe. As Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Finqup, he is driving AI-powered transformation in insurance and financial services. With over a decade of experience in early-stage tech investment, Igor also serves as President of Startup Macedonia, championing digitalization and startup policy, and as Investment Director at NEST Group, supporting Balkan founders with capital and global access. His mission is to create a strong, self-sustaining fintech and AI ecosystem in the region.

Ilir Hasani

Head of AML/CFT Division - Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo

Panelist

Ilir Hasani is the Head of the AML/CFT Department at the Central Bank of Kosovo, where he leads national efforts to strengthen compliance, protect financial integrity, and combat financial crime. His expertise includes policy development, stakeholder engagement and innovative regulatory solutions. Ilir holds a Master of Science in Banking and Finance from the University of Pristina.

Jose M. Moreno de Barreda

Principal Digital Finance & Fintech Advisor at IFC

Presentation

Trainer

Dr. Jose M. Moreno de Barreda is a financial sector strategist with over 30 years of international experience advising banks, governments, and development institutions. Since 2008, he has led digital finance and inclusion initiatives for IFC, IDB, Gates Foundation, and others. He has held executive roles in banking and consulting and is a Certified Non-Executive Director in the UK. Currently a board member and former chair of a medium-sized bank, he brings deep expertise in financial regulation, strategy, and innovation. Dr. de Barreda holds an MBA, LLM, and PhD in Applied Economics

Krenare Sogojeva Dërmaku

Commissioner of the Information and Privacy Agency

Panelist

Krenare Sogojeva Dërmaku is the Commissioner for Information and Privacy. With over a decade of experience, she has led the Legal Department at the Ministry of Defense and served as the coordinator for the legislative roundtable at the Government Coordination Secretariat and as a Senior Legal Officer in the Legal Office at the Office of the Prime Minister. She holds a law degree from the University of Prishtina, with postgraduate studies in European law at the European College of Parma in Italy. Her expertise spans legal drafting, interpretation, human rights, and defense and security law. Krenare is married with two children.

Kristian Kabashi

CEO Numarics AG

Presentation

Kristian Kabashi is Chief Operating Officer of Radicant Holding and Co-Founder of Numarics, with over 15 years of experience in business transformation. He has led major initiatives at global agencies, including Havas Worldwide and Dentsu International, where he served as Global Executive Director of Business Transformation. Kristian has supported M&A activities and fostered the integration of intelligent technologies in business. He is the creator of “The Blank Collar” framework, exploring the future of work at the intersection of people and tech. Born in Germany with Albanian heritage, he blends design thinking, agile methods, and emerging tech to drive adaptive, customer-centric change.

Leonora Kusari

Principal Manager and Regional Coordinator - EBRD

Presentation

Leonora Kusari has joined EBRD back in 2005. Today, she managed EBRD Advisory for Small Businesses in Kosovo and is Western Balkans’s Regional Coordinator for Blended Instruments and Innovation. Previously, she worked for international companies such as: British American Tobacco, Nestle, Coca-Cola etc., financial advisor for private companies as well as at local projects of international agencies.

Linda Shomo

CEO & Founder - EasyPay

Panelist

Linda Shomo is the CEO and founder of EasyPay, a pioneer in Albania’s digital payments sector. With over 32 years of IT leadership experience—25 in the financial sector—she previously held key IT roles in various financial institutions. In 2010, Linda launched EasyPay, becoming one of the few women FinTech founders and CEOs in the Balkans. She has received numerous recognitions, including “Woman of the Year in ICT 2014,” “Women in FinTech Powerlist 2017,” and “EY Winning Women Albania 2019.” Linda also serves as Chair of the Digital Business Committee at the American Chamber of Commerce in Albania.

Lirik Bakalli

Director of Cabinet - NLB Banka

Trainer

Lirik Bakalli is the Director of the Cabinet at NLB Banka, responsible for the corporate governance, human resources, internal organization, procurement, project management, legal affairs, secretariat, and security units, as well as being a member of several decision-making committees within the bank. With over 16 years of experience in the banking industry, he has held senior leadership positions in areas such as risk management, banking operations, digitalization, strategic planning, and business development. Mr. Bakalli studied Business Administration at City College in Thessaloniki and holds an MBA from Sheffield University. He also holds a Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership.

Lulzim Sadrija

CEO - Kreditimi Rural i Kosovës

Panelist

Lulzim Sadrija is the CEO of Kreditimi Rural i Kosovës (KRK), a position he has held since 2004, leading the institution’s growth and financial sustainability. With over 30 years of experience in microfinance, rural finance, and agricultural banking, he is a seasoned finance professional. He holds a degree in Economic Development from the University of Prishtina. Before joining KRK, he coordinated the Rural Finance Project under ADIE International (2000–2003), worked with Solidarités France on income generation projects, and served as CEO of BEC Holding in Gjakova, managing poultry and agricultural production (1984–1998).

Matthias Timm

Associate Operations Officer - IFC

Moderator

Panelist

Matthias Timm is a member of IFC’s Country Advisory and Economics team, based in Vienna, where he leads the Digital Financial Services (DFS) Advisory Portfolio across the Western Balkans, Central and Eastern Europe, and Georgia. Since joining IFC in 2015, he has focused on financial inclusion, digital transformation, and fintech ecosystem development. He has also contributed to lending operations in the West Bank and Gaza, helping implement digital financial products in fragile markets. Matthias holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s in international relations, and is a Certified Expert in Digital Finance and Fast Payments.

Michael Gold

Managing Director - Crimson Capital

Presentation

Michael Gold is the Managing Director of Crimson Capital, with 49 years of experience in finance, business, and technology development. He has worked in over 20 developing countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, focusing on privatization, foreign investment, access to finance, enterprise development, and legal reforms. His efforts have secured over $8 billion in loans, investments, public-private partnerships, and exports, while contributing to the creation of new laws, regulations, and sustainable institutions. Before joining Crimson, Mr. Gold managed medical and technology research institutes at USC and UCLA, specializing in digital signal processing, medical devices, and biomaterials.

Pavel Shust

Financial Regulatory Expert - IFC

Panelist

Pavel Shust is an expert in innovative regulatory approaches for the financial sector, with global experience spanning Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. He has led the design and implementation of Regulatory Sandboxes and e-KYC frameworks in countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Currently, he supports IFC digital finance projects and coordinates an EU-funded IFAD initiative on remittances and migrant business digitization. Pavel focuses on pragmatic, context-specific regulation that benefits both regulators and market players. With a PhD in Political Science, he combines academic insight with practical regulatory solutions, and frequently lectures on innovation in the financial sector.

Petrit Balija

CEO - Kosovo Banking Association

Moderator

Panelist

Petrit Balija is the CEO and a member of the Board of Directors of the Kosovo Banking Association. As a leading figure in Kosovo’s banking sector, he has spearheaded a number of key initiatives that have advanced the industry’s modernization and growth. He has played a central role in advocating for regulatory reforms, strengthening collaboration between banking institutions, and driving innovations that have enhanced operational efficiency and improved customer experiences across Kosovo. Under his leadership, the Kosovo Banking Association has worked to foster a more robust and competitive financial ecosystem, positioning the sector for sustainable development and ensuring it meets the evolving needs of the Kosovo market.

Renuka Pai

Digital Financial Sector Consultant - World Bank Group

Trainer

Renuka Pai is a digital financial sector consultant at the World Bank Group, with over a decade of experience across the private sector, academia, and development organizations. She previously served as Program Director at the Maryland Global Initiative for Cybersecurity, leading executive education programs and cybersecurity seminars. At the Center for International and Security Studies at Maryland (CISSM), she co-developed a Cyber Risk Analysis Framework and a Cyber Events Database to assess threats and analyze cyber behavior. Renuka holds a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from BITS Pilani and a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Maryland, where she earned the Steinbruner Award.

Sergiy Maslichenko

Head of EBRD in Kosovo

Panelist

Sergiy Maslichenko serves as Head of Kosovo at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) since March 2023. Previously, he was Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Energy & Environment (2019–2020), leading the country’s green strategy. He also served as Board Director at the Green for Growth Fund (Luxembourg), supporting over €600 million in investments across 19 countries. Between 2007 and 2019, he led EBRD’s energy efficiency and renewable energy work in Eastern Europe, contributing to €2 billion in investments. Sergiy holds a PhD in Economic Theory and studied at the University of Oxford through a Chevening Scholarship.

Shpresim Vranovci

Executive Director - AMIK

Moderator

Panelist

With over 20 years of experience, Shpresim Vranovci has played a key role in shaping Kosovo’s financial sector, focusing on supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises. He has served as Executive Director of AMIK since 2022, driving financial inclusion and sector growth. Shpresim also teaches financial management at UBT. Previously, he held leadership roles at leading banks and was a Counselor to the Governor of the Central Bank. He holds a PhD in Economics and has been instrumental in improving Kosovo’s financial markets, contributing to greater transparency and the development of the country’s financial infrastructure.

Sokol Shasivari

Head of Market Department - Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo

Panelist

Sokol Shasivari is an experienced financial supervisor with nearly 17 years in banking and insurance regulation. He has been with the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK) since 2008, holding various supervisory roles. In January 2025, he was appointed Director of the Department overseeing MFIs, NBFIs, PIs, EMIs, and crypto-asset operators. Previously, he led the On-Site Insurance Supervision Division and spent a decade in banking supervision. From 2021 to 2024, he served on the Board of the Kosovo Council for Financial Reporting (KCFR), including a period as Acting Chair. Mr. Shasivari holds a Master’s degree in Financial Markets and Banking and has contributed to major reforms including IFRS 9, Basel II, and risk-based supervision.

Suat Bakkal

CEO and Board Member - BKT

Panelist

Suat Bakkal, born in 1980 in Trabzon, Turkey, holds a Master’s degree in Economics and Finance from Boğaziçi University. He also holds licenses in Capital Markets, including in Derivative Financial Instruments, Corporate Governance, and CFA3. Throughout his career, Mr. Bakkal served in several key roles, including Head of Corporate Marketing at Aktif Bank, Board Member at Mukafat Asset & Portfolio Management, and Inovaban Innovation Consulting. In April 2018, he became CEO and Board Member of the National Commercial Bank of Kosovo

Visar Kabashi

Head of Finance, Accounting and Financial Control - NLB Banka

Trainer

Visar Kabashi is the Head of Finance at NLB Banka since 2019, where he leads the bank’s strategic planning, financial and regulatory reporting, and business intelligence development. With over 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, and tax advisory, he previously worked as a Manager at Deloitte Kosovo, overseeing projects for clients across sectors such as banking, energy, telecommunications, and construction. He also served as Head of Finance at the International Civilian Office (ICO) and Risk Monitoring Officer at KEP Trust. He holds a Master’s degree in Finance from the University of Prishtina and is a Certified Accountant and Tax Expert with SCAAK.

Visar Perani

Country Officer for Kosovo and North Macedonia - IFC

Keynote Speaker

Panelist

Visar Perani is the Country Officer for Kosovo and North Macedonia at the IFC. As a senior banker with over 24 years in the financial industry, and with an MBA from the University of Sheffield, he is known for his strong market knowledge, extensive network, and expertise in corporate credit, complemented by broad experience in retail banking. Being with the IFC for over nine years, he supports private sector growth through investments and advisory services, focusing on access to finance, sustainable development, and sound business practices.

Xhanan Karaqa

Head of Security - NLB Banka

Trainer

Xhanan Karaqa is the Head of Security at NLB Banka Prishtina, with over 15 years of experience in information security within the banking sector. She has chaired the Security Committee at the Kosovo Banking Association and continues to serve on its Cybersecurity Committee. Xhanan holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Prishtina and completed the Chevening Cybersecurity Fellowship in the UK. She is certified in CISM, CIPP/E, and ISO 27001 Lead Implementer. As President of Women4Cyber Kosovo, she actively promotes cybersecurity awareness and the inclusion of girls and women in the cybersecurity field across the country.

Xhulio Shyti

Vice President - Tikehau Capital

Presentation

Xhulio Shyti is a seasoned finance executive with expertise in private markets, fintech, and macroeconomic policy. Currently Vice President at Tikehau Capital in Paris, he leads Unit-Linked Funds, managing €2 billion in assets across European vehicles. With a career spanning public institutions like the Bank of Albania and the Prime Minister’s Office, as well as private asset management, Xhulio has driven digital transformation in fund operations. An entrepreneur and investor, he also teaches M&A Transactions at Panthéon-Assas University. Passionate about strengthening capital markets in the Balkans, Xhulio is deeply engaged in civic and cultural initiatives within the Albanian diaspora.

Yll Dushi

General Manager - OneFor

Panelist

Yll Dushi has over 18 years of experience in the banking industry. With broad expertise across various financial fields and a degree in computer engineering, he combines technical acumen with financial knowledge. He is one of the co-founders of OneFor and currently leads OneFor Kosovo, driving the implementation of innovative technologies and the development of cutting-edge financial solutions. Yll’s exceptional management skills in fostering productivity and teamwork consistently contribute to the organization’s success and a highly collaborative work environment.