The event brought together representatives of banks, non-bank financial institutions, insurance companies, data protection officers, technology experts and information security professionals.

The discussions focused on the use of AI in line with Albania’s new personal data protection law and European standards, with participants examining both the opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies.

Commissioner Besnik Dervishi said artificial intelligence was transforming the way institutions process information and deliver services, creating opportunities for greater efficiency and automation while also raising challenges related to privacy, transparency, security and fundamental rights.

“The development of technology must go hand in hand with respect for fundamental rights,” Dervishi said, adding that innovation and data protection should be built on public trust.

Guest speaker Alessandro Mantelero, a professor at the University of Turin and an expert on data protection and AI, highlighted the need for comprehensive risk assessments when deploying AI systems, particularly in sectors handling large volumes of personal data.

Mantelero said organisations should evaluate not only data protection impacts but also the potential effects of AI systems on individuals’ fundamental rights and freedoms in order to ensure responsible and trustworthy use of the technology.

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Investment in financial and insurance activities totalled 219 million euros during the reviewed period, according to data from the Bank of Albania.

The increase reflected both the expansion of new projects and higher capital injections by financial institutions already operating in the domestic market, the data showed.

Interest from new investors also strengthened in 2025.

The Bank of Albania approved a new branch of a Turkish bank as well as a digital bank, moves expected to intensify competition and broaden the range of financial services available in the country.

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Financial services ranked second after the real estate sector in terms of the value and the volume of foreign direct investment during the reviewed period.

According to the Bank of Albania, “the financial and insurance activities attracted 74 million euros in investment, accounting for 21% of the total. Investment in this sector rose 164% year-on-year.

The country’s banking sector constantly attracts significant investment inflows, supported by high annual profits and the increased regulatory capital requirements in recent years.

Meanwhile, the volume of foreign investment in Albania’s real estate sector is estimated at 1.6 billion euros.

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According to central bank, growth in the value of foreign investments in this sector is mainly driven by the increase in capital demand from commercial banks.

Central bank said that banking sector continuously attracts significant inflows of investments as growth of commercial banks requires a gradual increase of capital share, in order to comply with regulatory requirements.

“The regulatory provisions stipulating a gradual increase in capital share is playing a significant role in the increase of FDI inflow in the country’s financial system,” Bank of Albania said.

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Financial and insurance activities rank second after mining and quarrying sectors for attracting the biggest volume of investment by non-residents in the January-March period.

Central bank said that banking sector continuously attracts significant inflows of investments as growth of commercial banks requires a gradual increase of share capital, in order to comply with regulatory requirements.

Following the pandemic, supervisory authorities in the banking and insurance market have imposed temporary suspensions of profit distribution, which has had an impact on the growth of this indicator.

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