Albania towards digital economy, 12 measures to limit physical money throughout 2026

Albania begins the transition towards a KESH-free economy, with the establishment of the Digital Payments Council and the finalization of the draft for limiting physical cash.

The first measures will begin to be implemented in January, while the full program aims to modernize payments throughout 2026.

Albania is taking a decisive step towards a cashless economy. The Digital Payments Council is expected to be established within December, which will lead the implementation of the national program for the modernization of payments and the gradual reduction of the use of physical cash.

At the joint roundtable between representatives of the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Albania and the Association of Banks, it was emphasized that the draft for limiting physical money will be finalized within December, while some of the first measures are expected to be implemented in January.

The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, added in his speech that this initiative establishes a legal and strategic framework for the modernization of payments.

On the other hand, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj emphasized the objective of reducing cash.

The banking association also supported the initiative as a necessary step, which will be developed gradually.

The program contains 12 key points, starting from the cash payment ceiling of 500 thousand lek, equipping merchants and institutions with POS terminals, to the gradual elimination of cash transfers for government payments.

The measures are expected to begin implementation from January 2026.

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