Angelovska-Bezoska: Macedonia’s payment infrastructure in line with global standards

More than 120 representatives of central banks from about 20 countries take part at the 11. conference on payments and market infrastructure “Time for Digitization”, which takes place in Ohrid on June 6-8.

The conference is organized by the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia (NBRM), in cooperation with the Central Bank of the Netherlands.

“This year’s focus will be placed on digitization as a significant novelty in the global banking sector, stimulated by the new Financial Technology (FinTech) companies offering innovative products and advanced technologies, a multitude of services for all consumers,” said NBRM Governor Aneta Angelovska-Bezoska.

Regarding payment infrastructure in Macedonia, she said it is in line with European and global trends and standards, continually enhancing.

“We are monitoring latest changes, such as the EU Payment Services Directive, which entered into force this year. A draft-law has been developed together with the Finance Ministry, taking into account this regulation,” stressed Angelovska-Bezoska.

The NBRM governor does not expect any inflation changes as a result of the rise of oil prices at global markets.

“The oil hike is expected for the Central bank. We are monitoring all developments and projections by analysts, so this is not a surprise,” said Angelovska-Bezoska.

However, she said oil is just one of the components that are part of the inflation index.

“It all depends on will how this oil price hike affect other products. The NBRM is projecting a two-percent inflation in 2018, which goes in line with our goal of maintaining low and stable inflation,” noted Angelovska-Bezoska.

The Ohrid event includes participants from the European Commission, the European Central Bank, central banks belonging to the European System of Central Banks, the Bank for International Settlements and the World Bank.

The conference will focus on new digital payment technologies, security of digital transformation, global trends in trade funding, as well as latest regulations in the EU payment field.