2026-10-15 20:27:53Biznes SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

The Albanian Association of Banks has announced that several bank branches and ATMs have been damaged during the protests in recent days in the country, but according to it, this does not affect customer deposits.

In a statement distributed to the media, AAB announced that due to the situation and with the priority of the safety of customers and employees, some banks have temporarily operated with a reduced number of branches or limited hours, causing difficulties and delays in the provision of services.

AAB asks customers to consult official bank announcements before visiting the branch and, when possible, to use digital banking services for payments and transfers.

The association emphasizes that the recorded damages are material and that the damage to premises or equipment does not affect customer deposits or the functioning of the banking sector.

AAB also calls on citizens to preserve the banking system and financial infrastructure, emphasizing that banks will continue efforts to restore normal services as soon as security conditions allow.

statement

Banking activity and protests

The Albanian Association of Banks (AAB), closely following the situation created during the protests of recent days, informs the public that several bank branches and ATMs have been affected by actions that have caused material damage.

Due to developments on the ground and with the safety of customers and employees as a priority, a good part of the banks have temporarily operated with a reduced number of branches and/or with limited hours. In certain cases, it has not been possible to provide customers with the usual capacity and standard of service. AAB and its member banks ask for the understanding of customers for any difficulties or delays caused by this exceptional situation.

Banks will continue their activities according to the conditions and schedules determined by each of them, depending on the situation and security assessments. We invite customers to consult the official announcements on their bank's websites and other communication channels before visiting the branch.

At the same time, customers are encouraged to, when possible, use digital banking channels to make payments, transfers and other transactions available remotely.

AAB emphasizes that the damage recorded is material and the actions taken against physical premises or equipment do not, in themselves, affect customer deposits and the functioning of the banking sector. Banks continue to implement measures and procedures to maintain security, continuity of activity and protection of customer interests.

The banking system is an essential infrastructure for citizens, businesses and the Albanian economy and an important contributor to the country's economic development, through lending to families and enterprises, facilitating payments and transactions, employment and contributing to revenues in the state budget. Therefore, let us all together preserve the banking and financial system as a common good, and let us not attack bank branches and other financial facilities.

Banks remain committed to the continuation of normal service as soon as security conditions allow, prioritizing the protection of customers, employees, and banking infrastructure.

ALBANIAN BANKING ASSOCIATION


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