The Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK), in cooperation with the German Foundation for International Cooperation Sparkassenstiftung and the Association of Banks of Kosovo (ABK), has officially launched the "Stock Market Learning Competition Game", an important regional educational initiative that aims to equip students and young professionals with practical and in-depth knowledge of capital markets.
The event brought together representatives of the CBK, the German Foundation for International Cooperation Sparkassenstiftung and the KBA, as well as students from eight different faculties and young bank employees in Kosovo. Present at the virtual ceremony to launch this project were Mr. Ahmet Ismaili, Governor of the CBK, the General Director of Sparkassenstiftung, Mr. Niclaus Bergmann, Ms. Katharina Middel, Project Manager with her team, as well as Mr. Petrit Balija, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Kosovo Banks.
Governor Ismaili emphasized that the launch of the “Stock Market Learning Competition Game” represents an important step towards promoting financial education and strengthening the financial education ecosystem in Kosovo. He underlined that this initiative is fully in line with the CBK Strategic Plan, which aims to promote financial education, improve access to finance, foster financial inclusion and encourage best practices in the financial sector.
He highlighted the Central Bank’s ongoing commitment to advancing financial literacy through a range of programs, including awards for young economists and financial journalism, as well as collaboration with universities and high schools across the country. He also stressed the importance of combining financial literacy with digital skills in today’s rapidly changing financial reality. Technologies such as fintech, blockchain, and artificial intelligence are transforming the way financial services are delivered and used. Understanding finance alongside these digital tools helps young people better manage risks, identify innovative opportunities, and contribute to building a modern and inclusive financial system.
In his speech, he emphasized that the CBK also continues to promote transparency and consumer empowerment through initiatives such as the Platform for Comparison of Financial Products and Services, which enables citizens to make informed decisions based on clear and accessible data.
While speaking about the development of the financial sector, he also emphasized that in addition to the development of the securities market of the Republic of Kosovo, Governor Ismaili emphasized that we are in the first stages of the development of capital markets, with the approved concept document, in accordance with European Union regulations and international best practices. The development of the capital market at the regional level, and integrated with the unified market of the European Union, should constitute the strategic orientations of our countries.
The importance of international cooperation in achieving these goals was underlined, while this partnership is an excellent example of how international best practices can be successfully adapted to the local context, creating real opportunities for learning and professional development, through which students and young bankers will gain practical experience, develop analytical skills and deepen their knowledge of market dynamics.
The “Stock Market Learning Competition Game” will conclude with the awarding of prizes to the three most successful teams, recognizing their knowledge, analytical skills and commitment to excellence. These prizes aim to motivate participants to continue their professional development and contribute to building a more dynamic and sustainable financial system.
Both institutions remain committed to developing sustainable and long-term initiatives that support the financial education ecosystem in Kosovo and provide young people with practical opportunities in the field of finance and capital markets.
In conclusion, wishing you success, Governor Ismaili thanked all organizers, partners and participants for their dedication and cooperation, reaffirming the CBK's commitment to promoting financial education, inclusion and transparency, as well as to building the foundation of a sustainable financial culture in Kosovo.
