CBBH Becomes a Member of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI)

The Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina (CBBH) has become a member of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) – a global alliance of policymakers and regulators dedicated to advancing financial inclusion. AFI brings together central banks, regulators and other relevant institutions from 84 countries, with the aim of exchanging knowledge, experiences and best practices in the field of financial inclusion, financial education and the development of inclusive financial policies and strategies.

Over the past 15 years, AFI members have introduced 1,130 financial inclusion policies, reaching 850 million people worldwide. The Alliance’s approach is based on two key principles: policies and regulations should be tailored to the specific context of each country, and inclusiveness should be the basis for joint cooperation.

Membership in the AFI provides CBBH with access to a global platform for sharing knowledge   and experiences through working groups, regional initiatives, professional publications and capacity-building programs. Also, the CBBH will have the opportunity to participate in the Global Policy Forum – the world's largest gathering of policymakers in the field of financial inclusion, which brings together more than 700 participants every year.

"This membership is a significant step in strengthening our capacities for policy development that will contribute to greater financial inclusion of citizens and the economy. Through cooperation with AFI, we will have access to a rich treasury of knowledge and experience that will improve our initiatives and accelerate their impact. In this way, the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina once again demonstrates agility and readiness to follow global trends." emphasized Governor Jasmina Selimović, Ph.D.

The CBBH will actively participate in the work of the AFI working groups and initiatives, with a special focus on topics of importance to Bosnia and Herzegovina, including digital financial services, promoting inclusiveness and equality in the financial sector, including financial education in the education system, and creating strategies in these areas. For the implementation of this initiative, the CBBH received support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Fund for South East Europe (EFSE).