What's New in 2026 — A Sharper, More Practical MicroBalkans
By MicroBalkans Organising Committee
Past editions of MicroBalkans gave us the foundation. MicroBalkans 26 sharpens the format around the practical questions facing non-bank lenders in our region. Here are the seven things that will feel different in Skopje.
1. Practical focus
Every session is grounded in Western Balkans market reality. The question is always: what is actually working in our markets, and what isn't?
2. Seven panels, a keynote and two fireside chats
Seven panels carry the programme, from why non-bank lending matters to collections, recovery and the customer relationship. Alongside them, a keynote on lending as infrastructure for sustainable impact, and two fireside chats: on Day 1, The Five-Minute Loan, with Evrotrust, on how digital identity, trusted consent and electronic signatures make instant lending secure and compliant; on Day 2, Women Reshaping Lending in the Balkans, a conversation with the women driving change in the regional industry.
3. Interactive lunch tables
Lunch on Day 1 will be themed tables led by moderators:
- Legal & compliance
- Product & UX
- Collections & recovery
- Technology & data
- CEO & strategy
You pick your peer group. After lunch, each table shares its key takeaways with the room.
4. Regional research
Day 1 brings a research presentation from Insider ID on what households and companies across the region say about finance — where financial pressure is building, where the unmet needs are, and how lenders can turn those signals into better propositions.
5. A conversation with the Minister
Day 2 opens with the Minister of Digital Transformation and the DigitMAK team on North Macedonia's digital strategy, digital identity and e-signatures, and what they mean for financial services.
6. Innovation Expo
Live product demos run throughout every coffee break — rotating short demos from regional fintech vendors and partners.
7. Skopje Old Bazaar
After the closing lunch on Friday, an optional guided food and culture walk through the Skopje Old Bazaar, with local tastings and Kale Fortress views — about two hours, ideal if you have an evening flight.
View the full agenda or register for MicroBalkans 26.
