MicroBalkans 26 brings over 200 financial sector representatives to Skopje
By MicroBalkans Organising Committee
Under the theme “Lending Reimagined”, the third edition of MicroBalkans will take place on 24 and 25 September 2026 at the Holiday Inn Skopje, bringing together the regional financial community to discuss the future of microfinance, lending, artificial intelligence and new financing models.
How can banks, savings houses and non-bank financial institutions work more closely together? Why does non-bank microfinance matter for financial inclusion and economic development? How are digitalisation and artificial intelligence transforming lending?
These questions will be central to MicroBalkans 26, which will welcome more than 200 financial sector representatives from 15 European countries.
The conference will bring together financial institutions, regulators, experts, investors, businesses and innovators to discuss the changes already shaping the industry. Topics will range from digital lending and artificial intelligence to access to capital, European regulation and the development of responsible, sustainable and more inclusive financial services.
Opening addresses will be delivered by the Governor of the National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia and the Minister of Digital Transformation. Other prominent financial sector representatives and experts from the region and across Europe are also expected to participate.
Non-bank and microcredit institutions from Western Balkan countries that are members of the Western Balkans Alliance will take an active part. Their participation reflects the conference's role in sharing experience, strengthening regional cooperation and supporting the development of the financial sector.
The conference is organised by the Group of Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFI Group) at the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia and the country's savings houses, in partnership with the Western Balkans Alliance and the European Microfinance Network.
“The financial sector is no longer debating whether it will transform, but how quickly and responsibly it will do so. MicroBalkans aims to make Skopje one of the places where that conversation takes place, bringing together banks, savings houses, non-bank financial institutions, microcredit institutions, regulators, investors and other stakeholders who can jointly improve access to finance and build a more competitive financial sector,” the organisers said.
From artificial intelligence to new financing models
Over two days of panel discussions, fireside chats and expert sessions, MicroBalkans 26 will address some of the most pressing questions shaping the future of finance.
The programme will focus on the digitalisation of lending, artificial intelligence and new technologies, access to capital, new financing models for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, regulatory developments at European level and responsible borrowing through digital channels.
Financial inclusion will be a central theme: how to make financial services more accessible, and how microfinance providers working with the banking sector can support entrepreneurs, small businesses and local economies.
Skopje hosts a regional conversation on finance
MicroBalkans 26 aims to bring regional experience together with developments in European finance, giving participants from across the financial sector an opportunity to discuss practical solutions, partnerships and new ways of working together.
The conference is intended for non-bank financial institutions, microcredit institutions, savings houses, banks, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, fintech and IT companies, investors, development finance institutions, regulators and other relevant organisations.
As a regional platform, MicroBalkans 26 aims to help shape a future for lending that is more inclusive, digital and sustainable, with stronger links to the European financial market.
Registration is open. Explore the programme and register for MicroBalkans 26. Further updates are available through the conference's official social media channels.
