The number of bank accounts and internet banking usage increased

Tirane, Albania / February 22, 2016

The number of bank accounts registered at the private banks has increased by 4.5% during 2015, compared to 2014. According to Bank of Albania, the number of bank accounts reached 3.3 million and 146.000 new accounts were created during 2015, most of them current accounts.

The increase of bank accounts opened by individuals and businesses has come as a result of the reform against informality which started in September 1^st, 2015. In its declaration, Bank of Albania says this increasing trend shows an intensification of relations between private banks and individuals. It also is a sign of the formalization of the economy.

Bank of Albania has also announced recently the increase of the internet banking usage by individuals. The number of bank clients who used internet banking services during 2015 increased by 5,5% while the number of bank accounts connected to such service reached 153.000, 86% of which are individual bank accounts. According to the Bank, the amount of money transferred through internet banking reached ALL 283 billion in 2015, about 72% more compared to 2014.

News source: ATA
Photo credits: Wikimedia