Ohrid, 28 October 2025 (MIA) - Intensified tech cycles and the emergence of new business models are changing the landscape of payments and market infrastructure. The expectations for swifter payment processes, increased resilience and transparency, and security of processes are the challenges in the focus of the 16th Conference on Payments and Market Infrastructure, organized by the National Bank in Ohrid on Tuesday.

National Bank Governor Trajko Slaveski delivered the opening remarks at the event, supported by the Central Bank of The Netherlands (DNB), highlighting the strategic importance of Macedonia's integration in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), as part of the activities for larger regional integration and validation of the country's readiness for full integration into the European financial system.

"The SEPA membership reflects our commitment towards adoption of European standards, for the purpose of faster, cheaper and safer euro payments. In the long term, it will bring permanent values, securing more opportunities for future generations, stronger economic ties and full inclusion in the European landscape of single payments," said Slaveski.

The Governor said that besides savings, the region's integration in SEPA would also promote trade and investments, support entrepreneurs and strengthen the area's confidence in EU institutions by demonstrating the real benefits of alignment with European standards.

On the country's integration into the Target Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS) of the European Central Bank (ECB), Slaveski said it would contribute to making instant payments interoperable, safe and accessible.

"By enabling instant and safe transfers, this platform will link up our payment systems and within the broader European eco-payment system. Instant payments will encourage businesses and consumers to rely less on cash, while ensuring faster, safer and more transparent transactions. This will, in turn, lead to a shrinking informal economy while supporting growth and development through the formal financial system," added Slaveski.

According to him, all these activities are complementary pillars of integration, inclusion, innovation and joint progress.

"At the end of the day, they show that regional and European cooperation can bring tangible results that improve people's everyday lives," said Slaveski.

Inge van Dijk, Director of Payments at DNB, said in a video address that that conference topic came at the right time, considering the fundamental changes in the settlement and payment processes across the globe.

"Digitalization, innovations and globalization are changing the landscape of payments and financial transactions, and this event aims, as always, to provide its input," said van Dijk.

The Ohrid conference will also discuss fintech innovations and the role of non-banking payment service providers in the enlargement of the access to payment services for both citizens and businesses. It will also refer to tokenization and disruptions in digital payments, as well as opportunities and challenges for the region.

Photo: MIA