Lek dominates Albanian financial markets - AMF: Euro remains present only in some segments such as bonds and investments
The use of foreign currencies in financial markets in Albania remains present, but at controlled and declining levels in several key segments.
According to the latest data from the Financial Supervisory Authority, in the insurance market, around 27.8% of total premiums were written in euros. This level is slightly lower compared to a year ago, indicating a slight trend towards greater use of the lek. In life insurance, the use of the euro has fallen even more significantly, from 26.5% to 19%.
Even in the deposits of insurance companies, the local currency dominates. About 63% of deposits are in lek, while 37% are in foreign currency. Of the latter, the euro occupies the vast majority, about 90% of foreign currency deposits.
In the capital market, the situation is even clearer. Government securities and stock market transactions are almost entirely carried out in lek. During 2025, no foreign currency transactions were recorded for government securities.
However, in the private bond market, the euro remains important. About 58% of outstanding bonds are in euros, indicating that businesses continue to be financed in foreign currency.
Meanwhile, in investment funds, only a small portion operates in foreign currency. Assets in euros make up about 10.7% of the total, while the largest portion, nearly 89%, is in lek.
In conclusion, the use of the euro and other currencies remains mainly linked to international activities and investments, but overall, Albanian financial markets are increasingly relying on the national currency.
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