BUILDING TRUST IN THE WESTERN BALKANS FINANCIAL MARKETS

Ahmet Ismaili

Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo and Chair of its Executive Board

Dr. Ahmet Ismaili is Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo and Chair of its Executive Board, with nearly 20 years of experience in banking and finance. He has held senior leadership roles across the banking and insurance sectors, including CEO and board-level positions. He previously served as General Director of the State Treasury and held governance roles in key public institutions. Dr. Ismaili earned a PhD in Economics from the University of Prishtina and has lectured in banking and finance. He represents Kosovo at the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group.

Alban Hashani

Executive Director of the Riinvest Institute and a lecturer in Economics

Mr. Alban Hashani is Executive Director of the Riinvest Institute and a
lecturer in Economics. He holds a degree from the University of Prishtina and
completed postgraduate and doctoral studies at Staffordshire University in the
United Kingdom. His research focuses on transition economics and industrial
development. Mr. Hashani leads multiple research and development projects,
contributing to evidence-based policymaking and economic analysis in
Kosovo and the region. He is actively engaged in advancing economic
dialogue and institutional development.

Amer Kapetanovic

Secretary General - Regional Cooperation Council

Mr. Amer Kapetanovic is a senior diplomat with over two decades of
experience in regional cooperation and international relations. He currently
serves in a leadership role at the Regional Cooperation Council, overseeing
initiatives in security, justice, and regional integration. He previously held
senior positions in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
including Assistant Minister for Bilateral Affairs and Deputy Ambassador to
Germany. His work has focused on economic diplomacy, EU integration, and
multilateral cooperation. Mr. Kapetanovic has led major regional initiatives and
contributed to policy development across Southeast Europe, promoting
stability, dialogue, and cross-border collaboration.

Besnik Vasolli

Expert in European integration, economic diplomacy, and business development

Mr Besnik Vasolli is an expert in European integration, economic diplomacy,
and business development, with over two decades of experience. He plays a
leading role at the German-Kosovo Business Association, strengthening trade
relations between Kosovo and Germany and promoting foreign investment.
His work focuses on governance, regional cooperation, and sustainable
economic growth. Mr Vasolli has contributed to advancing Kosovo’s
integration processes and fostering innovation through cross-border
partnerships. He is recognized for his strategic approach to economic
development and his commitment to enhancing international collaboration,
supporting private sector growth and institutional capacity building in the
region.

Charlotte Ruhe

Managing Director for Central and South Eastern Europe - EBRD

Charlotte Ruhe is EBRD’s Managing Director for Central and South Eastern Europe,
overseeing business and policy reform across 18 countries, including the Western
Balkans and EU member states, representing over a third of the Bank’s business. She
previously served as Director for SME Finance and Development, supporting SMEs in
26 countries, and was Director for Croatia (2005–2010). Earlier roles include leading the
EU-EBRD SME Finance Facility and advising the US Director. She began her career at
the US Treasury as an international economist. Charlotte holds an MA in International
Economics from Johns Hopkins SAIS and a BA in Journalism and Political Science from
Indiana University.

Elena Pici

Chairperson of the Board and Business Development Manager at BP Albania

Ms. Elena Pici is Chairperson of the Board and Business Development
Manager at BP Albania, with experience across public and private sectors.
She previously served as Secretary General of the Ministry of Interiors in
Albania, becoming both the first woman and youngest to hold the position.
She also worked in the Prime Minister’s Office, the Central Bank of Albania,
and international organizations. Ms. Pici is a Chevening Scholar, holding an
MSc from the London School of Economics, and has completed executive
education at Harvard Kennedy School. She is committed to inclusive
leadership, governance, and advancing development through strategic
initiatives.

Fatbardha Rino

Chief Executive Officer of Jet Bank

Ms. Fatbardha Rino is Chief Executive Officer of Jet Bank, bringing over two
decades of leadership experience in banking, operations, and sales
transformation. She has led complex, multi-country initiatives focused on
growth, operational excellence, and digital innovation. Throughout her career,
she has driven transformation across customer experience, network
development, and sales effectiveness. As CEO, she is leading the vision of
building a digital-first bank in Albania, grounded in customer-centricity and
sustainable growth. Ms. Rino continues to promote innovation and strategic
execution within the financial sector, contributing to the modernization of
banking services in the region.

Geraldina Fejzaj

Head of the Research and Development Sector within the Directorate of Foreign Direct Investments, Partnership and Analysis at the Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA).

Geraldina Fejzaj is the Head of the Research and Development Sector within the Directorate of Foreign Direct Investments, Partnership and Analysis at the Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA). With more than seven years of experience in the field, she brings expertise in finance, investment promotion, market research and economic analysis. In her role, she contributes to shaping strategies that foster foreign direct investment and support sustainable economic development in Albania.

Kristina Kanapinskaitė

Head of Division for Lending in the Western Balkans and Türkiye at the European Investment Bank

Ms. Kristina Kanapinskaitė is Head of Division for Lending in the Western
Balkans and Türkiye at the European Investment Bank, within the EIB Global
Directorate. She leads a team overseeing infrastructure and private sector
financing, alongside technical assistance initiatives. With over 20 years of
experience, she has held senior roles across regions, including North Africa
and the Middle East. Her expertise spans structured finance, corporate
monitoring, and advisory work. She previously served at the EBRD Board and

worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Ms. Kanapinskaitė holds an Executive
MBA from London Business School and a Master’s degree in Finance from
Ecole Supérieure des Affaires.

Lulzim Rafuna

Chairman of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce and the Western Balkans Six Chambers Investment Forum

Mr. Lulzim Rafuna is Chairman of the Kosovo Chamber of Commerce and
the Western Balkans Six Chambers Investment Forum. He previously served
as Minister of Finance and held senior advisory roles in Kosovo and Albania,
focusing on fiscal policy, customs, and tax reforms. From 2013 to 2016, he
was Director General of Kosovo Customs, leading institutional modernization,
revenue growth, and anti-smuggling efforts. His earlier career includes legal
and advisory roles within the Ministry of Finance and Central Bank of Kosovo.
Mr. Rafuna has extensive experience in international agreements, legal
frameworks, and economic governance, contributing to policy development
and regional economic cooperation.

Marcelo Castellanos

Senior Regional Manager for Southeastern Europe International Finance Corporation

Marcelo Castellanos is IFC’s Senior Regional Manager for Southeastern Europe,
based in Bucharest, overseeing strategy, business, and client relationships across
Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, and
Serbia. He drives private sector growth and investment in infrastructure, manufacturing,
agribusiness, services, and financial sectors. Previously, he co-managed IFC’s
Financial Institutions Group in Europe and led new business in Latin America & the
Caribbean with a US$3 billion annual program. With 27+ years in finance, he held
senior roles at BCP Bolivia, Grupo Financiero Bisa, and Corp Banca Argentina. He
holds a BS in Industrial Engineering and an MBA from Harvard.

Matthias Timm

Member of the Country Advisory and Economics team at the International Finance Corporation

Mr. Matthias Timm is a member of the Country Advisory and Economics team at the International Finance Corporation, based in Vienna, where he leads Digital Financial Services advisory across the Western Balkans, Central and Eastern Europe, and Georgia. Since joining IFC in 2015, he has designed and implemented programs focused on financial inclusion, digital transformation, and fintech ecosystem development. He has also supported lending operations in the West Bank and Gaza, advancing innovative digital financial solutions. Mr. Timm holds degrees in economics and international relations, and certifications from Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
and the Digital Frontiers Institute.

Mendi Qyra

Mayor of Struga

Mr. Mendi Qyra is Mayor of Struga, entrepreneur, and community leader with
extensive experience in economic development and management. He
founded and leads Trim & Lum, contributing to job creation and local growth.
His career spans hospitality and insurance, including leadership roles at Hotel
Izgrev and Signa Insurance. He is also President of FC Struga, supporting
youth and sports development. He previously chaired the Chamber of
Commerce of North-West Macedonia and co-founded the All Albanian
Economic Forum. Mr. Qyra holds degrees from the University of Prishtina and
University of Zagreb, focusing on agronomy and agro-economics.

Mimoza Kusari-Lila

Minister of Minister of Industry, Trade, Entrepreneurship and Innovation of the Republic of Kosovo

Ms. Mimoza Kusari-Lila is the Minister of Minister of Industry, Trade,
Entrepreneurship and Innovation of the Republic of Kosovo. She also served
as a Member of Parliament in Kosovo. Previously, she was Mayor of Gjakovë,
becoming the first woman to lead a municipality in Kosovo, and served as
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry. Her work has
focused on economic reform, gender equality, and sustainable development.
She holds an MBA from Duquesne University and was a Fulbright Scholar at
Georgetown University, contributing to policy development and regional
cooperation initiatives.

Moritz Remé

Director of KfW Development Bank for Kosovo and North Macedonia.

Mr. Moritz Remé is Director of KfW Development Bank for Kosovo and North
Macedonia. With 18 years at KfW, he has extensive experience as a Senior
Portfolio Manager across North Africa, the Middle East, South and Southeast
Asia. His work has focused on financing projects in urban infrastructure,
energy, agriculture and biodiversity. Mr Remé has led diverse, cross-regional
portfolios, contributing to sustainable development and investment initiatives.
He holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from Leipzig University and
continues to support strategic development efforts in the Western Balkans.

Sebastian Sosa

IMF Regional Resident Representative for the Western Balkans at the International Monetary Fund,

Mr. Sebastian Sosa is the IMF Regional Resident Representative for the
Western Balkans at the International Monetary Fund, based in Vienna. Since
joining the IMF in 2006, he has held several senior roles, including Mission
Chief for Kosovo and leadership positions in strategy and concessional
lending policy. He previously served as Resident Representative for Serbia
and North Macedonia and worked on country assignments across Europe and
Latin America. His expertise lies in international macroeconomics and finance,
with numerous academic and policy publications. Mr. Sosa holds a PhD in
Economics from University of California, Los Angeles and contributes to
global dialogue.

Sokol Shasivari

Director, Department of Supervision of Financial Markets, MFIs, NBFIs, Payment Institutions, and Electronic Money Institutions - Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo

Mr. Sokol Shasivari is Director of the Department of Supervision of Financial Markets, MFIs, NBFIs, Payment Institutions, and Electronic Money Institutions at the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo. With nearly 17 years of experience, he has held key supervisory roles in banking and insurance regulation since joining the CBK in 2008. He previously led the On-Site Insurance Supervision Division and contributed extensively to banking supervision. His work includes implementing IFRS 9, Basel II frameworks, and risk-based supervision. Mr. Shasivari has also served on the Kosovo Council for Financial Reporting, supporting regulatory development and financial sector stability.

Stephen O’Malley

United Nations Development Coordinator in Kosovo

Mr. Stephen O’Malley serves as United Nations Development Coordinator in
Kosovo, appointed in 2025. With over 25 years of experience, he has held
senior leadership roles across humanitarian and development operations
globally. He previously served as Resident Coordinator ad interim in

Kazakhstan and held multiple leadership positions within OCHA, including
Head of Office in South Sudan. He also served as UN Resident Coordinator
and UNDP Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. Before
joining the United Nations, he worked with Médecins Sans Frontières. Mr.
O’Malley holds degrees from Columbia University and Queen’s University,
specializing in international affairs and political studies.

Tim Judah

Journalist and author covering the Balkans and other regions as a correspondent for The Economist.

Mr. Tim Judah is a journalist and author covering the Balkans and other
regions as a correspondent for The Economist. He has reported extensively
on conflicts from Afghanistan to Ukraine, contributing to major international
publications including the The New York Review of Books. He is the author of
two books on Kosovo and serves as President of the Board of the Balkan
Investigative Reporting Network and the Kosovar Stability Initiative. In recent
years, he has focused on demographic trends, publishing Life and Fate in
2025.