The digitalisation of services and resilient payment systems that result in lower transaction costs and higher levels of money supply have had a profound impact on Bosnia-Herzegovina’s economy, says central bank governor Senad Softić.

The Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina has steadied the country’s currency, which has contributed to overall macroeconomic stability, according to the bank's governor, Senad Softić.

Bosnia-Herzegovina applied to join the EU in 2016 but slow progress threatens to thwart its hopes. 

In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, populist politicians in central and eastern Europe realised that struggling homeowners could be their new powerbase. Lenders are facing a potential onslaught of unwelcome government intervention in the banking sector, though there could be a silver lining. Stefanie Linhardt reports.

The complicated geographical and political make-up of Bosnia-Herzegovina, combined with its struggling economy and low purchasing power, makes life difficult for its overcrowded banking market. However, hope is on the horizon as economic growth picks up and looming elections bring promise of a more investor-friendly financial system.

The global slowdown has not spared Bosnia-Herzegovina, but the conservative strategies of many local banks have given them some support and protection. Writer Philip Alexander