The Serbian Alta Banka is in huge trouble and a liquidation seems possible. The impact on the Macedonian Alta Banka, former Stopanska Banka Bitola, is not clear yet.
After the governing party lost the power in the elections in Serbia, rumors began that Alta Banka paid out huge sums starting Tuesday. On October 31st, the National Bank of Serbia revoked their license. By a court ruling, the Deposit Insurance Agency will be appointed as the bankruptcy administrator. The Deposit Insurance Agency will enable the payout of insured amounts
The Public Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime of Serbia has requested from the Service for Combating Organized Crime an immediate review of the entire operations of Alta Banka. The National Bank of Serbia has filed criminal charges against Alta Bank and several responsible individuals at that bank.
Two University of Belgrade professors sent 13 letters to competent institutions in Serbia and abroad, including the European Union, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, demanding an urgent assessment of the risk of illegal withdrawal of cash from Serbia and consideration of increased controls at border crossings and international airports.
Alta bought Stopanska Banka Bitola in 2025.
Nezavisen reports that in front of ATMs in several cities, especially in Bitola, large lines of citizens formed tonight. The National Bank reassures that the decision to revoke the operating license applies to the bank’s operations in Serbia and does not in itself mean an automatic revocation of the operating license of Alta Banka AD Bitola. Deposits of individuals are insured up to 30 000 euros.
Alta Banka ad Bitola has declared that they are liquid and continues its operations.
We emphasize that the circumstances in the Republic of North Macedonia are fundamentally different from those in Serbia. ALTA banka AD Bitola is not subject to political pressures and calculations of the nature of the events in Serbia. The bank operates on the basis of professional, business and regulatory principles.
Alta Banka AD Bitola
The National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia has issued a statement on October 31st that the banking system is stable and resilient, with all banks subject to direct supervision. They call on the public to rely on official and verified information and to refrain from drawing conclusions based on unconfirmed reports or speculation.
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