CBK and U.S. Treasury launch strategic initiative to combat Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

Governor Ismaili signed the Terms of Reference of the project

The Central Bank of Kosova (CBK) in partnership with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, has launched a new strategic initiative aimed at further strengthening country framework for Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism, and Counter-Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF).

The initiative was formally launched during the visit of a Technical Assistance Mission from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Technical Assistance (OTA), led by experts Joseph W. Burke and Norman Smith, who met with Governor Ahmet Ismaili.

The new project reflects the strong and longstanding partnership between the CBK and the U.S. Treasury and follows high-level discussions held in Washington DC during the Spring Meetings in April 2026, as well as the CBK’s request for enhanced technical cooperation submitted in December 2024.

During the meeting, Governor Ismaili presented the CBK’s mandate and strategic priorities, emphasizing the institution’s role in safeguarding financial stability and integrity, strengthening AML/CFT supervision, and combating financial crime. He highlighted the significant reforms undertaken by the CBK in recent years to align Kosovo’s regulatory and supervisory framework with international standards and best practices.

Discussions focused on further enhancing supervisory capacities through risk-based supervision, strengthening examination methodologies, advancing fit-and-proper assessment procedures, and supporting the implementation of the CBK’s regulatory framework for crypto-assets and Crypto-Asset Service Providers.

A main component of the initiative is a comprehensive inter-institutional project that will be jointly implemented by the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Kosova, the Financial Intelligence Unit, and the Office of the Chief State Prosecutor. Through specialized advisory support and technical expertise, the project will contribute to strengthening Kosovo’s national AML/CFT/CPF architecture and enhancing the effectiveness of measures aimed at preventing, detecting, and addressing financial crime risks.

The initiative will also support stronger inter-agency coordination, increased compliance with international standards, and further institutional capacity-building across the relevant authorities responsible for protecting the integrity of Kosovo’s financial system.

On this occasion, Governor Ismaili signed the Terms of Reference of the project, reaffirming the CBK’s commitment to advancing the national AML/CFT/CPF framework and deepening cooperation with domestic and international partners.

Governor Ismaili emphasized that the Treasury’s expertise and engagement have played an important role in strengthening the CBK’s institutional capacities and supporting Kosovo’s efforts to maintain a resilient, transparent, and internationally aligned financial system.