NBS: Serbian banking sector operationally ready for SEPA payments scheme

BELGRADE - The National Bank of Serbia (NBS) announced that, as of Tuesday, the banking sector in Serbia was operationally ready to execute payments and collections with foreign countries through the SEPA Credit Transfer scheme, thereby fully integrating Serbia into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA).

"This important step represents a major milestone in the process of Serbia’s financial integration into modern European flows and brings the domestic payment system closer to the most advanced EU standards in this field. The NBS will, as of today, enable the execution of SEPA payments for budget users, while 18 domestic commercial banks will carry out SEPA payments for the needs of citizens and businesses," the central bank said in a statement.

"The NBS, as the regulator and supervisor of the banking system, played a key role in the process of joining the SEPA framework, coordinating all activities with relevant domestic and international institutions and, in close cooperation with commercial banks, successfully meeting all necessary technical, regulatory and operational requirements for the implementation of SEPA payment schemes in Serbia.

With the introduction of SEPA payments, users in Serbia will enjoy numerous benefits reflected in faster execution of cross-border transactions - with payments being completed within significantly shorter timeframes compared to previous international payment flows - lower costs - with fees for sending/receiving payments to/from other countries expected to be more favourable and transparent - greater efficiency and security as unified standards and rules contribute to more reliable and predictable payment execution, simplified international business, which is particularly important for the further development of the Serbian economy through easier integration into European supply chains and trade, and an improved user experience for our citizens through easier sending/receiving of money to/from abroad.

SEPA payments have become fully operational in Serbia as a result of many years of work and cooperation between the NBS and the banking sector, and this is a clear indication of Serbia’s commitment to further modernising its financial system and strengthening economic ties with the EU," it also said.

"Going forward, the NBS will continue to enhance the payment system and support initiatives that contribute to greater efficiency, security and accessibility of financial services for all our citizens and the economy," the NBS said.