On the Occasion of the 50th Anniversary of ACI Financial Markets Association Serbia, Una Sikimić, PhD, Chairwoman of the Executive Board of ALTA Bank, Participated in a Panel Discussion on the Future of the Financial Sector

In conversation with Željko Jović, Vice Governor of the National Bank of Serbia, and colleagues from leading financial institutions, key topics shaping the future of finance were discussed — from resilience and sustainability to the impact of technology on customer expectations and the redefinition of the role of banks in the new financial environment.

The dialogue clearly demonstrated that modern banking goes beyond interest rates and operational processes. Today, we are talking about systems that must be resilient, sustainable, and future-oriented.

At a special panel discussion dedicated to the future of the banking sector, Una Sikimić, PhD, spoke about the key directions for banking development by 2030, with a focus on the evolution of the business model and the role of physical branches.

ALTA Bank is strategically focused on increasing client accessibility, as reflected in the extended working hours of its branches – until 8 p.m. on weekdays, until 10 p.m. in shopping malls, and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This approach has enabled the organic growth of the client base and a clear market positioning.

Branches are shifting from transactional models to advisory centers. Even the world’s most advanced banks confirm that the majority of accounts are still opened in physical branches, which demonstrates that branches will continue to play an important role in the future.

The topic of competition among commercial banks, neo-banks, and Big Tech companies raised an important question – can banks survive? ALTA Bank believes in cooperation rather than competition, and in creating synergies between traditional banking and technological innovation.

In the context of credit risk management under unstable global conditions, the importance of diversifying clients, products, and geographies was emphasized, as well as the careful balance between growth and risk – the foundation of stability for any financial institution.

ALTA Bank remains committed to developing digital services while also expanding physical accessibility, respecting the specifics of the domestic market and the needs of its clients. We believe that the combination of digital and traditional approaches is the key to success in the years ahead.

The panel also presented Alta Group’s strategic vision — through innovation, digitalization, and a strong institutional structure. Alta Group already demonstrates that it is possible to combine speed, efficiency, and reliability in a modern financial environment. As a unique concept integrating a bank, a leasing company, and an electronic money institution, Alta Group is developing on the foundations of innovation, expertise, and trust, with a clear strategy for sustainable growth and expansion.

Una Sikimić, PhD, Chairwoman of the Executive Board of ALTA Bank, expressed her gratitude for the invitation and the opportunity to speak on behalf of the team that every day demonstrates professionalism, dedication, and the ability to meet the highest standards of modern banking.

In cooperation with the Center Inclusive Serbia and the Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs, ALTA Bank organized a humanitarian initiative titled “For the City We Love”, on the occasion of opening its first branch office in Šabac.

On this occasion, representatives of the Bank visited the local Institution for Children and Youth, where they delivered gift packages and participated in a creative workshop with the youngsters, sharing moments of joy, care, and genuine support.

The humanitarian initiative “For the City We Love” reaffirms that family values and community care lie at the very heart of ALTA Bank’s operations. True responsibility is reflected through consistent and concrete actions that leave a lasting mark on the community. Love for the city in which one operates, care for the most vulnerable groups, and the building of mutual trust and solidarity represent the essence of ALTA Bank’s mission – to be more than a financial institution and an active driver of positive change in society.

As the fastest-growing bank on the domestic market, ALTA Bank’s new, modernly equipped branch in Šabac offers citizens personalized service in a welcoming atmosphere that combines warmth and professionalism – a space designed to make clients feel just like at home.

The values promoted by ALTA Bank – security, trust, care for citizens, and support for the community – remain the foundations on which it will continue to build its presence across the country.

ALTA Bank is pleased to announce the continuation of its successful partnership with KK Crvena zvezda. On this occasion, we took part in the acquisition of a new, state-of-the-art team bus – the very first in the club’s history, as it proudly celebrates 80 years of victories and trophies this year.

For ALTA Bank, it is a great honor to be part of this important project, which will contribute to the daily operations of all club selections, from the senior team onwards, as well as to the overall development of sport and the adoption of modern trends and standards in sports management.

We firmly believe that investing in the club’s infrastructure and equipment is a key step toward future successes of KK Crvena zvezda, and we will continue to support initiatives that foster the growth of both sport and the community.

Your ALTA Bank – STABILNA, SIGURNA I JAKA!

As a strategic partner of the MICEB 2025 conference, organized by the Faculty of Economics, University of Montenegro, ALTA Group once again demonstrates its strong commitment to fostering regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and supporting initiatives that drive institutional development and sustainable economic growth.

At the official opening, Dr. Una Sikimić, Chairwoman of the Executive Board of ALTA Bank, addressed the audience, highlighting the importance of a stable and modern financial system as the cornerstone of long-term development:
“Financial institutions and the rapidly evolving regulatory framework are key transmission mechanisms of development. Only a stable and sustainable financial system can provide long-term support to the growth of the real sector – these are the values we share both as a financial group and as the strategic partner of this conference.”

This year’s MICEB gathered prominent experts from academia, the public sector, and industry, with particular attention drawn to the participation of Professor James A. Robinson, recipient of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics.

Knowledge, dialogue, and partnership remain the key drivers of regional progress.