ALTA Bank had the honor this year to be a partner of Wine Vision by Open Balkan, one of the largest wine and gastronomic events in Europe. Belgrade has today become the epicenter of tradition, innovation, and entrepreneurship, a place where premium wines, authentic flavors, and visions that shape the future of regional economy come together. The fair gathers more than 600 exhibitors from 34 countries and carries the prestigious UFI Approved Event designation, which confirms its international significance.

ALTA Bank’s partnership with this event confirms the bank’s strategy to be a strong pillar for the economy, entrepreneurship, and the population. ALTA Bank’s mission is to support people who create value – from winemakers and hospitality professionals to small producers and innovators. It develops financial models tailored to the real needs of clients, with understanding of seasonality, market risks, and local specificities.

Representatives of ALTA Bank attended the opening of the fair. The decision to be a partner is an expression of the belief that banks should be present in places where real value is created. The fair is a meeting place of tradition, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit – precisely those values that ALTA Bank supports through its operations.

Through its programs, the bank supports the development of the economy and entrepreneurship, including initiatives that facilitate access to financing for small producers, hospitality professionals, and innovators. Within this strategy, special support models for female entrepreneurs have been developed, as ALTA Bank views inclusivity and equality as part of responsible and modern business practices.

Additionally, ALTA Bank, through its partnership with the Guarantee Fund of AP Vojvodina, enables more favorable financing conditions, longer repayment periods, and flexible collateral models, thereby opening space for the growth and development of domestic producers.

In addition to financial products for wineries, hospitality professionals, and small producers, ALTA Bank combines a personal approach with digital solutions. Clients have access to modern digital services, as well as branches with extended working hours – weekdays until 8 PM, Saturdays until 5 PM.

Support for sustainable and green projects is also part of the bank’s business model. ALTA Bank collaborates with producers who combine quality with environmental care, believing that banks can be drivers of change, not only through capital, but also through knowledge and strategic support.

The fair will be held from November 22 to 25 at the Belgrade Fair. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy premium wines, meet the people behind domestic and regional brands, and feel the energy of entrepreneurship that is changing our economy – step by step, glass by glass.

For ALTA Bank, the “Building Futures” conference was not just an opportunity to exchange ideas, but also confirmation that we are part of a broader dialogue about the future of the Western Balkans. This important event, held today at the congress and exhibition space “Ložionica” organized by the British-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, brought together more than 300 participants – government representatives, business leaders, and investors, with the aim of strengthening economic ties and opening new opportunities for cooperation.

ALTA Bank, as a partner of this event, confirmed its role in connecting markets and supporting sustainable development, participating in dialogue about investments, innovations, and the future of the region. ALTA Bank representatives actively participated in discussions with international partners, exchanging experiences and ideas about digitalization, ESG standards, and infrastructure projects that can accelerate the region’s development.

On this occasion, Dr. Una Sikimić, President of the Executive Board of ALTA Bank, gave an exclusive statement for official social media platforms, emphasizing the importance of connecting local economies with global investors and the role of innovation in sustainable growth.

The conference was dedicated to key topics – investments worth 17 billion euros, preparations for EXPO 2027, as well as the impressive 330% growth in trade between the UK and the Western Balkans.

ALTA Bank has positioned itself as a universal bank that integrates all segments of modern banking – from corporate and retail operations to digital platforms that meet the highest European standards. Over the past year, the bank has achieved exceptional results and expanded its presence in the regional market through the acquisition of Stopanska Banka Bitola in North Macedonia.

Innovation is key to ALTA Bank’s strategy – from developing mobile and web services to investing in security technologies. At the same time, infrastructure projects such as ALTA Tower, designed by the renowned British studio Zaha Hadid Architects, demonstrate the bank’s ambition to raise the standard of the business environment in the region. ALTA Tower will be a center for financial and technological initiatives, a space for new ideas and partnerships, and one of the most modern business facilities in this part of Europe.

Through digitalization, implementation of ESG standards, and infrastructure projects, ALTA Bank contributes to creating an environment that opens space for new ideas, partnerships, and sustainable growth. This conference confirms that the Western Balkans is becoming an increasingly important part of the European economic and investment map, and ALTA Bank remains committed to creating opportunities that strengthen regional cooperation and development.

ALTA Bank’s message: “We want to build bridges between local economies and global investors. Through digitalization projects, implementation of ESG standards, and infrastructure initiatives, we are creating an environment that opens doors to new ideas and partnerships. We believe that the Western Balkans should become a space of cooperation, innovation, and sustainable growth, and ALTA Bank is ready to be part of that process.”

The regional conference “Women’s Entrepreneurship Towards EXPO 2027” was officially opened today at the Belgrade Fair, organized by the Serbian Chamber of Commerce. As a reliable partner and supporter of this significant event, ALTA Bank confirms its commitment to the development of entrepreneurship and the empowerment of women in business.

Dr. Una Sikimić, President of the Executive Board of ALTA Bank, was one of the key participants at the conference.

“ALTA Bank was pleased to accept the invitation to be a sponsor and partner of the conference. The role of financial institutions in supporting entrepreneurship is of exceptional importance, and ALTA Bank continuously demonstrates its dedication to this goal. Already in the first quarter of next year, together with the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, we will implement a series of events and activities aimed at women entrepreneurs across the country,” announced Dr. Una Sikimić, President of the Executive Board of ALTA Bank.

Concrete Support for Women in Business

Support for women entrepreneurs at ALTA Bank is concrete and systematic. The program includes a range of benefits – account management free of charge during the first year, more favorable fees for RTGS orders, exemption from credit card membership fees, competitive savings and lending conditions, as well as the most favorable terms for POS terminals. In addition, small business advisors are available to them throughout Serbia at all branches with extended working hours.

Support for women’s entrepreneurship also comes through other companies within the ALTA Group – ALTA Pay with a network of 3,200 payment locations across Serbia, as well as ALTA Leasing, which enables more flexible financing models. In this way, the ALTA Group builds an ecosystem in which women entrepreneurs have access not only to capital, but also to infrastructure that supports their growth.

In the panel “The Importance of Institutional Support for Women Entrepreneurs,” Dr. Sikimić emphasized that in 2027, Serbia will become a world stage where women entrepreneurs will have a unique opportunity to present their products and services, regardless of the field they are in. She stressed that the EXPO exhibition will be a meeting place of tradition and innovation – from promoting old crafts and cultural values to modern technologies and artificial intelligence, thereby creating added value for the global market. According to her, with good organization and institutional support, Serbia will make the best use of this opportunity.

“EXPO 2027 is an opportunity for Serbia to show its full potential in innovation and entrepreneurship. I believe that women entrepreneurs have an important role in this process, as they bring a different perspective, courage, and creativity. It is up to us to support them, not only financially, but also strategically, through education, networking, and promotion of their ideas,” stated Dr. Una Sikimić.

ALTA Bank remains consistent with its mission – to be a partner in development, a pillar for entrepreneurs, and a promoter of inclusive leadership, because it believes that diversity in business brings strength, stability, and innovation.

Committed to Equal Opportunities

ALTA Bank is among the few financial institutions in the region that have formally committed to applying the principles of gender equality through membership in the United Nations Global Compact and the Women’s Empowerment Principles initiative, whose goal is to empower women. This commitment is not declarative; it is part of the strategy and daily operations. Today, women make up more than 60% of employees at ALTA Bank, while 50% of management positions are entrusted to women, which places ALTA Bank among the leaders in promoting equal opportunities in the financial sector.

ALTA Bank remains consistent with its mission to be a partner in development, a pillar for entrepreneurs, and a promoter of inclusive leadership, because it believes that diversity in business brings strength, stability, and innovation.

Through active participation and support of innovative initiatives, ALTA Bank continues to build a bridge between the regional economy and global markets, standing out as a universal financial institution that connects people, ideas, and capital.

ALTA Bank, as a socially responsible financial institution, has once again demonstrated its commitment to the community by donating equipment for babies to the Center for Protection of Infants, Children and Youth on Zvečanska Street. Less than a year after their previous visit, as promised, ALTA Bank has once again shown that it stands by those who need support the most – among the youngest and those who care for them daily. Bank representatives visited the Center today and, in a warm atmosphere, presented the staff with carefully selected equipment that will facilitate their daily work and improve care for the youngest.

The reason for this gesture of care is the continuation of socially responsible activities that ALTA Bank carries out throughout the year, with special focus on the youngest. The visit to the Center on Zvečanska Street was realized within the “For a City We Love” project, through which the bank provides support to children, athletes, and initiatives that contribute to creating better conditions for the growth and life of the youngest. At the same time, the visit is part of the traditional celebration of World Savings Day, when attention is directed toward children and their families. This year, ALTA Bank gave 25,000 dinars in fixed-term savings to all babies born in Serbia on October 31st, as a symbolic gesture of support to families and the culture of responsible money management.

Moments to Remember

In the same spirit, in agreement with representatives of the Center for Protection of Infants, Children and Youth, it was decided that instead of a monetary donation, concrete, essential items would be provided – complete equipment for babies that will make everyday life easier, safer, and more beautiful. Starting today, while ribbons and decorative paper wrapping the gifts are carefully unwrapped, the little ones will be able to ride in new strollers, sit in feeding chairs, take their first steps with walkers, and staff will change them on new, stable changing tables. There are also diapers, care cosmetics, and everything that makes everyday moments simpler and more pleasant.

Special warmth to this meeting was brought by the dedication that the ALTA Bank team put into every detail. With balloons, gentle colors, and carefully prepared gifts, the space exuded quiet magic. Children, staff, and guests together created an atmosphere filled with sincere emotions. Each gift carries a message of attention and care – that the days at the Center be easier and filled with smiles.

Message of Responsibility

“ALTA Bank continuously supports the work of this extremely important institution. The activity we carried out is part of our broader plan that we consistently implement, but what I would particularly emphasize is that the ALTA Bank team realized this initiative with special attention. We listened to what the Center really needs and this time focused specifically on babies. I thank the institution’s management, which with consistency and dedication takes care of the youngest. In communication with ALTA Bank as a partner, priority needs were clearly defined, and we will, to mutual satisfaction, gather again and continue to provide support,” said Dr. Una Sikimić, President of the Executive Board of ALTA Bank.

ALTA Bank continues to develop initiatives and community support projects, with special focus on children and institutions that care for them. Concrete actions, presence on the ground, and sincere attention – this is the path this bank continues to follow.

Stanković: ALTA Bank is One of Our Greatest Friends

The visit was crowned with a warm meeting with staff and children, along with sincere gratitude from the Center for Protection of Infants, Children and Youth. The message sent on that occasion clearly indicated that real support should be timely, sincere, and directed toward those to whom it matters most.

“The equipment we received from ALTA Bank will directly improve the conditions in which children stay from the earliest age. But even more importantly, this visit and attention send a message that our youngest are not forgotten. We are grateful that there are companies and individuals who understand that the youngest are the most important members of our society and that humanity is best reflected in support for the most vulnerable population. Every support means a lot, especially when it comes from socially responsible partners. ALTA Bank is one of the greatest friends of our institution and this visit confirms that once again,” emphasized Miloš Stanković, head of the inpatient unit.

Long-term Commitment to the Community

At the Center for Protection of Infants, Children and Youth in Belgrade, on Zvečanska Street, the youngest residents are just beginning their life journey – with the care of staff and the warmth of the community that surrounds them. This donation is part of ALTA Bank’s broader and continuous engagement in socially responsible initiatives. During the previous months, the bank has supported numerous institutions and initiatives, from helping children with developmental disabilities, through investments in renovating sports facilities and educational programs, to direct support for local communities. Special emphasis has been placed on inclusion through cooperation with institutions for children and youth, as well as through creative workshops and humanitarian actions that promote solidarity, friendship, and togetherness.

ALTA Bank confirms that social responsibility is not just part of its strategy, but part of its identity. Through concrete actions, presence on the ground, sincere attention, and carefully selected initiatives, the bank continues to invest where support is most needed, especially when it comes to the youngest, education, and health.