The Future of Finance – Open, Strategic, and Visionary: Alta BANK at the ACI Serbia Panel

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.