Queues form at Alta Bank branch in Bitola after licence revoked in Belgrade

Lines of people formed outside the Alta Bank AD Bitola branch on Saturday morning after the National Bank of Serbia withdrew the licence of Alta banka a.d. Belgrade. Those who gathered said they wanted to withdraw pensions and their deposited savings.

Some of the customers told reporters they were "concerned" by the developments in Belgrade and came to terminate their contracts with the Bitola unit. Bank staff reportedly told several customers that claims had been paid and that the branch was open until 13:00 on Saturday and that they should return on Monday.

Central bank: Belgrade decision does not automatically affect Bitola branch

The National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia issued a statement stressing that the Serbian regulator's decision concerns the bank's operations in the Republic of Serbia and "does not automatically mean withdrawal of the licence to operate of 'Alta banka' AD Bitola." The central bank emphasised that the Bitola institution is a separate legal entity, established and registered in North Macedonia, whose activities are assessed under the domestic legal and regulatory framework.

According to the statement, the National Bank is monitoring the situation and will act within its legal powers. It also said it follows any circumstances that could affect the domestic bank's operations, including risks stemming from ownership links, and cooperates with relevant domestic and foreign authorities while respecting confidentiality rules for supervisory information.

The executive board of the National Bank of Serbia met on Saturday morning and decided to withdraw the licence for Alta banka a.d. Belgrade, citing a failure to stabilise the bank's financial position and improve liquidity despite earlier supervisory measures — and a growing risk that the bank would not be able to meet its obligations to clients. "It has been established that in the previous period the financial condition of the bank had significantly deteriorated, and that there is a possibility of further deterioration of the bank's financial condition or liquidity, thereby endangering the interests of depositors," the Serbian central bank said in its announcement.

Customers at the Bitola branch said they expected clear information on the availability of funds. The National Bank reiterated that it will continue to monitor developments and take measures required by law to protect the domestic financial system and depositors.

Photo: press material from the event