All domestic banks to update systems before new denar payment rules on 9 November 2026

All domestic banks in North Macedonia will carry out technical adjustments to their systems this coming weekend (7–8 November 2026) as they prepare to implement new standards for denar payment traffic that become mandatory on Monday, 9 November 2026.

The Macedonian Banking Association (MBA) warned that during these works temporary interruptions and reduced availability of electronic and mobile transactions are possible. Customers — both individuals and businesses — were advised to schedule urgent transfers in advance and to monitor communications from their own banks.

What changes are being introduced

The overhaul is part of previously announced regulatory changes that banks must apply from 9 November 2026. Among the technical adjustments are new payment order formats, the introduction of purpose-of-payment codes and the adoption of payment account numbers in IBAN format.

Bank clients should expect that some online services will be limited for short periods while the systems are updated. Institutions encourage anyone who has time-sensitive payments to complete them before the weekend or to contact their bank for guidance.

The coordinated update affects all business banks across the country and is aimed at harmonising national payment processing with the new mandatory rules taking effect on 9 November 2026.

Photo: press material from the event