Improving the efficiency of banks must be achieved without affecting financial availability and access to finance. Despite the fact that the number of ATMs per 100,000 inhabitants is comparable to other countries in the region, national characteristics (a high percentage of the rural population that mainly uses cash) require a gradual transition to digital payment solutions while maintaining an adequate presence in the territory, according to a recently published report of the BNR

In parallel with the decrease in recent years in the number of ATMs registered at the local level, there is an accelerated growth in the number of POS (used mainly in the urban environment), the trend is also recorded at the level of the countries of the region.

However, there are a number of challenges for the profitability of the banking sector, given both the implementation of a package of fiscal measures, including an additional tax on credit institutions, and the expectation of increased risk of non-repayment of loans to the real sector amid rising rates, as well as a reduced ability to improve the efficiency of small banks.

As for IFIs, the Central Bank shows that their risks continue to be dominated by loans in foreign currency. Among foreign exchange companies, the most active are in the fields of transport, agriculture, trade, construction, rental and leasing of cars, as well as real estate operations. However, only 11 percent of these companies carry out export activities.

Companies in utilities, industrials and construction have higher default rates, although they have improved over the past year. The NPL ratio worsened in the agriculture, mining and real estate sectors. Real estate companies are experiencing the greatest deterioration, BNR also shows

A high share of risk in foreign currency can be a potential source of risk for financial stability, and a possible devaluation of the national currency can lead to a decrease in solvency