The New Payment Systems in Albania: AIPS, AIPS-EURO, and AECH

 

 

 

On September 3, 2025, the Bank of Albania approved a new set of regulations modernizing the country’s national payment infrastructure. The reforms affect three key systems:

  • AIPS (Albanian Interbank Payment System) – the RTGS system for high-value payments in Lek

  • AIPS-EURO – the equivalent RTGS system for transactions in Euro within Albania

  • AECH (Albanian Electronic Clearing House) – the electronic clearing platform for retail payments in Lek

In practice, AIPS and AIPS-EURO operate as real-time gross settlement (RTGS) systems, while AECH handles small-value payments through daily clearing sessions.

AIPS-EURO: What It Is and How It Differs

Launched in January 2022, AIPS-EURO allows Albanian banks to settle payments in Euro immediately, without relying on foreign correspondent banks.

Compared to AIPS – it performs the same RTGS function but is limited to Euro transactions
Compared to AECH – it is much faster, as it operates in real time, while AECH uses netting sessions for small-value payments in Lek

Currently, 11 banks participate in AIPS-EURO, operating from 08:30 to 16:30 on business days.

Tangible Benefits for Businesses

The new rules introduce significantly lower fees and simplified procedures. For example:

  • Payments in Lek up to 40,000 are free of charge

  • Payments up to 10 million Lek cost 0.005% (maximum 500 Lek), about ten times lower than before

  • Payments in Euro are aligned with the SEPA model, with fees reduced by about tenfold

In addition, Euro transfers between Albanian banks are settled on the same business day, no longer carry credit fees, and ensure that the beneficiary receives the full amount.

To access the system, a company must hold a Euro account with one of the participating banks.

A Practical Example

A company needs to pay €100,000 to a local supplier:

Before – transfer via a foreign correspondent bank, over €200 in fees, and several days for settlement
Now – transfer via AIPS-EURO, maximum fee €50, credited the same day

For smaller amounts (e.g., €5,000), the fee does not exceed €6.

Connection with Fiscalization

These innovations concern the payment infrastructure, not fiscal rules. Requirements on e-invoices and receipts remain unchanged. However, the wider use of electronic payments will reduce cash usage and increase tax transparency.

Alignment with Europe

Starting October 7, 2025, fees for cross-border Euro payments will be the same as for domestic payments, in line with EU Regulation 2021/1230. This is an important step toward joining the SEPA system, making Albanian businesses more competitive and better integrated with EU markets.

Long-Term Economic Impact

  • Cost savings: estimated €40 million per year for the economy

  • Improved liquidity: faster settlements enhance cash flow management

  • Banking competition: lower fees will drive banks to innovate and expand digital services

  • Transparency and formalization: less cash, more traceability, reduced shadow economy

  • EU alignment: simpler and cheaper payments with European partners

How Businesses Should Prepare

To take full advantage of the reforms, companies should:

  • discuss with their bank about activating AIPS-EURO

  • open or optimize Euro accounts

  • update accounting processes and inform tax advisors

  • train finance staff to use online platforms

These reforms are not just technical updates. They represent a qualitative leap for the Albanian economy, with direct benefits for businesses: lower costs, faster payments, and greater integration with European markets.