meta_id 3159095

On May 14, 2026, the Assembly of the Republic of Kosovo adopted Law No. 10/L-026 on Payment Services, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for payment service providers and electronic money institutions operating within Kosovo. The law, published in the Official Gazette, transposes key European Union directives and regulations into Kosovo's national legal framework, reflecting the country's commitments under the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union. The Central Bank for the Republic of Kosovo (BQK) is designated as the competent authority responsible for authorizing, supervising, and regulating payment institutions and electronic money institutions. The law establishes distinct categories of payment service providers, including banks, electronic money institutions, payment institutions, post giro institutions, and the CBK itself when not acting as a monetary authority. Key provisions include requirements for initial capital (ranging from €20,000 to €125,000 depending on service type), safeguarding of customer funds, strong customer authentication for electronic payment transactions, and comprehensive transparency and information requirements. The law regulates card-based payment transactions, including interchange fees, and establishes rules for payment account switching and access to basic payment accounts for consumers. The law transposes EU Directive 2015/2366 (Payment Services Directive), EU Directive 2009/110/EC (Electronic Money Directive), EU Directive 2014/92/EU (Payment Account Comparability Directive), EU Regulation 2015/751 (Interchange Fees Regulation), and EU Regulation 2024/886 (Instant Credit Transfers Regulation). The law enters into force fifteen days after publication. Payment service providers and electronic money institutions have eighteen months from entry into force to adjust their operations to comply with the new requirements. The CBK is required to issue implementing sub-legal acts within eighteen months.