The global economic context in 2025 was anything but simple. How did such an environment affect the operations of ProCredit Bank in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
The year 2025 was marked by a slowdown in the European economy and the continuation of global macroeconomic pressures, which further increased uncertainty in international markets. In such an environment, ProCredit Bank continued to perform its established development role in Bosnia and Herzegovina, relying on the stability of its business model, client trust, and a long-term orientation toward sustainable growth.
During the year, as a continuation of decades-long support to companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, we disbursed a total of BAM 432 million in loans to the business sector. We supported companies and entrepreneurs at a time when access to financing was of crucial importance. At the same time, strong growth in household deposits was once again recorded, amounting to BAM 121 million, further confirming citizens’ trust in the bank’s stability and the way we operate.
At the end of 2025, the bank remained well capitalized and highly liquid, which represents an important buffer in an unstable macroeconomic environment, as well as a foundation for continued lending support to the real sector and households in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We remained consistent with our results-oriented approach, and the past year has demonstrated the success of this model.
It is often emphasized that MSMEs (micro, small and medium-sized enterprises) are the backbone of the domestic economy, but such messages must also be accompanied by concrete support. How did ProCredit Bank respond to their needs during 2025?
We believe that MSMEs represent the backbone of the domestic economy. They employ the largest number of workers, drive innovation, and create the foundations for long-term sustainable development. That is precisely why ProCredit Bank remains strongly focused on providing both financial and non-financial support to this segment.
Continuing its decades-long partnership with the domestic economy, ProCredit Bank once again supported the business sector this year with loan disbursements totaling BAM 432 million, confirming its role as a long-term financial partner to companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
We also signed an agreement on an additional credit line with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) through the Go Digital program, intended for investments in the digitalization of production, services, and business processes. The line enables companies to improve productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness, which is particularly important in the context of an increasingly demanding European market.
“Support for the economy begins with understanding the real challenges companies face.”
In order to further strengthen the business community, we enabled clients from Bosnia and Herzegovina to access the ProConnect Business Network platform. This digital network connects small and medium-sized enterprises from the 12 countries in which the ProCredit Group operates and allows them to find new partners, explore other markets, and expand their business across borders. At a time when diversification of customers and markets is key, this type of support is becoming increasingly important.
For newly established companies, young entrepreneurs, and start-ups, we developed the ProStart package, which includes free business account management and domestic payment transactions during the first year. In addition, it includes advisory support during the period when owners and managers are focused on setting up operations and securing their first contracts, as well as afterward. Our role does not end with financial support. We remain a partner that follows business development, provides expert advice, and helps in making decisions that lead to stable, long-term growth.
At the same time, growth in your retail banking operations is also noticeable. What characterized 2025 in this segment, and what role did digitalization play?
In the retail segment, we continued strong growth in the number of clients and deposits throughout 2025. After household deposit growth of 50% in 2023 and 40% in 2024, which was recognized with the Golden BAM award two years in a row, we ended 2025 with an additional increase of 42%. This continuity clearly demonstrates market trust and the bank’s stable development.
We are particularly proud of the pioneering ProBaj concept, which represents a well-thought-out response to market needs by allowing clients six months of account and service usage free of charge, with simple activation. In this way, we further simplified banking services and shaped them according to the real needs of clients. The popularity of the concept shows that this was an excellent move.
“Simplicity and trust are today the key reasons why clients choose a bank.”
In December 2025, ProCredit Bank became the first bank in Bosnia and Herzegovina to enable clients to obtain a qualified electronic signature directly at a branch, free of charge, in a process that takes only a few minutes. The electronic signature allows clients to conduct banking transactions and other administrative tasks remotely. Already today, clients can submit requests for additional services online or conclude a fixed-term savings agreement using remote online signing.
The green transition has held an important place in ProCredit Bank’s strategy for years. How was it reflected in 2025?
For more than a decade, ProCredit has actively supported the green transition. We are aware that we live in a country that is often among the European states facing the greatest challenges when it comes to air pollution and energy inefficiency. Therefore, last year we further intensified this support, both through specialized credit lines for the business sector and through our own operational activities.
At the end of the year, the bank had BAM 147 million in active loans in projects related to renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and other initiatives contributing to a greener and more efficient economy. In mid-2025, we were the first in Bosnia and Herzegovina to publish a free CBAM guide, helping domestic companies understand and align with the new European regulation on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, thereby facilitating their preparation for operating in the EU market.
At the beginning of the year, a solar power plant was installed on the façade of the bank’s Head Office building in Sarajevo, which will cover part of our electricity needs. This project has both symbolic and practical value, as it demonstrates that every institution can make a concrete contribution to reducing emissions and advancing the energy transition.
Ultimately, we believe that Bosnia and Herzegovina has the knowledge, capacities, and technologies to follow good practices from other countries and transform into a cleaner and more efficient economy. The issue of pollution in cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina is particularly important, as addressing it would bring immeasurable health and economic benefits to society as a whole. We strive to be an active part of that solution.
Finally, what does ProCredit Bank see as its key role in the period ahead, and where will this focus be most visible?
First and foremost, we would like to thank our clients, partners, and institutions for their cooperation and trust. ProCredit Bank will remain consistent in its mission to be a reliable partner to companies and citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to lead digital transformation, and to support economic development, with a focus on the green transition and market competitiveness. What drives us is the belief that the financial sector can be a space where better companies, stronger markets, and a more responsible society are created.
We extend special thanks to our team, whose expertise, responsibility, and dedication form the foundation of the trust we build with our clients every day. Through a deep understanding of their needs and consistent application of the values we uphold, our employees confirm that the quality of relationships is just as important as the quality of services. Thanks to such commitment, the bank continues to achieve stable growth and long-term development.
In 2026, we plan to further expand digital services, strengthen credit lines for small businesses, and continue educational initiatives related to CBAM and ESG. We are confident that through joint efforts we can make a strong contribution to a stronger economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina and a sustainable future.
