The Macedonian National Bank has placed Alta Banka AD Bitola under administration for a period of three months. The measures include restrictions on payments for individuals and companies, a prohibition on the early withdrawal of deposits, and the transfer of management to three appointed administrators. The decision, issued on November 1, 2026, cites circumstances that could seriously jeopardize the bank’s solvency, specifically, its ability to meet its financial obligations.
For individuals, outgoing domestic transactions are capped at a total of MKD 10,000 per client per calendar week. This limit applies collectively to all transactions covered by the restriction, rather than serving as an allowance for each individual transaction.
The decision provides for two exceptions: payments to other parties who hold accounts at Alta Banka itself, and payments made to settle obligations owed to the bank.
Consequently, the payment of bills and other obligations to recipients at a different bank is subject to the weekly limit. If the recipient holds an account at Alta Banka, the transaction falls under the aforementioned exceptions.
For legal entities, outgoing transactions are prohibited, with the exception of payments to other parties holding accounts at the same bank and the settlement of obligations owed to the bank. All outward payments to foreign countries are also prohibited, with the exception of transactions permitted under the written instructions and directives of the Executive Board of the National Bank.
The decision declares null and void all previously submitted payment orders with future dates that were issued prior to its receipt. Furthermore, the withdrawal of deposits prior to their maturity date is not permitted.
The measures also extend to lending activities. Disbursements based on previously approved credit exposures, the approval of new credit exposures, and the extension of the maturity periods of existing exposures are prohibited.
Ilija Andovski, Vesna Stojchevska, and Marija Todorovska, all employees of the National Bank, have been appointed as administrators. They assume the powers of the Supervisory Board, the Management Board, and the Shareholders’ Assembly, with the exception of decisions regarding capital increases.
The three individuals hold equal authority, and Andovski is authorized to sign decisions arising from the administration process. Within 21 days of their appointment, they are required to assess the situation at the bank and submit a report to the Executive Board of the National Bank.