The National Bank of Serbia (NBS) has revoked Alta Bank’s operating licence after a significant deterioration in its financial position and growing liquidity problems, triggering bankruptcy proceedings and an investigation into suspected irregularities in its operations.
According to the NBS, the bank had been facing liquidity difficulties for some time, prompting the central bank to introduce measures aimed at improving its financial position. However, its condition continued to deteriorate, creating risks for depositors and the stability of its operations. Following the withdrawal of its licence, the Deposit Insurance Agency took over the administration of the bank, while payment services, card transactions and branch operations were suspended.
The case has also prompted an investigation by Serbia’s Organised Crime Prosecutor’s Office, which is examining suspected transfers of funds abroad and the possible conversion of dinar deposits into euros.
The NBS filed a criminal complaint against Alta Bank and several responsible individuals on 30 October. The prosecutor’s office has requested that the police investigate the bank’s business activities, as well as the conduct of individuals within the central bank. The allegations have not yet been established, and the investigation is ongoing.
Deposits of up to €50,000 per depositor are protected under Serbia’s deposit insurance scheme. The Deposit Insurance Agency is responsible for organising compensation for eligible customers, with payments expected to begin following the formal opening of bankruptcy proceedings. The case is particularly significant given the bank’s size: Alta Bank reported total assets of approximately RSD 214.9 billion at the end of July 2026, equivalent to around €1.84 billion, and accounted for just under 3% of Serbia’s banking sector assets.
