Representatives of the Albanian Financial Supervisory Authority (AFSA) visit Hanfa
Representatives of the Albanian Financial Supervisory Authority (AFSA) paid a study visit to the Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency (Hanfa) on 14 and 15 July 2026, marking a continuation of the long-standing and successful cooperation between the two institutions.
During the two-day visit, experts from Hanfa and AFSA exchanged knowledge and experience regarding the legislative and regulatory framework governing the insurance market, including recovery and resolution of insurance companies, as well as regulatory and supervisory issues relating to the capital market, investment firms and investment funds. Particular attention was paid to Hanfa’s experience in aligning national legislation governing insurance companies, UCITS and alternative investment funds, and the capital market with the EU acquis, as well as to the development of supervisory practices.
Cooperation between the two institutions is based on the Memorandum of Understanding and has been successfully implemented for many years through activities financed by the European Union programmes, as well as through bilateral initiatives.
As part of the visit, Hanfa representatives met with the AFSA delegation, comprising General Executive Director Adela Xhemali, Deputy Executive Director Merita Gurabardhi, and Adviser to the General Executive Director Artur Tomini. During the meeting, participants discussed strategic priorities, ongoing regulatory reforms and challenges in financial market supervision, as well as opportunities to further strengthen cooperation between the two institutions.
On the occasion, Anamarija Staničić, Deputy President of Hanfa Board, highlighted the importance of continuous cooperation among supervisory authorities in the region: “The exchange of regulatory and supervisory experience is an important tool for strengthening institutional capacities and fostering the development of stable financial markets. Hanfa remains committed to providing expert support to partner institutions, particularly those in the region that are advancing towards the European regulatory and supervisory framework. We are pleased that, together with the Albanian Financial Supervisory Authority, we have been building a meaningful and productive partnership for many years, and we are confident that meetings such as this will contribute to its further development.”
AFSA General Executive Director Adela Xhemali thanked Hanfa for its hospitality and the successful organisation of the study visit, emphasising the importance of cooperation with partner institutions in Albania’s EU accession process: “Cooperation and knowledge-sharing with partner authorities such as HANFA are of great importance in supporting the alignment of Albania’s supervisory framework with EU standards and best practices. We highly value HANFA’s openness and support, which further strengthen the close and constructive cooperation between our institutions.”
This study visit further demonstrates Hanfa’s commitment to providing technical assistance and sharing expertise, particularly with institutions from EU candidate countries. Through such activities, Hanfa continues to contribute to the strengthening of the regulatory and supervisory capacities of its partner institutions.
