From risk to resilience: Strengthening integrity, trade and investment in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The conference, hosted by Bosnia's Security Ministry alongside the International Governance and Risk Institute (GovRisk), comes at a critical juncture for the nation’s financial credibility. Backed by partners including BH Telecom, AmCham, UNDP, and the GIZ-funded EU4FAST project, the event focuses on the MONEYVAL assessment and the mounting risk of international sanctions.

A threat to stability

Dr. Vjekoslav Vukovic, Vice President of the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH, has issued a stark warning regarding the potential for long-term economic paralysis. He noted that failure to adopt key anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) laws would trigger a significant slowdown in international financial transactions.

"Exporters are particularly at risk, given that more than 73% of BiH’s total exports go to the European Union market," Vukovic stated. He warned that increased bank oversight and extended payment deadlines could lead to contract terminations and a loss of market competitiveness. For ordinary citizens, the consequences are equally grave, with the potential for rising prices, higher interest rates, and disrupted remittances from abroad.

High-level collaboration

The summit features a prominent roster of speakers, including Minister of Justice Davor Bunoza, Deputy Minister of Security Ivica Bošnjak, and Amel Kovačević, General Manager of BH Telecom. Panel discussions will include Srđan Šuput, Director of the Banking Agency of Republika Srpska, and Edis Ražanica, Director of the Banking Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Dominic Le Moignan, Executive Director of GovRisk, expressed his commitment to supporting local institutions. "The summit will drive practical, solutions-focused dialogue on strengthening the AML/CFT framework ahead of the next FATF plenary," Le Moignan said. He emphasized that effective legislation is vital to protecting the financial system and reinforcing investor confidence under the incumbent US administration.

Strategic objectives

The program is structured around three primary pillars:

• MONEYVAL priorities: Assessing compliance risks and the roles of financial intelligence and tax authorities.
• Economic impact: Analyzing the direct effects of greylisting on trade, foreign investment, and the broader financial sector.
• Policy responses: Developing public-private perspectives on implementing MONEYVAL recommendations.

A press point will be held during the event, featuring statements from senior officials and international partners, including the EU Delegation, UNDP, and the U.S. Department of State (INL). The ultimate goal remains a coordinated response that secures Bosnia’s status as a trusted global trade partner.