Bosnia and Herzegovina banks include commercial banks, international banks and credit unions. It is important to have a good knowledge about the system of banking in Bosnia when you are preparing to do business there if you want to successfully take advantage of what the banks in Bosnia-Herzegovina have to offer.

There are a variety of special issues that you need to address when dealing with banks in Bosnia. Bosnia-Herzegovina is a former Communist country and is part of a region still recovering from extensive warfare in the 90s. Keep in mind that foreigners involved in international banking in Bosnia are subject to government restrictions on foreign investment. There is a great deal of global banking in Bosnia, but foreign investors and business people need to research banking practices thoroughly before they begin.

Keep the following in mind when looking for banks in Bosnia-Herzegovina:

1. Focus on Bosnian commercial banks that will meet your specific needs.

2. Make sure you know the rules for international investing before you bank in Bosnia.

3. Comparing the banks of Bosnia will help you find the right bank out of the many available.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Gather general information about Bosnian banks

Information about the banking industry and general financial state of Bosnia-Herzegovina can be found from the Bosnian government.

I recommend: The Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Investment Bank of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina provide national banking information. The Banking Agency of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the government’s official site for banking news, regulations and publications.

Use a list of banks in Bosnia in order to know which banks will best suit your needs

With banks of many different types, it is important to make a knowledgeable choice before banking in Bosnia.

I recommend: The Bosnian Central Bank and the Banking Agency of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina both offer a reliable list of banks in Bosnia. Be careful when using other lists, as many banks in Bosnia have closed in recent years and the lists may not offer the most up-to-date information.

Find out about regulations on foreign banking and investing in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Bosnia-Herzegovina has a generally open policy for foreign investment, with many foreign-owned banks and multiple free-trade agreements (mostly with Western Europe).

I recommend: The Foreign Investment Promotion Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina provides extensive information about all aspects of doing business in Bosnia, including details of financial regulations. SendMoneyHome.org offers detailed information on sending money to Bosnia, especially from Western Europe.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember that banking in Bosnia is still rebuilding from earlier wars and make your financial plans accordingly.