Banking/Finance

Lithuania: The Creditor’s Guide to Security Instruments

The due performance of obligations in Lithuania may be secured by various security instruments. Pledge, mortgage, and financial collaterals all create a right in rem for the creditor, i.e., such a security, upon due perfection, becomes enforceable against third parties and withstands bankruptcy, reorganization, and similar procedures of the security provider. Other types of collateral, such as default interest, surety, guarantee, deposits, and other instruments agreed by the parties terminate immediately upon bankruptcy, reorganization, or similar procedures of the security provider.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Investing in B&H from the Banking & Finance Perspective

The banking system of Bosnia and Herzegovina incorporates the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina, commercial banks, and other financial institutions. The Central Bank defines and controls the implementation of the monetary policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and assists and maintains appropriate payment and accounting systems. It also coordinates the activities of the banking agencies of the B&H entities (hereinafter: regulators), which are responsible for issuing licenses for the operation and supervision of banks.

Latvia: At the Forefront in Provision of European Crowdfunding Services

At the end of 2021, the Regulation (EU) 2020/1503 of the European Parliament and of the Council of October 7, 2020, on European crowdfunding service providers for business (EU Crowdfunding Regulation) entered into force. In light of the regulatory requirements, existing crowdfunding platforms with prior authorizations under national rules shall receive authorization under the new regulatory framework by November 10, 2023.

Hungary: Financing for Agriculture

Hungary’s agricultural sector has a rich historical tradition but faces challenges due to insufficient financing. The European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) provides funding for farm restructuring and market support, while Hungarian farmers can seek financing from banks and cooperatives. The Hungarian government has also established various programs to provide financing for agriculture, including subsidies for machinery and technology investments and funding for training.

Czech Republic: Upcoming New Administrative Obligations for Payment Service Providers

The Czech government is introducing new requirements and obligations for payment service providers based on the latest EU legislation. The new rules are expected to take effect from January 2024 and the legislative process is underway.

Serbia: Financial and Banking Market Overview

Serbia’s banking sector faces another year of challenges. Global inflation in 2023, compared to the last quarter of 2022, records a slight slowdown, but one thing is indisputable – the main challenge in 2023, and not only in the banking sector, is the war in Ukraine.

North Macedonia: Conversion of Third-Party Loans into Share Capital Contributions in Trade Companies

Before the introduction of the latest amendments to the Company Law of the Republic of North Macedonia (Company Law) on April 29, 2022, it stipulated that only loans provided by sole shareholders to their companies may be converted into share capital. The practice of conversion overseen by the Central Registry of North Macedonia (CRM) was strict. For example, loans taken over by the shareholder from the companies of the same group were considered ineligible for conversion.