Gent Sejko: Empowering internal audit Special address by Mr Gent Sejko, Governor of the Bank of Albania, at the IIA Albania (Institute of Internal Auditors Albania) International Conference 2026 “Empowering internal audit”, Tirana, 11 May 2026.
Dear participants, Dear Mr Anthony Pugliese, President & CEO, The IIA Global Dear Ms Barlow, CEO, ECIIA Honourable Minister Malaj, Dear representatives of national and international institutions, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great pleasure to address you at this international conference, which is of particular importance for the future of internal auditing in Albania and across the region
The fact that Albania is hosting, for the first time, such high-level representation at the global, European, and national levels in this field is a clear testament to the progress achieved in strengthening institutions, advancing good governance, and reinforcing the transparency framework. I would also like to express my appreciation to the Institute of Internal Auditors Albania (IIA Albania), the Albanian Association of Banks, and the Internal Audit Committee for their active and sustained commitment to strengthening the profession and advancing its standards in our country. The presence today of senior representatives of the Institute of Internal Auditors at both global and European level lends particular significance to this Conference, by helping to build a stronger bridge of cooperation between Albania and the most advanced international practices.
For the Bank of Albania and the broader banking system, internal audit represents a fundamental pillar of financial stability, institutional integrity, and trust. Law on banks and our regulatory framework place particular emphasis on internal governance, risk management, and independent control functions, with internal audit serving as a key mechanism for safeguarding the soundness and sustainability of financial institutions. In a financial environment undergoing rapid…