New lending to the economy returned to growth in September. According to data from the Bank of Albania, new credit amounted to Lek 35.2 billion, an increase of 2.9% compared to the same period a year earlier.

In total, for the first nine months of 2026, the banking sector extended Lek 336.8 billion in credit to the economy - an increase of 9.8% compared to the same period last year.

The volume of new credit disbursed by the banking sector this year has reached historic highs, with growth rates comparable to those of the previous year.

However, these lending figures are not adjusted for exchange rate effects. Given that the Euro-Lek exchange rate has been declining at a faster pace this year, its negative impact on lending denominated in the European currency is more pronounced.

The primary driver of market growth this year continues to be the individual (retail) segment. During the nine months, banks disbursed a total of Lek 95.4 billion in loans to individuals - an increase of 17.3% compared to the same period a year earlier. Lending to individuals is growing at a faster pace within the consumer credit segment; meanwhile, housing loans have also returned to growth, following a slowdown earlier in the year.

Over the first nine months, new housing loans increased by 6.8% compared to the previous year.

Lending to the business sector is also showing positive growth, albeit at a slower pace. During these nine months, banks extended a total of Lek 223.2 billion in credit to private enterprises - an 8% increase compared to the same period last year. However, in September, the volume of new business credit slowed to Lek 22.1 billion, a 10% decrease compared to September of the previous year. Lending to the economy continues to grow, as measured by the total outstanding loan balance.