Publication:
The Retail Payment Costs and Savings in Albania

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Files in English
English PDF (832.65 KB)
486 downloads
English Text (171.92 KB)
60 downloads
Date
2018-06
ISSN
Published
2018-06
Editor(s)
Abstract
This report is based on a study of the costs and savings of retail payments in Albania using a methodology (A Practical Guide for Measuring Retail Payment Costs) developed by the World Bank’s Payment Systems Development Group, part of the Financial Inclusion, Infrastructure, and Access at the Finance, Competitiveness, and Innovation Global Practice. By applying this methodology to Albania, the study aims to establish a sound economic baseline for the national retail payments system in terms of costs of different payment instruments to better guide system development and enable high-impact changes. Moreover, the methodology allows for the development of substitution scenarios (from more costly to less costly retail payment instrument) and the resulting cost savings. It is designed based on four main principles: applicability, comparability, efficiency, and standardization and can be adapted to country-specific circumstances without losing its comparative nature, across time and across countries.
Link to Data Set
Citation
World Bank Group. 2018. The Retail Payment Costs and Savings in Albania. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/30060 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.
Associated URLs
Associated content
Report Series
Other publications in this report series
Journal
Journal Volume
Journal Issue

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

  • Publication
    From Remittances to M-Payments
    (Washington, DC, 2012-10) World Bank
    Retail payment systems play an important role in the smooth functioning of any economy, and thus any inefficiency in the retail payments market can send negative effects cascading throughout the financial realm. The World Bank Global Payment Systems Survey 2010 has shown that inefficiencies persist in the payment systems of many middle-income and low-income countries, with cash continuing to be the most widely used instrument for small-value payments. A number of issues are responsible for this pattern, and the lack of a coherent, holistic strategy for the development of retail payment systems is among the most common. The lessons learned during more than a decade of World Bank Group technical assistance, along with the research findings of other international and national agencies, have been merged into a comprehensive package for the development and reform of the national retail payments system: a) developing a comprehensive national retail payments strategy aims to provide public authorities and market participants with detailed guidance on how to develop and implement a comprehensive, strategic retail payments reform ; b) a practical guide for retail payments stocktaking identifies a methodology for undertaking a detailed stocktaking of a countrys retail payments landscape; c) from remittances to m-payments: Understanding alternative means of payment within the common framework of retail payments system regulation explores the development of a normative framework to underpin an efficient retail payments industry, including the so-called innovative payment mechanisms; and d) innovations in retail payments worldwide: a snapshot: outcomes of the global survey on innovations in retail payments instruments and methods 2010 presents the results of the first World Bank survey among central banks that collected information on innovative retail payment products and programs.
  • Publication
    Financial Sector Assessment Program : Saudi Arabia - CPSS Core Principles for Systematically Important Payment Systems
    (World Bank, Washington, DC, 2011-09) International Monetary Fund; World Bank
    The present document is the assessment of the systemically important payment systems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) based on the CPSS Core Principles for Systemically Important Payment Systems (CPSIPS). The document also contains an analysis of some developmental issues related to the reform of the payments system as a whole. The assessment was conducted in the context of the field mission of the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) Update to the KSA (April 2011). The assessor of the CPSIPS was Massimo Cirasino. The national payments system (NPS) in Saudi Arabia efficiently serves the needs of a broad set of users. In particular, SAMA has implemented a comprehensive and robust infrastructure to support the provision of payment services and products by commercial banks. The infrastructure is primarily concentrated on payments in riyals and comprises the following systems: (i) the Saudi Arabian Riyal Interbank Express (SARIE) real time gross settlement (RTGS) system, which processes a wide range of large-value and small-value payments and provides settlement facilities for a number of clearing systems, as well as for transactions executed at the Tadawul stock exchange; (ii) the check clearing houses operated at SAMA branches; (iii) automated teller machine (ATM) and point-of-sale services provided through Saudi payments network; (iv) electronic bill presentment and payment processed by the national electronic bill presentment and payment service; (v) the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) which provides advanced security facilities; and (vi) the SAMA Joint Network (SJN) providing a highly secured communications network. The NPS in Saudi Arabia is characterized by a high level of standardization.
  • Publication
    Payment Systems Worldwide - A Snapshot : Outcomes of the Global Payment Systems Survey 2010
    (World Bank, Washington, DC, 2011) World Bank
    Global survey outcomes presented in this publication are divided into two main sections: Chapters I through VIII analyze the survey results and identify trends using various variable for cross-country comparisons. In addition to worldwide totals, three broad country characteristics exogenous to payment system development are used as a basis for comparisons: i) level of per capita income; ii) geographical location; iii) population size. Details of the methodology used for the analysis are covered in the Methodological Note. The Appendix contains the full set of countryby- country answers to each of the questions included in the questionnaire.
  • Publication
    Retail Payment Costs and Savings in Kosovo
    (World Bank, Washington, DC: Central Bank of Kosovo, Prishtinë, Kosovë, 2022-02) World Bank; Central Bank of Kosovo (CBK)
    This report is based on a study of the costs of retail payments in Kosovo, using a methodology (A Practical Guide for Measuring Retail Payment Costs) developed by the World Bank's Payment System Development Group (PSDG), part of the Finance, Competitiveness, and Innovation Global Practice. The study is based on survey data, with questionnaires administered to a sample of households and businesses on the demand side, as well as to 9 commercial banks operating in Kosovo; the Central Bank of Kosovo (in its role as currency issuer and as the operator of the Automated Clearing House); 4 money transfer operators; and the Post Office on the supply side. The study aims to establish a sound economic baseline for the national retail payments system regarding the costs of different payment instruments to better guide system development and enable high-impact changes. Efficiency gains resulting from migration to lower-cost retail payment instruments and more efficient use of those instruments could have significant benefits for economic development and growth as the transaction costs of exchanging goods and services are reduced. Lower costs of retail payments can also fundamentally extend the access of electronic payment services to lower-income households and further improve the efficiency of the national payments system as access to modern payment instruments is broadened.
  • Publication
    Innovation in Electronic Payment Adoption
    (World Economic Forum, Geneva and World Bank, Washington, 2016-06) World Bank Group; World Economic Forum
    This report aims to deepen the understanding of barriers to and incentives for the acceptance and use of electronic payments, from the perspective of micro, small and medium retailers (merchants). Developing and accelerating acceptance of electronic payments by these merchants is essential to expanding financial access. A basic transaction account for payments and deposits is considered an entry point to the formal financial system, and can act as a gateway for individuals to adopt other relevant financial services they need to smooth their consumption and manage income shocks. However, equipping individuals with only basic transaction accounts is not sufficient. The use case for payment services becomes increasingly effective as individuals gradually move to a cashless economy, where electronic payments are widely accepted for regular and frequent purchases. The report highlights important dimensions to consider in the efforts to expand electronic payments for merchants.

Users also downloaded

Showing related downloaded files

  • Publication
    World Development Report 1987
    (New York: Oxford University Press, 1987) World Bank
    This report, consisting of two parts, is the tenth in the annual series assessing development issues. Part I reviews recent trends in the world economy and their implications for the future prospects of developing countries. It stresses that better economic performance is possible in both industrial and developing countries, provided the commitment to economic policy reforms is maintained and reinforced. In regard to the external debt issues, the report argues for strengthened cooperation among industrial countries in the sphere of macroeconomic policy to promote smooth adjustment to the imbalances caused by external payments (in developing countries). Part II reviews and evaluates the varied experience with government policies in support of industrialization. Emphasis is placed on policies which affect both the efficiency and sustainability of industrial transformation, especially in the sphere of foreign trade. The report finds that developing countries which followed policies that promoted the integration of their industrial sector into the international economy through trade have fared better than those which insulated themselves from international competition.
  • Publication
    World Development Report 1994
    (New York: Oxford University Press, 1994) World Bank
    World Development Report 1994, the seventeenth in this annual series, examines the link between infrastructure and development and explores ways in which developing countries can improve both the provision and the quality of infrastructure services. In recent decades, developing countries have made substantial investments in infrastructure, achieving dramatic gains for households and producers by expanding their access to services such as safe water, sanitation, electric power, telecommunications, and transport. Even more infrastructure investment and expansion are needed in order to extend the reach of services - especially to people living in rural areas and to the poor. But as this report shows, the quantity of investment cannot be the exclusive focus of policy. Improving the quality of infrastructure service also is vital. Both quantity and quality improvements are essential to modernize and diversify production, help countries compete internationally, and accommodate rapid urbanization. The report identifies the basic cause of poor past performance as inadequate institutional incentives for improving the provision of infrastructure. To promote more efficient and responsive service delivery, incentives need to be changed through commercial management, competition, and user involvement. Several trends are helping to improve the performance of infrastructure. First, innovation in technology and in the regulatory management of markets makes more diversity possible in the supply of services. Second, an evaluation of the role of government is leading to a shift from direct government provision of services to increasing private sector provision and recent experience in many countries with public-private partnerships is highlighting new ways to increase efficiency and expand services. Third, increased concern about social and environmental sustainability has heightened public interest in infrastructure design and performance. This report includes the World Development Indicators, which offer selected social and economic statistics for 132 countries.
  • Publication
    Supporting Youth at Risk
    (World Bank, Washington, DC, 2008) Cohan, Lorena M.; Cunningham, Wendy; Naudeau, Sophie; McGinnis, Linda
    The World Bank has produced this policy Toolkit in response to a growing demand from our government clients and partners for advice on how to create and implement effective policies for at-risk youth. The author has highlighted 22 policies (six core policies, nine promising policies, and seven general policies) that have been effective in addressing the following five key risk areas for young people around the world: (i) youth unemployment, underemployment, and lack of formal sector employment; (ii) early school leaving; (iii) risky sexual behavior leading to early childbearing and HIV/AIDS; (iv) crime and violence; and (v) substance abuse. The objective of this Toolkit is to serve as a practical guide for policy makers in middle-income countries as well as professionals working within the area of youth development on how to develop and implement an effective policy portfolio to foster healthy and positive youth development.
  • Publication
    Europe and Central Asia Economic Update, Fall 2024: Better Education for Stronger Growth
    (Washington, DC: World Bank, 2024-10-17) Izvorski, Ivailo; Kasyanenko, Sergiy; Lokshin, Michael M.; Torre, Iván
    Economic growth in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) is likely to moderate from 3.5 percent in 2023 to 3.3 percent this year. This is significantly weaker than the 4.1 percent average growth in 2000-19. Growth this year is driven by expansionary fiscal policies and strong private consumption. External demand is less favorable because of weak economic expansion in major trading partners, like the European Union. Growth is likely to slow further in 2025, mostly because of the easing of expansion in the Russian Federation and Turkiye. This Europe and Central Asia Economic Update calls for a major overhaul of education systems across the region, particularly higher education, to unleash the talent needed to reinvigorate growth and boost convergence with high-income countries. Universities in the region suffer from poor management, outdated curricula, and inadequate funding and infrastructure. A mismatch between graduates' skills and the skills employers are seeking leads to wasted potential and contributes to the region's brain drain. Reversing the decline in the quality of education will require prioritizing improvements in teacher training, updated curricula, and investment in educational infrastructure. In higher education, reforms are needed to consolidate university systems, integrate them with research centers, and provide reskilling opportunities for adult workers.
  • Publication
    Classroom Assessment to Support Foundational Literacy
    (Washington, DC: World Bank, 2025-03-21) Luna-Bazaldua, Diego; Levin, Victoria; Liberman, Julia; Gala, Priyal Mukesh
    This document focuses primarily on how classroom assessment activities can measure students’ literacy skills as they progress along a learning trajectory towards reading fluently and with comprehension by the end of primary school grades. The document addresses considerations regarding the design and implementation of early grade reading classroom assessment, provides examples of assessment activities from a variety of countries and contexts, and discusses the importance of incorporating classroom assessment practices into teacher training and professional development opportunities for teachers. The structure of the document is as follows. The first section presents definitions and addresses basic questions on classroom assessment. Section 2 covers the intersection between assessment and early grade reading by discussing how learning assessment can measure early grade reading skills following the reading learning trajectory. Section 3 compares some of the most common early grade literacy assessment tools with respect to the early grade reading skills and developmental phases. Section 4 of the document addresses teacher training considerations in developing, scoring, and using early grade reading assessment. Additional issues in assessing reading skills in the classroom and using assessment results to improve teaching and learning are reviewed in section 5. Throughout the document, country cases are presented to demonstrate how assessment activities can be implemented in the classroom in different contexts.