On 3 November 2025, the Association of Financial Organizations at the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Balkan University (IBU), acting through the Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences. The Memorandum was signed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liza Alili Sulejmani, Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Administrative Sciences at IBU, and Mr. Blagoja Ustijanoski, President of the Association of Financial Organizations at the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia.

The purpose of the Memorandum is to deepen the already established cooperation between the Association and the University, and to ensure greater interaction between practice and theory in the fields of education, specialized training, and research and analytical work. The partnership also aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the practical needs of the financial sector, with a focus on areas such as banking, finance, fintech, and financial management.

During the signing, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liza Alili Sulejmani and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elena Parnardjieva Stanoevska, in the presence of Mr. Ustijanoski and Ms. Antoneta Manova Stavreska, Head of the Association, engaged in a discussion to define the framework for potential cooperation. The dialogue particularly emphasized the development of specialized training programs, joint research initiatives, and analytical activities aimed at advancing financial education and promoting greater financial inclusion. Additionally, the partnership will provide students with opportunities for internships, guest lectures, and collaborative research projects, while also exploring the development of specialized courses tailored to the needs of the financial industry.

The Association of Financial Organizations represents the interests of its members, including: all banks, all savings houses, 8 of 11 non-life insurance companies, 4 of 5 life insurance companies, 5 of 7 leasing companies, 22 of 26 non-bank financial companies, all 4 pension fund management companies, and 35 insurance brokerage firms.

The Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, founded in 1922, is the leading independent business association in the country, representing a broad spectrum of sectors and industries. Its member companies generate half of the total revenue of the private sector and nearly half of its net profit, employing one out of every three workers in the private sector.