Banking sector issues in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovakia

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, specifically within Republika Srpska, banks reported a net profit of 165 million KM during the first half of the year. Critics argue that these profits are driven by high non-interest income, such as transaction fees, account maintenance charges, and credit processing costs, rather than traditional lending. Some economists have characterized the banking market as a cartel due to the high similarity in fee structures across different institutions.

In Slovakia, legal warnings have been issued regarding ATM errors. If an ATM dispenses more cash than requested, users are advised to contact their bank immediately. Under Slovak law, retaining excess funds can lead to fines ranging from 1,400 to 2,000 euros, or even criminal prosecution for larger amounts. Banks can track these discrepancies through transaction logs and physical cash audits.