Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Retail Trade and Banking Sectors Show Growth Amid Grey‑List Scrutiny

The retail trade sector in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded revenue of 36.74 billion KM in 2025, an 84 % increase since 2016, according to an analysis by the Financial‑Information Agency (FIA). The sector employs 89,191 workers – about 24.2 % of all employees in the Federation – and generated a net profit of 1.79 billion KM. Wholesale accounts for more than half of sector revenue, while exports represent only 2.6 %, highlighting room for expansion. Federal Minister of Trade Amir Hasičević said the ministry will use the FIA data to improve sector regulation, including a forthcoming law on online shopping.

Following Bosnia and Herzegovina’s placement on the anti‑money‑laundering “grey list,” the country’s central bank, deposit‑insurance agency and entity banking regulators issued a joint statement assuring the public that the banking system remains fully stable, liquid and adequately capitalised. Deposits are fully protected and the convertible mark stays pegged to the euro. The agencies warned that the grey‑list status could lead to stricter checks on international transactions, longer processing times and higher administrative costs, but emphasized that the domestic financial system itself is not responsible for the listing.