Financial literacy levels low in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Research presented by the Economic Institute Sarajevo and the Banking Agency of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina reveals low levels of financial literacy among adults and high school students in the region.

Findings indicate that adults scored 57.4 out of 100 points in financial literacy. While 84.5% of respondents recognize inflation and 80.7% understand credit interest rates, understanding risk diversification and complex returns remains significantly weak. Furthermore, nearly half (47.1%) of surveyed high school students fall below the basic level of financial literacy.

Experts, including Muamer Halilbašić of the Economic Institute, emphasized the need to integrate financial education into the formal school system starting from primary levels. Officials also noted that approximately 70% of deposits are held in current accounts, suggesting a need for better-structured savings and a wider variety of financial instruments to encourage investment. The research is part of a broader project to develop an Action Plan and educational materials to improve financial literacy across the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.