Montenegro to issue new retail bonds via digital platform

Montenegro's Minister of Finance, Novica Vuković, announced plans to issue new retail bonds to encourage domestic market growth and direct liquid assets toward national development. Speaking at the Montenegro Financial Markets conference in Podgorica, Vuković noted that the initial 50 million EUR pilot bond issuance saw high demand.

To facilitate future issuances, the Ministry is developing a digital platform and mobile application. This system will allow citizens to easily apply for and manage their bonds. Vuković mentioned that Montenegro is collaborating with the Croatian Ministry of Finance to prepare this digital system.

The initiative aims to tap into the approximately 2.5 billion EUR in liquid funds held by citizens in commercial banks without undermining the banking sector's stability. Vuković emphasized a strategic approach to managing public debt, noting the importance of entering the market when investor appetite is high rather than solely when funds are urgently required.