After the privatization process of the former Savings Bank was over and a 100% of its stock was transferred to the Raiffeisen International Bank Holding AG in August, the capital ownership structure during that period underwent significant changes, having the share of “domestic government capital” estimated at 6% from 32.1% at end of 2003, and the “domestic capital” at 12.75 from 35.15% it was in the same period of the previous year. 2  BIS Review 115/2006  Figure1: Banking system capital ownership structure in years 1  Recently, the improved climate for the development of business and the economy, the Savings Bank’s privatization from the Raiffeisen Bank, the macroeconomic stability, and the low inflation, have all led to rapid development of the banking system. Hence, we can highlight that: •  1  During 2005 and onwards, considerable developments have occurred. The system was more oriented towards the lending activity. The latter one constituted 26% of the portfolio, from 16% in the same previous year period. In 2005, the outstanding credit of the banking system increased by ALL 57.6 billion 2 or 82%, from ALL 19.3 billion or 38% in the previous year. In the meantime, the significant growth rate of the outstanding credit compared to end of 2004 has been reflected even in the changed credit structure by terms.
BIS Review 115/2006  5  Hence, the Albanian banking system is presented as safe, sound, under a constant reformation and consolidation process, passing into a qualitatively new stage, which will provide the business and bank customers with a modern banking service that aims at achieving the levels and standards of Western banks. 6  BIS Review 115/2006