However, it must be noted that similar problems characterise the other extreme of the financial market, the corporate – or enterprises sector – as we call it in Albania. Bank of Albania surveys show that micro units face shortage of financial resources and have limited access to credit. Thus, more than 1/3 of respondent enterprises consider the low level of access to finance and the cost related to it as the main cause for not expanding the activity. These micro units, which are basically family-run businesses, have a greater need to cooperate with non-bank financial institutions, due to difficulties they have in fulfilling the requirements for collateral or detailed financial documentation, criteria that banks require. This is another argument that leads to the logical conclusion that, in addition to own capital and bank credit, these enterprises would benefit greatly from other segments of the financial market. The low level of financial inclusion of the population is another element that prevents the deepening and expansion of the financial market in Albania. Latest data from the World Development Indicators show that only 38% of adults have an account with a financial institution, while only 6% and 22% of adults have a credit card and a debit card, respectively. Financial inclusion may not be increased only through the banking system. The financial system, especially the capital market and the corporate securities market should play a significant role in increasing financial inclusion.
The new Act empowers BNM to enforce the various provisions of the Act and to date 6 DFIs have been placed under the purview of the Act. DFIs, as a component of the financial sector will continue to play an important role in the socio-economic development of the country, in particular, in providing financing facilities to certain targeted sectors of the economy. Strategies are, therefore, formulated to promote the development of efficient and effective DFIs. The ultimate objective for the DFIs is to achieve their mandated functions at minimum cost to the Government. Moving forward, the focus will be on strengthening the overall financial and structural capacity as well as improving the operational efficiency of the DFIs. Bank Negara Malaysia's financial position in 2001, has been examined and certified by the Auditor General. Total assets of BNM rose to RM149.7 billion as at end 2001 (RM148.9 billion at end-2000). The major increase in assets is attributed to an increase in international reserves. BNM's international reserves increased to RM117.2 billion $ billion) as at end-2001. BNM registered a net profit of RM0.7 billion in 2001 for the financial year ended 31 December 2001. BNM declared a dividend of RM0.5 billion to the Government for the year 2001. BIS Review 21/2002  5