Question 1

What is Universal Investment Bank?

Accepted Answer

Universal Investment Bank (UNI Bank), officially Univerzalna Investiciona Banka AD Skopje, is a mid-sized commercial bank operating in North Macedonia. Established in 1993, the bank provides a comprehensive range of retail and business banking services to individuals and corporate customers in North Macedonia.

As of 2024, Universal Investment Bank ranks as the 7th largest bank in North Macedonia by total assets, holding 28,062.77 million MKD (approximately 456 million EUR) in assets, representing a 3.40% market share. The bank is a member of First Investment Bank Group (Bulgaria) and is listed on the Macedonian Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "UNI."

Question 2

When was Universal Investment Bank founded?

Accepted Answer

Universal Investment Bank was established in 1993 under the name Balkanska Banka AD Skopje. At registration, the bank was authorized to perform all banking activities under the Banking Law of North Macedonia.

In 2003, the bank underwent significant ownership transformation and recapitalization through a new share issue totaling EUR 2.0 million, which changed the bank's share capital structure by 78.8%. As part of this transformation, the bank was renamed Universal Investment Bank AD Skopje (UNI Bank) and adopted a new strategic direction focused on improving operations and expanding services.

The bank transitioned from a small to medium-sized bank classification in 2006 and has continued to grow its market presence, achieving the highest growth rate in the banking sector (26%) in 2018.

Question 3

Where is Universal Investment Bank headquartered?

Accepted Answer

Universal Investment Bank is headquartered in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, with its main office located at St. Maksim Gorki 6, 1000 Skopje. The bank operates under the supervision and regulation of the National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia.

From its Skopje headquarters, the bank coordinates its network of branches and manages its retail and corporate banking operations throughout the country.

Question 4

Where does Universal Investment Bank operate?

Accepted Answer

Universal Investment Bank operates throughout North Macedonia, serving customers through its branch network located in major cities and commercial centers across the country. The bank's headquarters in Skopje serves as the hub for its nationwide operations.

The bank maintains a network of branches, ATMs, and service points strategically positioned to serve both urban and regional markets within North Macedonia. As a member of the First Investment Bank Group, UNI Bank benefits from regional banking expertise and cross-border banking relationships within Southeast Europe.

Question 5

What services does Universal Investment Bank offer?

Accepted Answer

Universal Investment Bank offers a comprehensive suite of banking products and services:

Retail Banking: Current accounts, savings accounts, time deposits, debit cards, credit cards, consumer loans, car loans, mortgage loans, housing loans, and overdraft facilities. The bank also provides safe deposit boxes for secure storage of valuables.

Business Banking: Corporate accounts, commercial lending, trade finance, treasury services, and cash management solutions for businesses of all sizes. The bank has established relationships with strategic corporate clients and serves SMEs throughout North Macedonia.

Investment and Treasury Services: In 2019, UNI Bank made a pioneering move in the Macedonian financial market by issuing the first perpetual bond, followed by a successful second perpetual bond issuance in 2022. The bank also offers private equity instruments and investment products.

Specialized Services: In 2021, UNI Bank became the first bank in the Macedonian market to offer trading in investment gold, providing customers with access to precious metal investments.

Payment Services: International and domestic payment operations, money transfers including MoneyGram services, foreign exchange transactions, and payment card processing.

Digital Banking: Online banking platform and mobile applications enabling customers to manage accounts, transfer funds, and access banking services remotely.

Question 6

What makes Universal Investment Bank unique?

Accepted Answer

Universal Investment Bank distinguishes itself through several pioneering achievements in the North Macedonian banking sector. The bank was the first in Macedonia to issue a perpetual bond (2019), demonstrating its innovative approach to capital markets and funding diversification.

In 2021, UNI Bank became the first bank in the Macedonian market to introduce trading in investment gold, expanding the range of investment products available to customers beyond traditional banking services. These innovations reflect the bank's commitment to bringing new financial instruments and services to the domestic market.

The bank has received multiple recognitions for its performance, including the "Best Bank of the Year" award in financial services from the European Business Assembly (Oxford, England, 2013), and acknowledgment for the best bank with smaller assets in Macedonia from Finance Central Europe magazine (London, 2008). UNI Bank also received recognition in 2020 for its special contribution to the development of the Faculty of Economics - Skopje.

As a member of the First Investment Bank Group, UNI Bank benefits from regional expertise, enhanced capital strength, and cross-border banking capabilities while maintaining its local market focus and identity.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Universal Investment Bank?

Accepted Answer

Universal Investment Bank is a commercial bank (Akcionarsko Društvo - AD, or joint-stock company) operating under the full supervision of the National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia. As a licensed commercial bank, UNI Bank is authorized to perform all banking activities permitted under North Macedonia's Banking Law.

The bank participates in the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF), which protects deposits up to 30,000 EUR per depositor in accordance with North Macedonia's deposit guarantee scheme. The bank's shares are publicly traded on the Macedonian Stock Exchange's official market, listed under mandatory listing requirements for companies with special reporting obligations.

UNI Bank operates with a three-digit bank sort code (240) used for domestic payment transactions within North Macedonia's banking system. The bank's SWIFT/BIC code is UIBMMK22, and its LEI is 485100SS4O8FAV63WY17. As a regulated commercial bank, UNI Bank provides services to both retail customers (individuals) and corporate clients (legal entities), offering a full spectrum of banking products across retail and business banking segments.

Universal Investment Bank

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About Universal Investment Bank in North Macedonia