On June 25, 2026, Jet Bank officially began operations and released its mobile application, becoming Albania’s first fully digital-only bank. Licensed and supervised by the Bank of Albania, the institution was built from the ground up on Backbase’s AI-native Banking OS, marking a notable step forward for financial services in the Western Balkans.
The bank received its license in March 2026 as a greenfield project rather than through acquisition.
A team of approximately 70 professionals then developed and deployed the complete digital platform in just six months—a timeline far shorter than the years typically required for such projects.
By using Backbase’s unified system, Jet Bank avoided the complications of outdated legacy code that many established banks still manage. Interest in the new offering has been robust.
More than 75,000 people joined a pre-launch waiting list, highlighting strong demand in a market that has historically relied heavily on cash. New customers are now being invited to activate their accounts progressively.
Everything from account opening to daily management happens remotely through a mobile-first interface, with core banking functions operating in real time.At launch, Jet Bank customers can open and handle multi-currency current accounts, savings accounts, and term deposits.
They can also set up personalized savings targets via JetPlans, order virtual or physical debit cards, and complete foreign exchange transactions directly in the app.
Live chat and secure messaging provide support within the same platform. Additional products, including loans and credit cards, are scheduled for rollout in the coming months, alongside expanded conversational and agentic AI features.
Jet Bank CEO Fatbardha Rino explained that the decision to launch in Albania reflected confidence in the country’s economic potential, its people, and its entrepreneurial spirit.
The bank was designed around simplicity, accessibility, and advanced technology to help customers regain time and control over their finances.
The partnership with Backbase made it possible to reach the market quickly while maintaining a clear path for ongoing improvements.
Backbase CEO Jouk Pleiter described the achievement as a clear demonstration of what modern banking infrastructure can deliver.
Establishing a fully licensed bank with a small team in such a short period would have been nearly impossible with traditional fragmented systems. Instead, a single AI-native foundation allows customers, staff, and future intelligent agents to work from one consistent environment rather than multiple disconnected channels.
Jet Bank is owned by Jet Holding B.V. in Amsterdam and operates without physical branches.
It emphasizes security, regulatory compliance, and transparency while aiming to combine local market needs with established European banking practices.
The launch underscores a broader shift toward digital-first models that can scale efficiently and adapt rapidly to new technologies.
By delivering a streamlined, branchless experience from day one, Jet Bank positions itself to serve Albanian consumers seeking greater convenience and modern financial tools.
The development process also illustrates how purpose-built platforms can accelerate the introduction of innovative banking services in emerging digital markets. As more features and AI capabilities come online, the bank is expected to continue evolving its offerings in line with customer needs and technological progress.