Alta Banka Payouts: Over 7% of Insured Funds Paid in Under Two Days

Banka Poštanska štedionica had paid out more than 7% of the funds set aside for insured depositors of the bankrupt Alta banka within two days of starting, the state-owned bank said on Saturday, 14 November, as reported by Tanjug. By Saturday's cut-off, 7.27% of the money earmarked for dinar payments and 7.74% of that for euro payments had been paid in cash or by transfer. Depositors had booked 17,789 payout appointments through the bank's online portal. The money comes from the Deposit Insurance Agency, which runs the bankruptcy.

How the first day went

Payouts began at 9:00 on Friday, 13 November, at 57 Poštanska štedionica branches across Serbia. Ivan Bojičić of Poštanska štedionica told RTS that just under 1,300 depositors, about 2% of all Alta banka depositors, were paid on the first day, and that everyone who came to a branch during working hours was served. By then nearly 17,000 depositors, more than a quarter of those entitled, had registered. Branches stayed open longer on Friday, and the bank said it may extend hours again if needed. Clients must first book an appointment online.

Who is covered and the deadline

Deposits are insured up to 50,000 euros per depositor. The scheme covers individuals, entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium-sized companies, who can claim the insured amount until 3 November 2029, so there is no need to rush to a branch.

Certificates for depositors without documents

From Monday, 16 November, Alta banka in bankruptcy will issue certificates confirming that a person held an account at the bank, for depositors who lack the original documents needed to prove their claim, Beta reported via RTS. They can be collected at Bulevar Zorana Đinđića 121 in New Belgrade on weekdays from 9:00 to 15:00.

Background

Alta banka has been in bankruptcy since 3 November. Its owner, Dejan Macura, is in pre-trial detention; he has not been charged in court and is presumed innocent. The National Bank of Serbia has also revoked the exchange licence of the wider Alta Group.