The RS Banking Agency is hiding information from the public in the Bobar Bank case

Banja Luka, 20. January 2015 – Transparency International Bosnia and Herzegovina is conducting research activities to determine what the Banking Agency of Republika Srpska has done to prevent the establishment of an interim administration and the consequent revocation of Bobar banka ad Bijeljina’s operating license.

TI BiH sent a request for access to information to the RS Banking Agency, requesting information on all data, facts and information that the Agency proves that it has previously taken action in the Bobar Bank case. Although we have been informed that such information exists, ie that this case was handled earlier, the Agency refused to provide the information, emphasizing that it is an official secret.

TI BiH also asked the RS Banking Agency to submit a report on the financial condition and prospects of Bobar banka ad Bijeljina, but also a final report on the course of the interim administration procedure and its termination, with an explanation of the measures implemented in the interim administration procedure. The mentioned reports had to be made according to the Law on the Banking Agency, and the liquidation procedure could be proposed only on the basis of the report on the financial condition and perspective of the bank. To date, the disputed reports have not been submitted and presented to the public, although the public claims the right to possess them, because only on the basis of them can the work of the interim administrator be assessed, who is now also the liquidation manager.

Given the damage to the financial system and economy of Republika Srpska, but also to justified suspicions of abuse, as well as widespread mistrust among citizens and users of financial services, the RS Banking Agency is obliged to disclose to the public all measures previously taken. undertaken according to Bobar banka ad Bijeljina. The Law on Freedom of Access to Information of the Republika Srpska has placed a justified public interest above protected values, such as an official secret, and TI BiH believes that in the case of Bobar banka ad Bijeljina the public has the right to know what has been done by ceding all official acts.

Transparency International BiH will continue to insist on the publicity of the work of the RS Banking Agency and its management, but also on determining responsibility in the Bobar Bank case using all available legal means.

Press rls – 20 1 2015 doc