Interest rates and fees at Bulgarian banks are among the lowest in Europe, and rates did not rise between 2020 and 2025, Petya Dimitrova, chair of the Association of Banks in Bulgaria (ABB), said. She was speaking at the OMFIF financial forum at the Boyana residence in Sofia.

Over the same five years, banks' own capital grew by €5.5bn and the system's assets doubled. Banks have lent more than €30bn, said Dimitrova, who is also chief executive of Postbank.

She said the low rates, which stayed the same despite the shocks of recent years, help businesses, people and the economy as a whole.

To back her point on low fees, Dimitrova cited net interest income. At Bulgarian banks it is 19.5%, against an average of 28.6% in the eurozone.

"Banks have invested 70 percent in capital and in the growth of the Bulgarian economy, and have not taken profits out of Bulgaria," she said.

Dimitrova said banks need a safe, growing economy in which they are a main player. Getting ready for the euro also cost money. Banks put in €250m to adapt their systems to the requirements and move to the new currency without problems.

She described eurozone membership as meeting one of the strategic goals Bulgaria has had. She said it is more than a change of currency. It shows trust in the stability of the economy and the institutions, and that the country can take part in decisions on Europe's future.

She called Europe a continent at a crossroads because of global uncertainty, changes in supply chains, climate change and fast-moving technology. These forces change how firms and states create public value, and how banks work in Europe and around the world.

"In times like these, capital looks for more than just returns. It looks for security, trust and predictability," Dimitrova said.

She sees stable institutions and reliable financial systems as one of the greatest strengths a country can have when competing with others.

The forum was organised by OMFIF, an independent think tank, under the patronage of the Bulgarian National Bank. The ABB is a partner.