CBCG: We have no jurisdiction to implement the Law on Identity Cards

The Central Bank of Montenegro (CBCG) announced today that it has no jurisdiction over the implementation of the Law on Identity Cards.

Vijesti reported earlier today that the Central Bank of Montenegro sent a preventive warning to commercial banks (credit institutions), urging them not to inform clients that they will be denied access to money if they do not submit a new ID card, emphasizing that this is a legal obligation, not a measure by the supreme monetary institution.

This warning came after the CBCG received a large number of complaints from clients regarding bank notifications about possible account blocking, which were presented to them, as stated in the warning, as a measure by the CBCG.

"Understanding the concerns of citizens and the doubts caused by certain interpretations regarding the obligation to replace ID cards, as well as the difficulties that this obligation may cause in using banking services, and for the sake of clarification, we remind you that the Central Bank of Montenegro (CBCG) does not have jurisdiction over the implementation of the Law on ID Cards," the CBCG statement states.

The institution added that the Law on Identity Cards, which establishes that identity cards issued under the previous law will cease to be valid on September 30, 2025, falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP).

"In accordance with the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism, which is also under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of the Interior, the Central Bank supervises the implementation of this law by entities to which the Central Bank of Montenegro has issued an operating license, including banks. The obligation of banks under the Law on the Prevention of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism is to identify clients in cases and in the manner prescribed by that law. We also remind you that a personal document for the purposes of this Law is considered an identity card, passport and other documents prescribed by law. Client identification also provides additional protection against possible abuse and fraud," the statement reads.

The Central Bank of Montenegro said that they remain fully committed to protecting the interests of citizens and fulfilling their legally prescribed functions, and at the same time that they expect banks to inform their clients about their rights and obligations in a timely and understandable manner, in order to ensure the smooth provision of services to those clients.

"We are aware that citizens may have numerous questions and concerns. The Central Bank of Montenegro is available for any additional clarifications regarding consumer protection and the application of legal obligations in banking operations. For information and support, citizens can contact us via e-mail. zastita.potrosaca@cbcg.me "on weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00," the Central Bank of Montenegro said.