Slovenia

According to Kepios, 90% of Slovenians had access to the internet in 2022. Of all Slovenian citizens using the internet, 57% use the internet for online banking, which is 9% below the EU average. Additionally, Slovenia ranks 9th in the integration of digital technologies and 13th for digital public services among EU countries.  

Slovenia falls under the PSD2 legislation. PSD2 is a European Directive that regulates electronic payment services and was implemented in all EEA countries in 2016 and went live in September 2019. 

The EU Commission has announced its intention to adopt an Open Finance regulatory framework.

According to The Global Findex Database, 99% of Slovenia adults had bank accounts in 2021. 

Slovenia is prioritising developing the startup ecosystem, and the public sector focuses on improving regulations and making sure entrepreneurs have suitable conditions for innovation. 

Slovenia has transformed into a startup hub in recent years. The Slovenian startup ecosystem is focused particularly on Fintech and cryptocurrency. 

There are 36 Fintech startups in Ljubljana. With the country prioritising developing the startup ecosystem, the country has become a suitable ecosystem for Fintech and cryptocurrency, as well as active efforts from the public sector to improve regulations and make sure entrepreneurs have better conditions for innovation. 

Slovenia ranks 17th in human capital among EU countries in the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) 2022. The human capital measures digital skills, the proportion of employed people working as ICT specialists, female ICT specialists, and enterprises offering ICT training.

Banka Slovenije has introduced the Fintech Innovation Hub, which is a dedicated, single point of contact for the exchange of information related to innovative business models and for clarification of regulatory requirements from the areas within the competence of Banka Slovenije. It targets Fintechs that are interested in regulatory requirements they will need to fulfil to provide services in Slovenia or within the European Economic Area.