Corporate Social Responsibility

Since its foundation, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been one of the strategic goals and guiding principles of Universal Capital Bank. The Bank implements projects aimed at supporting the community. This business practice has a direct positive impact on employees and working conditions, the local community, and the environment. For this reason, every year the Bank allocates significant funds for various activities, sponsorships, and donations directed toward the most vulnerable social groups.

Since its formation, social responsibility has been deeply embedded in all business processes and every segment of operations. It has become an integral part of the Bank’s business strategy. In addition to philanthropic and socially responsible activities, the Bank recognises the importance of responsible human resource management and strives to provide a working environment where employees are satisfied and work in positions that match their knowledge and skills, with opportunities for further professional and personal development.

Supporting the culture of Montenegro

Universal Capital Bank helps preserve, enhance, and promote cultural heritage. We support cultural events, institutions, and campaigns that bring the values of Montenegro’s rich and diverse domestic and global cultural scene closer to its citizens.

Universal Capital Bank has left a mark on the promotion of the arts through continuous sponsorship of various fields of artistic creation.

The largest donation to culture presented to the City Theatre of Podgorica

Representatives of the City Theatre and Universal Capital Bank signed a four-year general sponsorship agreement. The funds will be allocated to further development and enhancement of the artistic program of the City Theatre, one of the most significant cultural institutions in the City of Podgorica.

The Director of the City Theatre, Ms. Nela Savković-Vukčević, and the Universal Capital Bank Executive Director, Miloš Pavlović, signed the sposonsorship agreement. “The agreement demonstrates a strong commitment to social initiatives and reflects Universal Bank’s respect for culture, which we all know is crucial for raising awareness in every individual. The City Theatre is very important for the cultural identity of both Podgorica and Montenegro, and in order to continue to improve its activities, support such as the one we received from Universal Bank is invaluable. I believe that the Bank’s clients, as well as the Theatre’s audience, will appreciate this dedication to culture and the arts, contributing to the reputation of both institutions and, importantly, to the further promotion of culture as a core aspect of socially responsible business,” emphasised the Director of the City Theatre, Ms. Nela Savković-Vukčević.

With this example, Universal Capital Bank has shown its commitment to the development of culture, —specifically theater in this case—which is a strong indicator of a socially responsible company and one of the best ways for business sector stakeholders to support the work of artistic institutions, as well as the overall cultural scene of the city of Podgorica and Montenegro.

“As a socially responsible bank, we recognise the importance of this institution for Podgorica, as well as for society in Montenegro as a whole, especially in times when values are being diminished. In an era dominated by reality TV shows and everything that surrounds us, it is crucial to support institutions that form the moral backbone of society. For this reason, we have decided to provide our support to the City Theatre in the coming period,” emphasised Universal Capital Bank’s Executive Director, Miloš Pavlović.

Universal Capital Bank supported the Džada Film Fest in Podgorica

“Universal Capital Bank, as a socially responsible company, supports projects that contribute to the promotion of Montenegro’s cultural identity. Džada Film Fest is a promising festival that, through its quality and content, draws attention to the affirmation of young filmmakers. It has become a cult film event in Montenegro. For Universal Capital Bank, supporting culture is one of the key focuses of our socially responsible business strategy. We look forward to creating new cinematic stories and experiences that will enrich our country in every sense,” Bank representatives stated on the occasion.

Supporting the sporting spirit of Montenegro

The Bank traditionally supports both sports and culture as essential pillars of every society. Through assistance to sports clubs and federations, as well as prominent cultural institutions and events, the Bank aims to promote true values that empower and enrich individuals — and, through them, society as a whole.

Universal Capital Bank has also contributed to sports and athletes through its cooperation with the Montenegrin Olympic Committee and the Budućnost Women’s Handball Club.

Universal Capital Bank becomes the official bank of the Montenegrin Olympic Team!

A sponsorship agreement was signed between Universal Capital Bank and the Montenegrin Olympic Committee (COK) at the Bank’s headquarters. In the spirit of the Olympic year, this financial institution has committed to supporting the national team as they prepare for the world’s most prestigious sporting event.

It is of great importance that such a reputable financial institution has joined the sponsorship pool of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee. For years, the COK has been dedicated to providing the best possible conditions for our athletes, and the signing of this agreement with Universal Capital Bank represents yet another step forward. True values are recognised by successful companies in Montenegro — and Universal Capital Bank is certainly one of them.

On behalf of Universal Capital Bank, the agreement was signed by CEO Ms. Danijela Jović and Executive Director Mr. Miloš Pavlović, while the COK President, Mr. Dušan Simonović, signed the agreement on behalf of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee.

“It is always our pleasure and honor to support and promote Montenegrin sports. Through numerous achievements on the international stage, Montenegrin athletes truly reflect the values and potential of Montenegro across all fields. We have made it our mission to stand by our outstanding sportswomen and sportsmen in the past as well. Now, Universal Capital Bank has the special honor of being the only official bank of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee. We wholeheartedly cheer for our Olympians and wish them the best of luck and great success in Tokyo,” said Ms. Danijela Jović, CEO of Universal Capital Bank, on the occasion.

Universal Capital Bank has also proudly served as a friend and partner of our Golden Lionesses – the Women’s National Handball Team of Montenegro.

The sponsorship agreement was signed by Radmila Petrović, President of the Budućnost Women’s Handball Club (ŽRK Budućnost), and Danijela Dimovski Jović, Universal Capital Bank CEO.

Universal Capital Bank will support ŽRK Budućnost in achieving its goals in the DELO EHF Champions League, which, as in previous seasons, remains a top priority for the two-time European champions.

Expressing her gratitude for the support of the new sponsor, Petrović emphasised that it comes at a very important moment and expressed her belief that the cooperation will be mutually beneficial.“We are living in a time when the world, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is also facing a financial crisis. This has resulted in significantly reduced sponsorship funding for sports, along with decreased revenue from other sources, putting many sports organizations in a very difficult position. That’s why the support from Universal Capital Bank is especially valuable. It comes at exactly the right time and confirms that we are partnering with an institution that demonstrates true social responsibility and a genuine commitment to sport. Despite the many challenges we’ve faced this season, we will do our best to achieve our competitive goals — and in doing so, contribute to the high-quality promotion of our new sponsor across the European continent. I believe this is just the beginning of a successful partnership, and that through mutual support, we can accomplish great things together,” said Petrović.

As a socially responsible entity, Universal Capital Bank A.D. Podgorica is committed, among other things, to promoting sports and supporting the development of athletic activities throughout Montenegro. Even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying global economic crisis, Universal Capital Bank made the decision to support the Budućnost Women’s Handball Club by providing timely financial assistance essential for adequate preparation ahead of the 2020/21 handball season.

“With this €50,000 sponsorship, and with the full support of the Bank’s owner, Mr. Petros Stathis, Universal Capital Bank aims to contribute to the continued development of women’s handball in Montenegro — a sport that has proudly represented our country with outstanding results at the 2012 Olympic Games and the European Championship the same year, when our ‘Golden Lionesses’ brought home the most prestigious medals. With the desire to see Montenegro remain at the very top of women’s handball, we are proud to support ŽRK Budućnost and help create the best possible conditions for achieving their competitive goals and representing us in the best possible light at the upcoming European Championship,” stated Danijela Dimovski Jović.

In times of crisis

Our mission is to contribute to the creation of a society in which people are happy, healthy, and courageous—people who believe in themselves and in others. Our vision is a community where everyone feels safe and supported, and where individuals actively work to ensure that others feel the same.

During the state of emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we took all necessary steps to protect our employees, clients, and the wider public from the spread and consequences of the virus. We donated large quantities of medical equipment to Montenegro’s healthcare system, including protective masks, gloves, medical goggles, and significant amounts of COVID-19 testing kits.

For Those Who Always Take Care of Us

Donations from Universal Capital Bank to the Special Hospital for Pulmonary Diseases "Dr. Jovan Bulajić" in Brezovik and the Institute for Childhood Diseases at the Clinical Center of Montenegro

Universal Capital Bank provided a donation to the Special Hospital for Pulmonary Diseases "Dr. Jovan Bulajić" in Brezovik in the form of wheelchairs and hygiene supplies essential for the hospital’s daily operations. Additionally, the Bank donated substantial financial resources to the Institute for Childhood Diseases to support the organisation of a professional development program for Montenegrin doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

Representatives of Universal Capital Bank emphasise that these donations are a continuation of the Bank’s socially responsible approach toward Montenegro’s healthcare system.

“Our primary goal was to respond as quickly as possible to the urgent needs of the Special Hospital for Pulmonary Diseases in Brezovik, but also to send a broader message of solidarity to other companies — a reminder not to forget those who are always there for us. We understand how important healthcare professionals are, and we are fully aware of the value that ongoing education and training bring to the medical field. That is why we are proud to be in a position to offer even a symbolic contribution — one that we hope will support the development of a more advanced and efficient healthcare system in Montenegro.Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, our socially responsible activities have been largely focused on supporting the healthcare sector — and that remains one of the Bank’s priorities this year as well, “,” said Ozana Popović, PR Manager at Universal Capital Bank.Dražen Mijanović, Head of the Polyclinic at the Special Hospital for Pulmonary Diseases “Dr Jovan Bulajić” in Brezovik, expressed his gratitude: “I would like to thank Universal Capital Bank, both on my behalf and on behalf of all our staff at the Polyclinic. This donation has greatly improved our ability to care for patients with severe conditions, while also allowing them faster and more comfortable access to the diagnostic and therapeutic services we offer.”

Dr. Irena Marić, Head of the Pediatric Urology Department at the Institute for Childhood Diseases (IBD), Clinical Center of Montenegro, said: “Our collaboration with Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London began in 2018 through regular visits by professors from GOSH to our institution. We are now taking the next step — the opportunity for our medical staff to undergo training directly at this renowned hospital in London.

We received significant funding for this project from Universal Capital Bank, and we are truly grateful for their support.

This project brings enormous medical, educational, and financial value to our healthcare system. It also presents a unique opportunity for us to be recognized as a leading medical center in the region. Meeting colleagues, establishing further cooperation, and exchanging knowledge and experiences are invaluable for strengthening our team,”, concluded Dr. Marić emphasising  that “Teamwork is essential for a successful and high-quality outcome.”

Caring for the Youngest

Savings accounts opened for children from the Mladost Children's Home in Bijela

Representatives of Universal Capital Bank visited the Mladost Children's Home in Bijela, where they signed agreements to open savings accounts for all residents aged 3 to 5. An amount of €2,000 was deposited into each account and will be term-deposited until the child reaches the age of majority, with the highest interest rate currently offered by the Bank. The funds will be available exclusively to the children in whose names the accounts were opened, and they will be free to use the money for any purpose they choose. The idea behind term-depositing the funds the children reach adulthood is to offer a measure of support at a critical point in their lives — when they leave the security of the home and face independent living, often for the first time.

This initiative, launched by the Bank’s owner, was also supported by employees, who contributed financially to purchase New Year’s gift packages for all the children at the Home. “We want to emphasise that this is only the beginning of Universal Capital Bank’s socially responsible initiatives — and we believe it is a meaningful way to start,” the Bank’s representatives stated.

Improving learning conditions in schools
Donations of office furniture and electronic equipment delivered to primary schools

As part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, Universal Capital Bank donated office furniture and electronic equipment to six primary schools in Montenegro, aiming to improve the learning and working environment for both students and staff.

The donation was delivered to the following institutions: “Radojica Perović” Primary School – Podgorica, “Njegoš” Primary School – Cetinje, “Njegoš” Primary School – Spuž, “Šćepan Đukić” Primary School – Lijeva Rijeka, “Boško Radulović” Primary School – Komani, and “Zarija Vujošević” Primary School – Zeta.

The Headteacher of “Njegoš” Primary School in Spuž expressed her gratitude for the thoughtful support and understanding of their needs:“Our offices and classrooms now radiate a new warmth and positive energy. You’ve enabled us to replace our old, outdated, and worn-out furniture with new, modern pieces — and for that, we are truly thankful.” Mila Čaveluš, Headteacher of “Šćepan Đukić” Primary School in Lijeva Rijeka, expressed her gratitude on behalf of the school’s students and teaching staff for the generous donation and the Bank’s sensitivity toward the needs of both the pupils and the institution: “The donation included cabinets, office desks, chairs, a photocopier, projector, and various other office furniture.

This new equipment will provide a more comfortable and functional workspace for both teachers and students,” she noted. Adriana Aleksić, Headteacher of “Njegoš” Primary School in Cetinje, also thanked Universal Capital Bank for recognising the needs of educational institutions and deciding to direct such a valuable donation to their school as well. “I hope this is just the beginning of a fruitful cooperation, which means a great deal to our school. By investing in education and school infrastructure, we are ultimately investing in the future of our children,” she underlined.

Universal Capital Bank has announced that it will continue its donation program for primary schools, with the aim of improving working conditions in educational institutions—making it easier for students to acquire knowledge and develop their talents in the best possible environment.

Ozana Popović, PR Manager at Universal Capital Bank said that the Bank is looking forward to this cooperation, because as a socially responsible company, they care about the quality of the most important social segment - education, satisfaction and priority. By donating office furniture, we want to support the work of these six educational institutions so that they can continue their engagement towards strengthening the quality of education in Montenegro in a more comprehensive way, said Popović

For the Most Vulnerable

Universal Capital Bank joins the family of voluntary blood donors

“Universal Capital Bank is committed to contributing to our community in every possible way. That’s why we are proud to support blood donation initiatives in partnership with the Institute for Blood Transfusion of Montenegro.

Every year, millions of people need blood, and by participating in voluntary donation campaigns, you can help save lives. It’s a unique act of humanity that we should all strive for selflessly.

We are proud to be part of this initiative, and that our employees joined the campaign to help secure vital blood supplies, which are often in short demand,” the Bank stated.