The article analyses the main tendencies of the development of the Lithuanian banking, their importance to the economy and the financial system of the country. It analyses the direct and indirect impact of the worldwide financial crisis on the banking sector as well as the role of the Bank of Lithuania – the institution supervising the banks – in achieving the safe and sound functioning of banks. The banks’ challenges in implementing Basel III are also discussed, and so are the international cooperation aspects in the area of financial stability and crisis management.

Keywords: (financial crisis, Lithuanian banking development, Basel III, Supervision).