Joe Wallis: For Regulus Global, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a Strategic Choice

Interview with the CEO of Regulus Global: American investor in the strategic defense industry discusses long-term plans, cooperation with local institutions, and why Bosnia and Herzegovina is becoming an important player in global supply chains.

Mr. Wallis, how did Regulus Global come to direct investments into the strategic sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina?

– To be honest, we didn’t come to BiH because it was the easiest place to operate. We came because it made sense; strategically and personally. What we found here was a depth of expertise, real industrial capability, and a work ethic that frankly impressed us. These are qualities you can’t fake, especially in sectors where precision and trust are non-negotiable. This wasn’t a fly-in, sign-a-deal kind of situation. We spent time here. We met the people, walked the floors, looked at the long-term. And what we saw was a country that deserves investment, not just interest. That’s what brought Regulus here—and what’s keeping us here.

What specifically was the decisive factor in your entry into the ownership structure of Pretis and Binas?

– Pretis and Binas have real engineering depth, but we’re not investing in their past, we’re investing in their future. What convinced us was the combination of local expertise and the opportunity to strengthen it with global support. This is about building long-term capacity, not chasing short-term gain, and about contributing to stability, both in BiH and the wider region.

Can you explain how your relationship with BiH institutions works?

– Our approach is straightforward, we work only through official institutions. Every investment we’ve made in Bosnia and Herzegovina is legally structured, fully registered, and under the supervision of the relevant authorities. We’ve cooperated closely with local institutions at every step, just as we do in every country where we operate.

Have current regional and global challenges affected your plans in BiH?

– We operate in places where challenges are real, that is exactly where long-term value is built. Bosnia and Herzegovina has what it takes for an industrial leap: solid institutions, skilled people, and a willingness to partner. So, while global pressures exist, they only reinforce our long-term commitment to this country.

Many international companies tend to focus their operations in larger or more developed markets. What led Regulus Global to invest in Bosnia and Herzegovina?

– Too often, companies chase scale and overlook substance. We’re not looking for perfect conditions.  We are looking for real partners. BiH offers exactly that: skilled people, technical depth, and a drive to innovate. For us, this wasn’t a fallback, it was a strategic choice.

What can the people of BiH expect from Regulus Global in the years ahead?

– The people can expect consistency from us. We’ll continue to operate with respect for institutions, support the local economy, and uphold the highest standards. Our focus is on strengthening production, creating jobs, and building a value chain that stays rooted right here in BiH.

How would you describe Regulus Global’s vision in Bosnia and Herzegovina in one sentence?

– We are here to stay, to build, not to promise; to cooperate, not to impose; and to prove that strategic partners don’t show up when it’s easy, but when it matters.