Ekaterine Galdava, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Georgia, is participating in the 9th International Financial Cooperation Forum (IFCF), hosted by the International Financial Cooperation Council and the Financial Services Commission of South Korea. Held in Seoul, the forum is focused on addressing critical issues shaping the future of global finance.

A key highlight of the opening session was Georgia’s growing role in the region. Galdava emphasized the country’s notable achievements in financial stability and robust economic growth over the past year. She also spotlighted Georgia’s progress in the fintech and payments sectors.

“The NBG has adopted a strategic open regulatory policy-driven approach tailored to the specific needs of the financial system. This approach involves creating a supportive environment by establishing a primary FinTech infrastructure and developing a “Regulatory Sandbox” regime for testing innovative ideas. These initiatives support digitalization within the financial system and encourage innovative solutions to be tested and implemented safely, to facilitate FinTech startups from the region in accessing Georgia's market and leveraging NBG's platforms for experimentation and business model enhancement,” noted Galdava.

Forum discussions also cover the role of artificial intelligence in finance, data protection, digital transformation, and risks related to cyber threats and climate change.

The event brings together high-ranking representatives from European and Asian central banks, financial institutions, international organizations, and academic circles.

 

While in Seoul, Galdava is scheduled to meet Yongreol Lee, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Korea; Yongseok Park, President of the Korea Financial Telecommunications and Clearing Institute (KFTC); and Gurak Im, Executive Director of the Korea Financial Security Institute.

 

Joining her in Seoul are Varlam Ebanoidze, Head of the Financial and Supervisory Technology Development Department of the NBG, and Natalia Chkoidze, Head of the Payment Systems Department.