During the Tbilisi Finance Summit 2026, First Vice-Governor of the National Bank of Georgia (NBG), Ekaterine Mikabadze, participated in the panel discussion titled "The Banking Dialogue: Banking on Georgia - Leadership, Strategy, and the Road to 2027".

The main topics of the discussion were the competitiveness of the Georgian banking sector, opportunities for expansion into international markets, digital transformation, and the evolving relationship between the banking sector and the regulator.

The panel discussion was preceded by an address from Yang Jun, Executive Vice President of the Bank of China, on banking payments under the backdrop of fintech.

Ekaterine Mikabadze identified a strong supervisory framework, sound financial indicators, and the ability to adapt to technological changes as the key factors behind the success of the Georgian banking sector. According to her assessment, maintaining financial stability, implementing innovations, and effectively managing risks are crucial for the sector's sustainable development in the coming decade.

The panel focused on the opportunities for regional expansion by the Georgian banking sector and the challenges associated with this process. It was noted that successful operations in international markets require strengthening risk management at the group level, adapting to the regulatory requirements of different jurisdictions, and developing sustainable business models.

One of the significant topics of the discussion was the use of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the banking sector. According to Ekaterine Mikabadze, new technologies allow financial institutions to improve operational efficiency, risk management, and customer service. However, alongside technological advancement, special importance is placed on cybersecurity, data protection, and operational resilience.

"Artificial Intelligence offers the financial sector significant opportunities to improve operational efficiency, strengthen risk management, and offer better services to customers. However, alongside technological progress, special attention must be paid to cybersecurity, data protection, and operational resilience. Our goal is to promote responsible innovation and create a regulatory environment that allows financial institutions to adopt new technologies while maintaining financial stability and consumer confidence," stated Ekaterine Mikabadze.

Ekaterine Mikabadze emphasized that the NBG's approach is based on fostering responsible innovations. It is important for financial institutions to implement new technologies by considering the appropriate governance framework and risk management mechanisms. In this process, collaboration with the banking sector, the use of quality data, and timely dialogue with the regulator are of particular importance.

Participating in the panel discussion alongside Ekaterine Mikabadze were Archil Gachechiladze, Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Georgia; George Tkhelidze, Chief Executive Officer of TBC Bank; Aleksi Khoroshvili, Chief Executive Officer of Silk Bank; and Vakhtang Babunashvili, Chief Financial Officer of Liberty, Basisbank Group. The discussion was moderated by Maha El Dimachki, Chief Executive Officer of GFTN Solutions, part of the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN).

The Tbilisi Finance Summit, held on October 27-28, brings together representatives from the financial sector, central banks, technology companies, and international organizations. The summit aims to discuss pressing issues regarding financial technologies, regional cooperation, and the development of the financial sector.