Governor of the National Bank of Georgia Natia Turnava delivered a keynote address at SIBOS, the largest international conference organized by SWIFT.

This marks the first time in the history of the National Bank of Georgia that its Governor has taken the stage as a keynote speaker at SWIFT’s flagship international forum.

In her remarks, Governor Turnava shared Georgia’s experience and vision in advancing innovation in the field of financial services. She highlighted Georgia’s strategic location along the Middle Corridor, connecting Europe and Asia, which positions the country as a natural hub for trade, energy, transport, finance, and logistics.

“Countries in the region and international organizations share the view that regional integration is an effective tool against global economic fragmentation. We believe that by partnering with our neighbors along the Middle Corridor, the development of financial services can serve as a counterbalance to global uncertainty and fragmentation,” she noted.

Ms. Turnava also emphasized the steps undertaken by the National Bank of Georgia and regional financial integration initiatives aimed at developing financial infrastructure, including payment systems and financial technologies. She highlighted the Bank’s official application for Georgia’s accession to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA).

“SEPA membership will bring significant benefits to Georgia by ensuring more efficient payment systems with the European Union. This is particularly important given the growth of trade ties and transaction volumes in both directions. As the Middle Corridor gains importance in trade and transport, Georgia’s inclusion in SEPA will enhance regional financial connectivity. It will position Georgia as a gateway for cross-border transactions between Middle Corridor countries and the EU, fostering economic growth,” she stated.

Addressing the challenges of global trade and financial fragmentation, Governor Turnava underscored the risks posed to growth, financial connectivity, and overall economic stability. She stressed that Georgia and its partners have the ability to transform regional challenges into shared opportunities by building innovative, secure, and inclusive financial ecosystems.

“These efforts will not only strengthen our region’s resilience to external shocks but will also contribute to global financial stability,” Natia Turnava concluded.

SIBOS is SWIFT’s annual flagship international conference, bringing together representatives of the financial industry from around the world.

The Governor of the National Bank of Georgia was accompanied at the conference by Alexander Khazaradze, Head of the Financial Markets Department, and Natalia Chkhoidze, Head of the Payment Systems Department.