The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) hosted an event dedicated to Bankers’ Professional Day and recognized outstanding employees from both the NBG and the banking sector. This year, Bankers’ Day was dedicated to a notable milestone – the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the Georgian Lari.

During the event, honorary certificates and commemorative gifts were awarded to NBG employees with over 30 years of service, as well as to representatives of commercial banks, in recognition of their professional achievements and exceptional service.

Addressing the guests, Natia Turnava, Governor of the National Bank of Georgia, extended her congratulations on the occasion. She noted that the country’s banking sector is a successor to a longstanding tradition and “proudly continues the path of Ilia and Iason.” She emphasized the critical role of the thousands of professionals employed in the sector in strengthening the nation’s economic resilience and expressed gratitude for their dedication and distinguished work.

“Our responsibility is not only to develop the banking sector, but also to strengthen the country’s economy – a mission in which nearly 50,000 professionals play a major role,” Turnava stated.

She added that, within its mandate, the NBG remains committed to pursuing consistent and credible monetary policy, price stabilization, and the establishment of higher standards across the banking industry to ensure that financial stability continues to serve as the foundation of the country’s economic development.

“We do not stop at what has already been achieved. We continue working to introduce higher standards across the banking industry, so that financial stability remains the cornerstone of economic progress,” she said.

The NBG Governor also highlighted key financial developments of the year, noting that 2025 was particularly active both in terms of international cooperation and domestic financial innovation. She underscored that the anniversary year of the Lari was marked not only by the issuance of commemorative coins, but also by significant events, including the Tbilisi Finance Summit, held for the first time within the framework of the Silk Road Forum and bringing together more than 1,000 delegates from over 50 countries.

“I am pleased that Georgia is becoming increasingly attractive as a regional hub. Our goal is to encourage major international companies to establish operations in Georgia and serve both local and regional markets from here,” Turnava noted.

Bankers’ Professional Day has been celebrated in Georgia since 2001. The date was chosen to coincide with the birthday of Ilia Chavchavadze, founder and first head of the first Georgian bank – the Noble Land Bank – established 125 years ago. The initiative to establish Bankers’ Day originated from the National Bank of Georgia and the Bankers’ Association.