The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) recently hosted a webinar in collaboration with FTSE Russell, a leading global provider of index and benchmark solutions and a division of the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG). The event brought together representatives from brokerage firms, investment funds, Pension Agency, and other market participants to explore the role and construction of indices in financial markets.

Ekaterine Mikabadze, Vice Governor of the National Bank of Georgia, opened the session by emphasizing the critical role that indices play in the advancement of the country’s capital market.

According to Ekaterine Mikabadze, the National Bank of Georgia actively supports the development of the local capital market and the enhancement of its participants' expertise. She noted that the webinar conducted in collaboration with FTSE Russell will play a significant role in increasing market participants' knowledge and their ability to work with these instruments.

“As our financial markets develop, understanding how indices are created and utilized is essential for enhancing transparency and supporting informed decision-making”, Mikabadze noted.

The webinar featured a presentation by Mr. David Sol, Global Head of Index Policy at FTSE Russell. He provided an overview of the significance of indices in financial markets, discussing their construction, the methodologies behind their calculation, and their adaptation to changing market conditions. Mr. Sol also explored the diverse applications of indices in investment strategies, offering practical insights for Georgian market participants.

At the conclusion of the webinar, Both NBG and FTSE Russell expressed optimism about further collaboration to support the development of Georgia’s financial sector.