The National Bank of Georgia hosted a special event in honor of Bankers' Day, celebrating the dedication and achievements of outstanding banking professionals. The event featured awards for exemplary employees, recognizing those with over 31 years of service for their commitment and invaluable contributions to the sector. Employees from commercial banks were also acknowledged for their accomplishments on this professional day.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, and Acting Governor of the National Bank of Georgia Natia Turnava addressed the audience with congratulatory messages celebrating the professionalism of Georgia’s banking sector.

In his speech, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze highlighted the collaborative efforts between the National Bank of Georgia and commercial banks, crediting their partnership with establishing an exemplary banking sector in the region. He noted that Georgia’s stable macroeconomic environment is a direct result of sound economic strategies and effective monetary policy.

"Today, thanks to the joint efforts of the National Bank of Georgia and commercial banks, we can proudly say we have an exemplary banking sector in the region. Through effective monetary policy and sound economic practices, we have achieved a healthy macroeconomic environment. The NBG's role in ensuring price stability, a stable GEL exchange rate, and a low current account deficit has been vital. We have also strengthened our international reserves, and for this, the NBG deserves our special thanks," the Prime Minister stated.

"The National Bank of Georgia is much more than a financial institution. It makes a great contribution to ensuring national security," noted Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, who spoke about the National Bank of Georgia's special role in maintaining a stable financial environment in the country.

 

"A healthy banking system should be viewed as not only an economic component but also as an essential element of national security. In this regard, I want to emphasize the NBG's special role in maintaining a stable financial environment in our country. In today's difficult geopolitical situation, under direct information attacks that also target our currency, the NBG has successfully managed to maintain the solidity of the lari and financial stability," stated Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili.

 

As Natia Turnava expressed in her speech, she takes great pride in the team at the NBG. Their responsibility extends beyond the development of the banking sector; they also contribute significantly to strengthening Georgia’s economy, alongside the 40,000 professionals employed within the sector. She extended her gratitude to banking sector representatives for their dedication, which has led to the sector's high trust and strong reputation locally and internationally.

 

"It is your professionalism, expertise, and dedication that have shaped what we can proudly call a strong and reliable banking sector. I thank you all for your commitment, which, despite numerous challenges, has established Georgia’s banking sector as a trusted and reputable force both at home and abroad."

"Thanks to each of you, the banking sector of Georgia is constantly advancing and thriving,” Turnava noted. “It is characterized by high capital and liquidity buffers and exceptional asset quality, preparing it to face any challenge. The NBG's supervisory framework aligns with best international practices and serves as a model for many other jurisdictions.”

She added that the NBG team will continue, within its mandate, to implement a reliable and consistent monetary policy, work toward price stability, and establish higher standards in banking, ensuring that financial stability remains a cornerstone of Georgia's economic growth.

Bankers’ Professional Day has been celebrated in Georgia since 2001. It is symbolically linked to the birthday of Ilia Chavchavadze, the founder and first head of the Land Bank of the Nobility, marking the 125th anniversary of Georgia’s first bank. This initiative to honor bankers annually was introduced by the National Bank of Georgia in collaboration with the Georgian Bankers’ Association.