Converse bank is the main sponsor of the EBRD Annual Meeting. The Bank’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Financial Director talked about the format of the Bank’s participation in the event, participation in the field of socially responsible financing adn expectations from the event.With Hrant Hakobyan.
– Converse Bank has a rich experience of cooperation with EBRD. What areas has bilateral cooperation covered and how would you characterize it?
– Converse Bank has a long-term effective and extensive cooperation experience with the EBRD, within the framework of which the Bank implemented many projects aimed at the development of various sectors of the Armenian economy. The Bank actively cooperates with the EBRD in the field of promoting international trade and financing SMEs.
Thanks to them, the results recorded were highly appreciated by the EBRD itself, thanks to which Converse Bank was awarded the “Deal of the Year – Green Trade” award twice, and the “Crucial Partner of the EBRD” honorary award in the field of SME financing.
EBRD in 2024 Converse Bank participates in the annual meeting not only as a representative of the Armenian financial sector, but also as a major sponsor of the event. Participation in an event of such a scale is consistent with the Bank’s adopted strategy in terms of facing the current challenges, curbing risks and close cooperation with international and foreign structures for the further development of the Bank.
– As part of the annual meeting, a business conference entitled “delivering Impact Together” will be held, emphasizing unity, joint efforts to achieve maximum results. How do you see the place and role of Converse Bank in this concept, vision, etc.? What responsibility is the Bank ready to assume?
– “Delivering Impact Together” – joint, unified agenda and efforts to overcome challenges.
The global economy is faced with such challenges as climate change, cyber security, and the latest geopolitical developments, which are difficult to face independently and in isolation. In order to face these challenges, it is indeed necessary to mobilize global knowledge and experience, to create opportunities and platforms for sharing experience and cooperation.
In this regard, I emphasize the business conference to be held within the framework of the EBRD annual meeting, which provides opportunities for new connections and new collaborations to the participants. Being constantly represented on international platforms, Converse bank is guided by the principle of meeting the needs of customers in the best way, striving to create individual and innovative business solutions for them. development opportunities and access to financial resources.
– What is Converse Bank’s strategy for establishing a enduring, socially responsible business? What importance is given to socially responsible, sustainable financing and access to banking services in the product development process?
– Socially responsible financing, inclusiveness, mitigation of climate and environmental risks in the financing process are among Converse Bank’s strategic priorities.
Based on this commitment, we have implemented a number of environmental, social and managerial principles in the Bank, on which the product development processes are based. Converse Bank also closely cooperates with the EBRD and other institutional partners in this area. In particular, I would like to mention the participation of the Bank’s relevant employees in the Climate Practices and Transition Planning program implemented by the EBRD, which aims at climate risk management and to acquire knowledge and practical skills in the field of transition planning.
– What are your expectations from the event and what prospects of cooperation do you see with EBRD?
– EBRD is a strategic partner of Converse Bank. We expect a new level of continuous partnership, participation in a larger number of projects.
The annual meeting of the EBRD is a marvelous platform for learning about global economic and financial developments, participating in discussions on existing challenges and risk mitigation mechanisms, as well as establishing and expanding relations with international financial organizations and foreign banks. As in previous years, this year we expect a high rate of participation and new opportunities for cooperation.
We highly value our long-standing partnership with the EBRD and hope that it will be continuous,covering not only the conventional areas of cooperation,but also the partnership within the framework of other programs in line with the requirements and challenges of the time.
we are sure that thanks to this event, strong prerequisites for the further, continuous development of the economy and business will be created in Armenia.
– And what would you wish to the participants of the event?
We wish the participants of the event to enjoy the Armenian hospitality, spend a wonderful time in our country, as well as productive meetings, engaging and meaningful discussions, agreements on new cooperations.
Converse Bank is controlled by the Central Bank of Armenia.
How has Converse BankS partnership with the EBRD evolved over the years?
Interview: an Insight into Converse Bank’s Engagement with EBRD
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news. Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Hrant Hakobyan, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Financial Director of converse Bank. Hrant, thank you for joining us.
Hrant Hakobyan: Thank you for having me!
Interviewer: Converse Bank is a key sponsor of the EBRD Annual Meeting this year. Can you tell us about your bank’s long-standing relationship with EBRD and the areas it covers?
Hrant Hakobyan: Absolutely. Our cooperation with the EBRD has been both effective and extensive. We’ve implemented numerous projects aimed at developing various sectors of the Armenian economy. Our focus has primarily been on promoting international trade and financing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Interviewer: That’s impressive! I understand that this partnership has garnered some recognition. Could you elaborate on the accolades Converse Bank has received from the EBRD?
Hrant Hakobyan: Certainly! Our efforts have been well recognized by the EBRD.We’ve received the “Deal of the Year – Green Trade” award twice and were honored as the “Crucial Partner of the EBRD” in the field of SME financing. These awards underscore our commitment to sustainable and responsible financing in Armenia.
Interviewer: It’s fantastic to hear about such achievements. In 2024, Converse Bank will not only represent the Armenian financial sector but also sponsor the EBRD Annual Meeting. How does this align with your strategic goals?
Hrant Hakobyan: Participating as a major sponsor of this significant event reflects our strategy of facing contemporary challenges head-on and mitigating associated risks. It allows us to forge closer ties with international and foreign structures, ultimately aiding our development plans.
Interviewer: As part of the annual meeting,there will be a business conference focused on “Delivering Impact Together.” Can you share your thoughts on how Converse Bank fits into this vision, and what responsibilities you’re prepared to take on?
Hrant Hakobyan: The theme “Delivering Impact Together” resonates deeply with our mission at Converse Bank. We believe in the power of collaboration to achieve maximum results. Our role is to act as a unifying force in this process, leveraging our resources and network to promote impactful initiatives. We are ready to assume greater responsibility in driving sustainable financing and fostering innovation, ensuring these efforts benefit not just our bank but the entire Armenian economy.
Interviewer: it sounds like Converse Bank is poised to make a meaningful impact at the meeting. What are your expectations from this event?
Hrant Hakobyan: We hope to establish new partnerships, share best practices, and learn from peers in the international community. It’s vital for us to engage in discussions that can inform our future strategies and enhance our contributions to socially responsible financing.
Interviewer: Hrant, thank you for sharing these insights.It’s clear that Converse Bank is committed to making a significant impact on Armenia’s economic landscape through its collaboration with EBRD.
Hrant Hakobyan: Thank you! We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to the fruitful discussions at the EBRD Annual Meeting.
Interviewer: We wish you and Converse Bank much success in these endeavors.Thank you for joining us today!
Hrant Hakobyan: Thank you!