Georgia can be a key financial bridge between Central Asia and Europe - AIFC chief
“Georgia has significant potential to deepen economic and financial links between Central Asia and Europe,” said Renat Bekturov, Governor of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). He was speaking at the Tbilisi Finance Summit.
Bekturov said the summit is an important international platform for dialogue among the financial sector, policymakers and business, particularly on fintech, artificial intelligence and development of financial products. He said such international events help showcase Georgia’s potential, attract international partners and deepen dialogue on developing the country’s financial sector.
“Because Georgia sits between East and West, it is an important connecting point between businesses. It matters that international participants come to Georgia themselves, see the country’s opportunities and meet decision-makers,” Bekturov said.
The AIFC Governor highlighted the Middle Corridor as a crucial area of cooperation with Georgia, noting that its development requires enhanced financial links. He said both fintech companies and the traditional banking sector will play an important role in this process.
Bekturov also highlighted the development of capital markets, which help mobilise domestic and international financial resources for economic growth.
According to the National Bank of Georgia, Bekturov said the memorandum of cooperation signed between the AIFC and the National Bank of Georgia is an important foundation for deeper cooperation. The two sides will work together on a mutual market access project for licensed entities, which will help strengthen financial links between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
The AIFC is an international financial hub based in Astana, Kazakhstan. It aims to attract investment into the country and the region, develop capital markets and strengthen the financial services sector. It brings together financial institutions, investment companies and other market participants, and promotes closer links with international financial markets.
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Our goal is to build a more efficient and interoperable payments environment alongside financial innovation - Natia Turnava
28.10.2026.22:06
As part of the Tbilisi Finance Summit, Natia Turnava, Governor of the National Bank of Georgia (NBG), participated in a panel discussion titled “The Policy Dialogue: The Choices Defining 2027.” The discussion focused on safeguarding monetary and financial stability amid global shocks, the development of digital finance, and deeper regional financial integration.
Natia Turnava highlighted the NBG’s key priorities for 2027, including keeping inflation expectations anchored, strengthening international reserve buffers, and continuing the de-dollarization process. She noted that timely risk assessment, consistent policymaking, and strengthening the resilience of the financial system are particularly important for a small open economy.
The panel also addressed the modernization of Georgia’s payment infrastructure, the development of the fintech ecosystem, and the enhancement of the regulatory framework for digital finance. In addition to outlining reforms already implemented in these areas, Natia Turnava discussed future priorities, including the introduction of an instant payment system and enhanced interoperability with international payment systems.
The Governor of the National Bank of Georgia also emphasized the importance of regulatory cooperation among regional central banks. She noted that, amid growing trade and financial ties, facilitating cross-border payments, ensuring the timely exchange of information, and aligning supervisory frameworks would strengthen the region’s financial resilience and competitiveness.
“Resilience must be built before shocks materialize. For a small open economy like Georgia, credible policies and adequate buffers are particularly important. At the same time, our goal is to foster financial innovation while building a more efficient and interoperable payments environment. Through cooperation with our regional partners, we also seek to deepen economic and financial ties,” Natia Turnava stated.
The panel discussion brought together Natia Turnava and representatives of financial institutions from Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, and China.
The discussion was moderated by Sopnendu Mohanty, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN).
The Tbilisi Finance Summit is being held for the second time on 27–28 October, jointly organized by the National Bank of Georgia, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, and the Singapore-based Global Finance &