Mega Interview with Ms. Chrysoula Koutoudi, CEO and Chairman of the BoD

I assumed this role after more than three decades of international banking experience, having held senior leadership roles primarily within NBG Group.

My career has been deeply rooted in corporate banking, where I managed large portfolios of commercial, SME, and structured loans in the range of 5 billion euros.

Additionally, I have led initiatives in NPE strategy, including divestments of NPE portfolios, while during the recent years my focus was on retail loan product evolution, based on innovative digital and embedded banking solutions.

Focusing on the recovery side, after having spent 25 years in the performing part helped me form a more holistic approach of portfolio, credit & risk management.

Throughout these years, I have overseen various demanding projects, including large-scale investment transactions primarily in infrastructure, energy and tourism, internal cross functional initiatives, complex reorganization & transformation programs.

Having spent part of my life when being young in Germany, before returning to Greece, I have been influenced by both structured and adaptive environments.

All these shaped my leadership style, which is based on three fundamentals: inclusive management with a hands-on approach on everything that matters, discipline in execution of our strategy, and accountability at all levels.

Being appointed CEO of Stopanska Banka is for me a profound honor, but at the same time it is a huge responsibility.

Stopanska Banka is a bank with rich history and remarkable reputation, with a role that spans far beyond financial services.

My focus is to ensure that the organization continues to grow in a healthy and sustainable manner, to build on its strong foundations, respecting what has been accomplished so far and setting the grounds for a more modern, resilient and talent-focused institution.

Past few months were marked by multiple changes for Stopanska Banka – setting the new standards of excellence to maintain our leadership in the industry.

We welcomed six new members to the Board of Directors, we fully launched our Transformation Program, focusing on the enhancement of our IT infrastructure.

We are heading towards completion of our new headquarters and the commencement of a new cycle of modernization of our entire branch network.

Our priority is straightforward: to continue delivering sustainable growth, by prioritizing innovation, operational excellence, and improved customer experience.

The renewed Board of Directors is structured to support this goal – it brings complementary expertise, fresh energy and a shared commitment to lead Stopanska Banka to the future.

Most importantly, customers are already experiencing some of the changes – including the introduction of SEPA payments that enabled fast and very low-cost international payments, enabling Apple Pay, the introduction of our new service model to ensure more personalized customer experience.

Going forward, our focus remains on enhanced digital journeys, integrating end-to-end online services for both individuals and businesses.

Our focus includes enriched personalized product offering, improved services and upgraded channels, strengthening clients' relationship with the Bank.

We aim for faster decision-making, supported by improved analytics and optimized processes.

Technology has become an integral part of everything we do.

Banks are in the process of integrating technology into all operations aiming to achieve seamless 24/7 personalized banking experience.

In this respect, we have entered a significant investment cycle between 2025 and 2028, with a clear focus on upgrading our core systems and launching new products and services.

This is not an incremental change — it will be a structural upgrade of how the Bank operates.

For us it means reimagining the customer's journey, achieving operational excellence, focusing on more complex, high-value tasks.

For our clients, it will mean broader banking products and enhanced services meeting customized needs, improved customer experience with advanced digital functionalities, new ATMs 24/7 zones, with increased capabilities.

Top priority remains transparency and security for all transactions.

AI will be embedded as part of this transformation – we are at early stages, but all employees have access to Microsoft Copilot chat, and we are exploring the possibilities for the next steps.

What is important here to be stressed is that our employees play central role in this process.

They shall integrate these tools into daily work in structured and coordinated manner, supervise their output, and ensure responsible and well-controlled use.

Proper training and phased-in prudent approach are the key.

At Stopanska Banka, we see our role not only as a financial institution, but as a key pillar in advancing the country's cultural, educational, environmental, and social development.

Thus, ESG is not a novelty nor just a regulatory trend.

For us it means a clear strategy and vision towards our impact regarding the Environment, how we care for the broader Society and how we structure and maintain a strong corporate Governance.

On the Environmental dimension, our focus is to constantly reduce own emissions by upgrading our infrastructure, equipment and enhancing staff awareness in all activities.

We focus on financing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, supporting business transitioning to environmentally friendly technologies.

We are integrating climate & environmental consideration into credit risk management.

On the Social side, we remain committed to targeted, high-impact initiatives – with particular focus in culture, environment & healthy lifestyle, and support of children with special needs.

One of our most significant new initiatives is the Memorandum of Cooperation with the Ministry of Culture for the digital transformation of the Museum of Natural Sciences in Skopje.

Through a dedicated three-year support program, we are helping modernize one of the country's most important cultural institutions.

This year also marks the 10th jubilee edition of our largest and most recognizable CSR event, VoziPravoVoziZdravo.

The impact of this initiative is tangible—the project funded through last year's event is already entering construction in Kochani.

In parallel, we continue to strengthen our flagship CSR platform 'Sonuvame. Menuvame.'

Through this program, we provide substantial annual support to organizations working with children with special needs.

All these initiatives are supported by strong and clear Governance based on transparent decision-making, strong internal controls and alignment with NBG Group and regulatory standards.

Our ESG efforts reflect who we are as a Bank — responsible, forward-looking, and deeply connected with the needs of the communities we serve.

The new building is a true embodiment of "the Bank of the future" which is our transformation motto: stable, modern, and at the top.

The building is a home for our current and future teams and provides a platform for more efficient working place, better connectivity among teams.

It provides a work environment that fosters innovation, transparency, and collaboration.

Externally, it reflects stability, ambition, and long-term commitment to the market.

With its unique architectural style and execution, with LEED certification and built according to C&E standards, it will become a landmark of the city.

Providing our employees with a more efficient and pleasant workplace, providing our customers with a more functional and welcoming environment is for us of outmost importance.

Construction works are carried out by local companies, and the impact of our investment is contributing to the wider economy.

The upcoming relocation is an important signal that the Bank is moving forward, with the ambition to remain a leading modern financial institution on the market and an attractive employer.

Our risk profile remains solid and well-controlled, supported by consistently low levels of non-performing exposures and a long-standing culture of prudent risk management.

Upholding high-quality of the portfolio is key strategic priority of the Bank.

The Bank's strong and robust risk management framework is continuously enhanced to reflect regulatory changes, emerging risks, and best practices.

This is a core strength of Stopanska Banka that reflects both disciplined underwriting, prudent and responsible risk management with long-term view.

At the same time, the environment is becoming more complex and dynamic.

Risks are not necessarily higher, but they are more sector-specific and time-sensitive.

We are placing strong emphasis on closely monitoring and the early identification of potential pressure points, with particular attention to geopolitical risk deriving from the crisis in the Middle East.

The portfolios are stable and resilient, however, the macroeconomic effects through spillover effects arising from disruptions in the supply of energy are key risks if the conflict is not resolved.

Nevertheless, our approach remains balanced: maintaining strict risk discipline while continuing to support viable clients and projects.

The global economic context remains challenging, with slowed growth in Europe and continued uncertainty in energy prices and supply chains.

Our economy remains stable but notably sensitive to external factors.

However, we also see several areas of opportunities that may create positive headwinds for the broader economy, if executed with discipline and focus.

First, the energy transition and green investments, where demand for financing is expected to increase significantly.

Stopanska Banka will play a meaningful role in this sector.

Second, infrastructure and large-scale investment initiatives.

We are ready to support governmental and private development projects that will contribute to the local market, provide stability, create new jobs.

Such projects help retain human capital in the country — capital that has significantly diminished after decades of emigration of highly skilled, educated, and ambitious professionals.

Third, the digital transformation of businesses, particularly SMEs, where we see increasing need for advisory, financing, and structured support.

As a systemic Bank, our role is broader than financing alone.

Our focus is to provide stability, support viable economic initiatives, and contribute to the resilience of the financial system.

While the macroeconomic and geopolitical environment requires caution, the local market offers well-defined opportunities for banks that can execute consistently and responsibly.

I believe that the potential for cooperation between neighboring countries has been thoroughly analyzed and accepted by all sides.

The fact that for more than 25 years NBG has been operating on the market through Stopanska Banka is a clear and strong sign of the Group's dedication and trust.

The opportunity is to strengthen this cooperation in a targeted manner.

We see clear potential in facilitating cross-border investments, supporting joint projects in energy, infrastructure, tourism, and within industrial zones.

We see deeper integration of the financial markets, more precise coordination on regulatory matters, and joint initiatives.

Stopanska Banka, with its in-depth understanding of the conditions in both markets, can be a strong catalyst for this cooperation.

Our vision is clear and timeless– Stopanska Banka to remain a reliable, and forward-looking systemic bank that is deeply embedded in the broader society.

Our aim is to constantly grow, while becoming a more modern, agile and customer centric bank.

We aim to achieve commercial and operational excellence, ensuring enhanced customer experience through innovative value-added products and services.

We will provide competitive offerings, new digital channels and customized solutions, by fully exploiting synergies with NBG Group.

Our main focus will be constantly investing in our people, creating a more dynamic and supportive environment, with modern premises, enhanced tools, and clearer direction.

As a systemic Bank, we will continue to play a key role in supporting the local economy, maintaining stability in the financial system.