[ T H O U G H T L E A D E R S H I P | R B I ]
the need to act is growing . As a leading bank in ESG in our core markets , of CEE we understand well the different needs of our clients , depending on where they are in their own ESG journey – we see the so-called newcomers , we know the transitioners and we observe financial players that I can classify as advanced in the topic . Depending on this positioning , we are able to support our clients in their own ESG growth and transition with different types of services – from regulatory and ESG consultancy , via fixed income & ESG research and ESG scoring database for portfolio analysis , to green trade finance and green / sustainable wholesale funding in the debt capital markets .
Where have you seen an increased interest in the GPS offering from CEE countries recently ? How does GPS collaborate with Ukrainian financial institutions , and what are the key benefits for Ukrainian and international clients of your custodial services ? EK : Interest in GPS products is growing with local capital market development , particularly in Southeastern Europe ( SEE ), the Caucasus , and Central Asia . Our direct links to local central securities depositories ( CSDs ) are appreciated by Western investors looking to invest in new growth markets . In this context , I would like to highlight Ukraine . We service a large part of the local banking sector from our subsidiary in Kyiv and from Vienna . All state-owned and large private banks are our valued partners , and we help them maintain strategic imports into the country with our trade finance and cash management services , in the area of capital markets , and also with our GPS products . We were able to support our Ukrainian customers with the latter in particular last year , and I am very pleased about that . Furthermore , we contribute substantially to maintaining the local market infrastructure throughout the war and are ready to support international investments into the market . These will be crucial to rebuild the country – hopefully in the very near future .
What are GPS ’ s long-term strategies to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of its securities services ? CG : Our strategy is based on four pillars . Investing in product excellence , continuously optimising our operations and processes , modernising our technology platform and fostering modern collaboration through our agile e2e tribe . Ultimately , our goal is to offer superior client experience as an efficient
and modern gateway for our existing and new clients .
How do you see the future development of the CEE financial sector , and what role does GPS play in this ? EK : I share the view of our Raiffeisen Research , which maintains a constructive view of Central Europe ( CE ) and SEE as an integral part of the European banking market . I see a potential for local banks to grow and for foreign banks to help recalibrate global value chains , especially as CE / SEE countries attract international investors . Geopolitical shifts are prompting Western banks to favor stable EU markets . CG : By acting as a gateway between East and West , supporting the investment product needs of different client segments ranging from institutional , corporate , and retail clients , GPS plays a significant role in supporting the further development of the finance universe in the region . I truly believe that banks play an important role in the macro-economic development of our society and our product and service catalogue is an essential part of the financial infrastructure . Both Elitza and Christian will be available to discuss these insights and more at this year ' s SIBOS conference at the RBI booth .
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