As part of the 33rd EBRD Business Forum on May 15 at the Dvin , Ardshinbank, a flagship sponsor of the event, organized a panel discussion on economic and trade sanctions. Ardshinbank's initiative brought together international experts, as well as representatives from the private and public sectors interested in monitoring sanction processes, onto one platform. The main objective of the discussion was to exchange views and assist participants in the practical implementation of sanctions compliance.
During the discussion on the role of financial institutions, it was noted that the main task is to find the right balance between risk reduction and successful business continuity. Considering the complexity of sanction programs and jurisdictions, as well as the reliance of large institutions on automated processes often driven by artificial intelligence, the agenda includes strengthening analytical capabilities and internal culture in complying with sanction requirements.
The panel discussion was led by Lusine Nersisyan, a member of the Management Board, Director of Risk Management of Ardshinbank. Additionally, the meeting also discussed the role of financial institutions in ensuring sanctions compliance, mechanisms for collaboration between the public and private sectors in combating sanctions evasion, and the importance of information transparency. The panel discussion was attended by international experts such as Arakel Meliksetyan, Head, Financial Monitoring Center, Central Bank of Armenia, Elitza Kavrakova, Group Head of Institutional Clients, Raiffeisen Bank International AG, Martial Nicolas Smets, Director, ARGOS Advisory and Audit, Michael Strotmann, Senior Legal Advisor Financial Sanctions, UniCredit Group and William Rich, Head, Banking Client Sanctions Compliance, Citi.
Ardshinbank is the leading Bank in Armenia with a diversified universal banking offering including retail and commercial banking, investment banking, and private & wealth solutions.The Bank has over 380,000 customers served by 1,700+ employees, a strong omnichannel distribution platform with 65 branches, supported by a comprehensive mobile and online banking platform. The bank possesses the largest branch network in the country and maintains a representative office in Paris, France.
Ardshinbank is the only private entity in Armenia with assigned ratings from three international rating agencies, all at the level of the sovereign, as follows: S&P Global Ratings (BB- (Stable)), Moody’s (Ba3 (Stable)) and Fitch (BB- (Stable)). The bank is also the only non-sovereign entity from Armenia which has issued RegS /144A public Eurobonds in international capital markets.
Established in 1991, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) boasts 39 member countries spanning from Central Europe to Central Asia. The bank's overarching mission is to foster the development of private sectors in post-Soviet countries. Armenia joined the EBRD as a member on December 7, 1992, contributing €10 million to the bank's capital. Key areas of collaboration between Armenia and the EBRD encompass energy, transportation, and the financial sector.
Ardshinbank is regulated by the Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia.
