International executive forum · finance · insurance · law
Where Global Leaders in Finance, Insurance and Law Connect, Collaborate and Inspire.
About the forum
IFIL Forum brings together leaders from banking, insurance, legal, fintech, technology and regulatory institutions to examine the forces reshaping markets in 2026: digital transformation, euro adoption, regulation, resilience and market confidence.
Leadership
Senior perspective across institutions.
Trust
Confidence through regulation and transparency.
Innovation
AI, identity, cyber and digital finance.
Why attend
For leaders navigating a turning point in European markets.
Executive Insights
Gain strategic insights from senior leaders.
Regulatory Perspective
Understand upcoming regulatory developments.
Innovation
Discover AI, Digital Identity, FinTech and Cybersecurity.
Networking
Meet decision makers from Bulgaria and Europe.
Forum programme
A day designed around trust, regulation and market transformation.
09:00-09:30
Registration & Welcome Coffee
09:30-09:40
Opening Notes: Welcome from the Chair of the event Sava Dalbokov & The President of WIBF Branimira Milusheva
09:40-10:10
Keynote Speech 1 ·
From Compliance to Competitiveness: The Role of Modern Financial Supervision in Connected Markets and Shared Responsibility within Changing Europe.
Vasil Golemanski, Chair of the Financial Supervision Commission
10:10-10:40
Keynote Speech 2 ·
The Next Chapter in Pension Provision: More Choice, Greater Engagement, Stronger Trust.
Evelina Miltenova, Board Chair
Bulgarian Association of Supplementary Pension Security Companies BASPSC
10:40-11:00
Coffee Break Powered by Comarch
11:00-11:45
Panel 1 — 2026 as a Stress Test for the Financial Sector
DISCUSSION FOCUS:
How banks and financial institutions are navigating economic uncertainty, geopolitical pressure, changing customer expectations, digital transformation and the growing need for resilience
MODERATOR
Magdalena Batinkova Ali, Chief Compliance and Anti-Financial Crime Officer, TBI Bank
SPEAKERS Tatiana Ivanova, Executive Director Digital, Commercial Data and Operations- UBB
Levon Hampartzoumian,Vice President at Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum (BBLF)
Goran Varat, CFO, Podravska Bank
Sava Dalbokov, Member of the Executive Board & Chief Operating Officer at Addiko Bank Srbija
Nikolay Spasov, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of D Commerce Bank
11:45- 12:15
Keynote Speech 3 ·
What Financial Institutions Must Get Right Before the Next Disruption
Lyubomir Tankishev, VP of Sales & Business Development, Evrotrust
12:15- 13:00
Panel 2 — FinTech Sector Overview: Regulatory Challenges
DISCUSSION FOCUS: The evolving relationship between innovation and regulation, AI and digital finance, new technologies, compliance challenges and the future of collaboration between traditional financial institutions and FinTech companies
MODERATOR:
Valeria Zaharieva, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Evrotrust
SPEAKERS
Daniela Ivanova, CEO at RabbIT Solutions
Dr. Anastasia Kotowski, Head of Financial Markets & Information Technology, Centre for European Policy
Aigul Telkarayeva, President at The Institute of Chartered Compliance Professionals
Anelia Srandeva, Business Development Manager, Noto 360 Fraud and Compliance
V. G. Gueorguiev, Ph.D., VGG-Consulting Theoretical/Computational Physicist — Quantum Computing Mentor — Physics, QC, AI&ML, and SCORE Advisor.
13:00- 14:00
Lunch
14:00- 14:30
Keynote Speech 4 ·
Beyond Insurance: Rethinking Risk, Protection and Resilience
Simeon Asov, a Member of the Life and of the Medical Insurance Committees of the Association of Bulgarian Insurers and Director of Health and Life Insurance at DZI Insurance, KBC Group
14:30- 15:15
Panel 3 — Insurance at the Heart of the Financial Sector
DISCUSSION FOCUS: A conversation about the evolving role of insurance within the wider financial ecosystem: how insurers contribute to financial resilience, enable businesses and investment through risk transfer, respond to changing customer expectations, and harness digitalisation and innovation. The panel will also explore market stability and current events that affect the insurance market
MODERATOR:
Yordanka Dimova, PhD, Senior attorney at Dimitrov, Petrov & Co. Law Firm
SPEAKERS
Helena Petropoulou, Client-Focused Financial Strategist , Hedge Global,Insurance Broker
David Crowley, QFA Director, IFC Finance
Albena Ignatova, Commercial manager, Insurance Company Lev Ins
15:15- 15:45
Keynote Speech 5 ·
Digital Trust by Design: When Technology, Regulation and Finance Converge:
Prof. D.Sc. George Dimitrov , Chairman of the Board of Directors at Evrotrust
15:45- 16:05
Coffee Break 2
16:05- 16:50
Panel 4 — The role of legal counsels in the financial sector
DISCUSSION FOCUS: The increasingly strategic role of legal professionals in financial institutions, regulatory complexity, risk, compliance, technology and cross-border business
MODERATOR
Dessislava Djedjeva, Attorney at law
SPEAKERS
Hristo Nihrizov, Managing Partner, Head of TMT and Banking & Finance at DPC Bulgaria
Milena Gabrovska, Attorney at Law at Schoenherr Attorneys at Law
Vyara Savova, Senior Policy Lead European Ethereum Institute
Nickolay Mladenski, LL.M. (ILF), Inter Cars Bulgaria
16:50- 17:35
Panel 5 — FinTech and Banking: Trends Shaping the Future of Financial Services
DISCUSSION FOCUS: How emerging technologies and partnerships between banks and FinTech companies are reshaping financial services — from retail banking and investment management to digital identity and operational efficiency. The discussion will explore changing client expectations, the modernisation of banking and investment processes, and the opportunities for more seamless, personalised and secure services. What will define the next phase of transformation, and how can financial institutions turn innovation into lasting value for clients.
MODERATOR
Ivan Ivanov, Director Retail Banking, BACB | President of COTRUGLI Business School Alumni Club, Bulgaria
SPEAKERS
Roman von der Höh, Managing Director RAQUEST Switzerland
Mehmed Dikme, Portfolio Manager at Institutional level
Valeria Zaharieva, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Evrotrust
Sava Dalbokov, Member of the Executive Board & Chief Operating Officer at Addiko Bank Srbija
David Crowley, QFA Director, IFC Finance
17:35- 17:55
AWARDS CEREMONY
17:55- 18:10
Closing notes
18:10- 18:40
Informal Networking/ Transition to cocktail
18:40
Networking Cocktail
Speakers
Global voices from finance, insurance, law and regulation.
Aigul Telkarayeva is President of the Institute of Chartered Compliance Professionals (ICCP), with over 20 years of international experience in compliance,AML, governance, and risk management. She leads global initiatives advancing professional standards, education, and regulatory excellence.
Prof. D.Sc. George Dimitrov is Chairman of the Board of Directors and co-founder of Evrotrust Techmologies , with extensive expertise in digital trust, ICT, and regulatory frameworks. He contributes to Bulgarian and EU legislation and advises on digital identity, remote KYC, and AML standards at the European level.
Simeon Asov is Director of Health and Life Insurance at DZI (KBC Group) and a member of the Association of Bulgarian Insurers’ Life and Medical Insurance Committees, with over 18 years of expertise in insurance, product development, risk management, and innovative financial solutions.
Daniela Ivanova is CEO of RabbIT Solutions, with over 10 years of experience in IT, business operations, and digital transformation, specializing in AI-powered compliance, RegTech, and intelligent automation solutions that streamline regulatory processes, enhance operational efficiency, and reduce risk.
Yordanka Dimova, PhD, is a senior attorney at Dimitrov, Petrov & Co. Law Firm with over 10 years of expertise in insurance law, regulatory compliance, banking and finance, and consumer protection, combining extensive legal practice with a strong academic background in civil and contract law.
Aneliya Srandeva, Business Development Manager at NOTO – 360 Fraud and Compliance, specializes in fraud prevention, financial crime compliance, and RegTech, helping financial institutions across Central and Eastern Europe navigate regulatory challenges and embrace innovation.
Magdalena Batinkova Ali is a banking risk and compliance expert with 20 years of experience in risk management, financial crime prevention, and compliance, holding CAMS and CGSS certifications and expertise in implementing complex risk management frameworks and regulatory projects.
Hristo Nihrizov is Managing Partner at Dimitrov, Petrov & Co., with over 20 years of expertise in banking, finance, fintech, and technology law. He advises leading financial and technology companies on regulatory compliance, digital transformation, and innovative financial services. .
Dr. Anastasia Kotowski, LL.M. is Head of Financial Markets and Information Technologies at the Centrum für Europäische Politik in Berlin, specializing in EU financial regulation, fintech, AI, and cybersecurity. She advises policymakers and financial industry leaders on emerging EU legislation.
Lyubomir Tankishev is VP at Evrotrust, with over a decade of experience in fintech, digital identity, and strategic business development. He specializes in driving international growth, building sales and partnerships, and delivering secure digital onboarding and trust services for the market.
Valeria Zaharieva is Head of Strategic Partnerships at Evrotrust, with extensive experience in digital transformation, technology solutions, and B2B strategic partnerships. She specializes in digital identity, electronic signatures, and driving innovation through strategic business collaboration.
David Crowley is the Founder and Director of IFC FINANCE, a Dublin-based financial advisory firm specializing in corporate pensions, employee benefits, and financial protection. He is also a founding partner and board member of Crossflow Payments Ireland, bringing expertise in financial services.
Levon Hampartzoumian is a distinguished banking executive, Vice President of the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum, with extensive experience in banking, management, consulting, and audit, and commitment to responsible business, economic development, and ethical leadership.
Helena Petropoulou is Managing Director at Hedge Global, with over 25 years of experience in banking and insurance, including leadership roles at Postbank, Raiffeisenbank, and MetLife, specializing in risk management, financial protection, and advisory services.
Mehmed Dikme is an experienced investment professional and institutional portfolio manager with expertise in private funds, discretionary portfolio management, and wealth management, specializing in investment strategies for private and high-net-worth clients.
Goran Varat is a Member of the Management Board and CFO of Podravska banka, with extensive experience in banking, financial regulation, and executive leadership, combining expertise from the Croatian National Bank with a strong track record in digital transformation, financial innovation, and regulatory compliance.
Vasil Golemanski is Chairman of the Financial Supervision Commission (FSC), with over 25 years of experience in capital markets, financial regulation, and leadership, including senior roles at the Bulgarian Stock Exchange and Central Depository, with a focus on transparency, digital transformation, and financial market stability.
Milena Gabrovska is an Attorney at Law at Schoenherr Bulgaria, specializing in banking and finance, capital markets, insurance, and financial regulation. With extensive experience in domestic and cross-border transactions, she is recognized by Legal 500 and holds an LL.M. from the London School of Economics.
Nikolay Spasov is CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of D Commerce Bank, with extensive banking leadership experience across Bulgaria and the Balkans, specializing in digital transformation, operational efficiency, payment technologies, and financial risk management.
Roman von der Höh is Managing Director of RAQUEST Switzerland, with over 20 years of extensive experience in banking and financial services, including senior leadership roles at SIX and Avaloq, specializing in tax operations, financial regulation, and the digital transformation of tax processes.
Vyara Savova, LL.M., is a Web3 and human rights lawyer and Senior Policy Expert at the European Ethereum Institute, specializing in blockchain regulation, digital finance, data protection, and EU technology policy, with a strong focus on privacy, smart contracts, and decentralized technologies.
Nickolay Mladenski, LL.M. (ILF), is a legal advisor with over 15 years of experience as an attorney-at-law and in-house counsel in the financial sector in Bulgaria and Germany, before joining the legal team of an international automotive company. He specializes in capital markets, competition law, data protection, and compliance.
Evelina Miltenova, CFA, MBA, is Chair of the Bulgarian Association of Supplementary Pension Security Companies (BASPSC), with over 25 years of experience in banking, investment management, and capital markets, including senior roles at ING Bank and Raiffeisenbank Bulgaria. She focuses on pension system development and investments.
Dr. Vesselin Gueorguiev is a researcher and technology consultant specializing in computational physics, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. He combines scientific research with practical applications of emerging technologies, promoting innovation and collaboration between science and industry.
Albena Ignatova has over 20 years of experience in sales leadership and team development. She oversees the sales and agency networks of LEV INS and LEV INS Life, focusing on sustainable growth, high-performing teams, and professional excellence. She is also a member of the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT).
Dessislava Djedjeva is an experienced attorney-at-law and member of the Sofia Bar Association, specializing in corporate and commercial law, contracts, real estate, and business advisory services. She provides legal counsel to businesses and individuals, combining extensive legal expertise with a practical, solution-oriented approach.
Tatyana Ivanova is Executive Director of Digital Channels, Data and Operations at UBB and Innovation Leader of KBC Group in Bulgaria. With over 20 years of extensive international banking experience, including senior leadership roles at Société Générale, she specializes in digital transformation, retail banking, innovation, and strategic leadership across European markets.
Sava Dalbokov is a Member of the Executive Board and COO of Addiko Bank Srbija, with over 25 years of banking leadership experience across Central and South-Eastern Europe, including executive roles within Erste Group and Addiko Group, specializing in strategic transformation, market expansion, and restructuring.
Branimira Milusheva is President of Women in Banking and Finance Bulgaria, with over 18 years of banking experience in private banking, financial management, and digital transformation. An international speaker and moderator, she champions financial innovation, women's empowerment, and leadership development.
Tickets
Reserve a seat at the leading finance, insurance and legal forum in Southeast Europe.
Visitor Pass
Access to all sessions · Networking · Coffee Breaks · Lunch · Conference Materials · Networking Cocktail
€120
Sponsorship
Premium partner visibility before an executive audience.
About WIBF
A professional community advancing women in financial leadership.
Women in Banking and Finance Bulgaria creates a platform for leadership, knowledge sharing, innovation and international cooperation across the financial sector.
Leadership
Knowledge sharing
Women in finance
International cooperation
Venue
InterContinental Sofia
Preferred rate from 09/11 to 15/11 for our sponsors apply!
For assistance with your booking or transfer, please contact our volunteer, Svetla Yankova, at svetla.yankova@wibf-bg.org or +359 888 111 365. She will be happy to help you with the arrangements.
Contact
Join the conversation shaping trust in European markets.
Contact WIBF
International Finance, Insurance & Legal Forum