19.06.2025
In May and June 2025, the FEBA Alumni Club, the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, the Business Club, and United Bulgarian Bank (UBB) organized three consecutive events as part of the educational initiative "Financial Academy". The initiative's main goal is to create a space for inspiring dialogue that bridges theory and practice in finance, sustainable development, and digital transformation.
ESG and the Future of Green Investing – May 29
The first event in the series focused on the topic of sustainable banking and the application of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles in the financial sector. Guest speakers included:
- Alexander Peev, General Manager of Corporate and Social Responsibility
- Marinela Koeva, Sustainability Manager
The discussion covered UBB’s practices in the field of sustainability, the role of financial institutions in the transition to a green economy, and strategies for long-term responsible investing. The involvement of MBA students fostered a lively and meaningful exchange of ideas between academia and the business community.
Cybersecurity and Banking
The second lecture of the academy centered on the topic of cybersecurity in modern banking. The featured guest was Pavel Georgiev, Senior Expert in the Information Security Department at UBB.
Key topics included:
- How banks manage real-time cyber threats
- How users can enhance their digital security
- Case studies from banking practice involving attacks and protective mechanisms
The event offered valuable insights for both professionals and students interested in information security.
Savings and Investment Products – June 12
The final lecture in the series focused on personal finance and long-term financial planning. Experts from UBB and DZI presented various strategies and tools for saving and investing.
Guest speakers included:
- Harry Yanchev, Head of Sales Support for Savings and Investment Products
- Ivan Dimitrov, Chief Investment Strategist at KBC Asset Management
- Svilen Gospodinov, Senior Sales Manager for Savings and Investment Products
Key highlights:
- Traditional and alternative savings products
- Opportunities for individual investment: funds, pension schemes, insurance
- Risk management approaches and financial resilience
The session drew great interest and concluded with an active Q&A segment, allowing participants to ask questions and receive practical advice for their financial futures.
Special thanks go to the teams at UBB and DZI, and to Yulia Boyadjieva, Silvia Markova, and Violeta Chongova from UBB’s Human Resources Directorate for their longstanding support and active involvement in developing student initiatives.
Stay tuned for future events aimed at enhancing the knowledge, skills, and professional horizons of tomorrow’s leaders in finance.