According to Georgia’s Ministry of Finance, the meeting focused on trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, as well as projects of regional importance.The parties emphasized the importance of deepening partnership in the transit and logistics sectors. Discussions also covered the development prospects of the “Middle Corridor” and the need to further enhance connectivity opportunities.The Finance Minister briefed the guest on Georgia’s current macroeconomic indicators and medium-term forecasts.“For his part, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan spoke about Turkmenistan’s key economic indicators. At the end of the meeting, the sides expressed hope that the visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Georgia would contribute to promoting trade and investment between the two countries,” the Ministry of Finance said.

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Previously, customers had to visit the websites of individual banks to compare payment service fees, exchange rates, and deposit offers. The new platform consolidates this information, reducing the time and effort required to evaluate different products.The platform enables users to: Compare fees for payment account services offered by different commercial banks; Filter products based on selected criteria and compare banking offers; Access up-to-date exchange rates published by commercial banks; Use calculators for payment services, deposits, card transactions, and currency exchange to estimate costs; Compare effective deposit interest rates and identify the most suitable savings option.Speaking at the presentation of the platform, NBG Governor Natia Turnava said the initiative represents another important step toward improving consumer access to financial information and promoting informed decision-making.“The new functionality allows consumers to compare the terms offered by different banks in one place and make informed choices. This initiative will improve access to information while strengthening transparency and healthy competition in the banking sector,” Turnava said.The presentation was attended by representatives of commercial banks, microbanks, microfinance institutions, payment service providers, project partners, and invited guests.According to the central bank, the platform allows users to compare both individual payment service fees and bundled service packages. It also displays the cost of related services and separately calculates recurring charges, making it easier to assess the total cost of banking services.Users can search for information using various filters, including the type of service, delivery channel—such as a branch, internet banking, or mobile banking—and the preferred currency. The platform is designed for both individual and corporate customers.The website also includes several financial calculators. A basic calculator estimates the fee for a specific transaction, while an advanced calculator projects a user’s total annual banking costs based on selected services and usage patterns.A dedicated card transaction calculator estimates the cost of using a bank card abroad by taking into account foreign exchange conversions, exchange rates, applicable commissions, and the card issuer’s conversion fees, helping users identify the most cost-effective payment card.The platform also provides real-time comparisons of commercial banks’ exchange rates. Users can enter a desired amount to compare offers from different banks, while the currency conversion calculator estimates the outcome of a transaction and helps identify the most favorable exchange rate.In addition, the website provides information on the effective interest rates offered on commercial bank deposits, reflecting both the interest earned and all associated mandatory costs. Users can compare deposit products using a range of filters to find the option that best suits their needs.The National Bank noted that all information displayed on the platform is based on data submitted by commercial banks and may be updated at any time. Consumers are therefore advised to verify current exchange rates and service conditions with their chosen financial institution before completing any transaction.

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Lion Finance Group (BGEO LN) shares closed at GBP 115.90/share (- 1.36% w/w and +11.76% m/m). More than 192k shares traded in the range of GBP 112.80 - 118.20/share. Average daily traded volume was 88k in the last 4 weeks. The volume of BGEO shares traded was at 0.45% of its capitalization.TBC Bank Group (TBCG LN) closed the week at GBP 46.62/share (+1.17% w/w and +10.16% m/m). More than 246k shares changed hands in the range of GBP 44.58 - 46.82/share. Average daily traded volume was 68k in the last 4 weeks. The volume of TBCG shares traded was at 0.44% of its capitalization.Georgia Capital (CGEO LN) shares closed at GBP 43.00/share (-4.66% w/w and +7.63% m/m). More than 144k shares traded in the range of GBP 41.45 - 45.30/share. Average daily traded volume was 45k in the last 4 weeks. The volume of CGEO shares traded was at 0.42% of its capitalization.  

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As you know, the regulator has reduced the reserve requirement ratio for banks on funds raised in foreign currency from 25% to 20% since June.In June, refinancing loans decreased by 105 million, and the balance as of July 1 did not exceed 395.5 million, while one-month loans amounted to 503 million.

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Of these, it holds 4.95% directly (5.07% before the reduction) and 1.16% indirectly (1.21% before the reduction). The indirect holding structure is represented by the following financial instruments - stock lending mechanism - 0.4%, and 1.12% - contracts for difference (CFDs).As a result, the total number of voting shares held by BlackRock is 3,413,047 units.Recall that the American giant acquired 5.02% of TBC PLC shares in May last year, partly directly and partly in the form of financial instruments.Namely, 4.02% was acquired directly, and an additional 1% was acquired through financial instruments - including contracts for difference (CFDs) and a share lending mechanism. At that time, BlackRock's total voting shares amounted to 2,827,737.A contract for difference (CFD) is a financial instrument that allows an investor to benefit from fluctuations in the price of an asset - without actually owning the share. The investor enters into a contract to cover the price difference based on the change in value.For example, if BlackRock bought a CFD (contract for difference) on TBC PLC shares in the hope that their price would rise, and if the price did rise, BlackRock would make a profit on the price difference - although it would not become a direct owner of the shares and would not be entitled to receive dividends. However, through the CFD it may have the right to temporarily exercise voting rights, which would help to strengthen its position in TBC. The same principle applies under the same conditions if the price fell.As for the share lending mechanism, this means that an investor temporarily receives shares from another owner (often in exchange for some compensation), which gives him temporary voting rights, but the legal right to ownership still belongs to the lender.With the securities lending mechanism, BlackRock temporarily "pledges" shares from other owners who do not actively use these shares. This mechanism allows BlackRock to have voting rights and benefit from the positions of other shareholders, although the legal ownership of the shares remains with the lender.Typically, this mechanism is used for several purposes. In particular, when an investor or shareholder wants to influence the decisions of the company, for example, at the general meeting. Also, this tool facilitates the implementation of various strategies, for example, short positions or hedging. Buying physical shares is much more expensive (multiple fees, transaction complexity), and this allows the borrower to better manage long-term or short-term strategies.Ultimately, both mechanisms allow BlackRock to expand its influence in TBC PLC without having full ownership.For your information, BlackRock is the world's largest asset management company, through which trillions of dollars of capital are returned to global markets. The company plays an important role both as an institutional investor and as a partner for large corporations.The transaction closed in London at the end of June 2026.

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The Company also announces an extension to its current US$ 50 million share buyback and cancellation programme (of which US$ 10 million is remaining) by an additional US$ 10 million, which will be put in place immediately.Together, these transactions will fully complete GCAP's GEL 700 million capital return programme significantly ahead of schedule, representing one of the largest capital return initiatives undertaken by the Company. The capital return programme will be completed through a combination of US$ 150 million bond redemptions and a US$ 110 million share buyback and cancellation programme. Originally announced in August 2025, the programme was initially scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027.Irakli Gilauri, Chairman and CEO, commented: "I am pleased to see GCAP once again demonstrating its disciplined approach to capital allocation. With a further strengthened balance sheet, we remain firmly focused on the execution of our strategic priorities and on delivering sustainable long-term value for our shareholders. I am delighted that we have made sufficient progress recently to enable us to complete our GEL 700 million capital return programme a year and a half early. Following this completion and taking into account the expected strong free cash flow generation over the next few years, the Board will consider an updated capital management programme to incorporate a combination of business investments as well as significant future capital return initiatives. A further announcement will be made with the Group's half-yearly results in August 2026."Under the share buyback and cancellation programme, the shares will be purchased in the open market and the cancellation of the treasury shares will be executed on a monthly basis.In accordance with the authority granted by the shareholders at the 2026 annual general meeting ("AGM"), the maximum number of shares that may be repurchased is 5,049,543. The Programme is conducted within certain pre-set parameters, and in accordance with the general authority to repurchase shares granted at the 2026 AGM and the provisions of the Market Abuse Regulation 596/2014/EU and of the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 (as they form part of UK domestic law).The Company has appointed Numis Securities Limited ("Deutsche Numis") to manage an irrevocable, non-discretionary share buyback programme until the end of the Programme. During closed periods the Company and its directors have no power to invoke any changes to the Programme and it is being executed at the sole discretion of Deutsche Numis.

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The new report projects ADB member countries to grow by 4.9% in 2026, down 0.2 percentage points from its April forecast. The bank attributes the decline to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, disruptions in energy markets and inflationary risks from rising fuel prices. As for the following year, 2027, the global growth forecast remains unchanged at 5.1%, which indicates a gradual weakening of this pressure.In the Caucasus and Central Asia region, the economy is forecast to grow by 3.8% in 2026 and 4.2% in 2027. The deterioration in regional indicators occurred mainly at the expense of several neighboring countries: Armenia: Growth forecast reduced from 5.5% to 5%, which is related to new trade restrictions imposed by Russia. Turkey: Forecast reduced from 3.6% to 3.1% due to high fuel and fertilizer prices. Turkmenistan: Expectations decreased to 6.3%, as the use of alternative trade routes bypassing Iran increased transportation costs. For other countries in the region, like Georgia, the ADB left its expectations unchanged. The economic growth forecast for Azerbaijan is still 2%, for Kazakhstan - 4.8%, and for Uzbekistan - 6.7%.Although the growth rate of Georgia's GDP remains stable, the bank revised its inflation forecast for the country, increasing the figure from 3.8% estimated in April to 4.9%.Among the leading economies in Asia, the bank reduced its growth expectation for India from 6.9% to 6.6%, while leaving the forecasts for China (4.6%) and Indonesia (5.2%) unchanged.

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The conference focused on the practical application of Georgian Government Bond Indices and the prospects for developing index-based investment products.The conference followed a significant milestone achieved in February 2026, when, for the first time in history, seven Georgian Government Bond Indices were published with the support of the NBG. Developed by the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), these indices became available through both Bloomberg (Bloomberg IND) and the ICE Index Portal (indices.ice.com).The conference was opened by Ekaterine Mikabadze, First Vice Governor of the National Bank of Georgia. In her welcoming remarks, she emphasized the importance of capital market development, the practical significance of market indices, and their role in the development of investment products.According to Ekaterine Mikabadze, the publication of these indices marks a major step forward in the evolution of Georgia's financial market."Over the past few years, Georgia has made significant progress. Today, we have a well-developed government securities market, robust market infrastructure, a Delivery Versus Payment (DVP) settlement system, and a modern regulatory framework for investment funds and asset managers. In addition, the funded pension system is becoming an increasingly important long-term investor in the local economy. The ICE Georgian Government Bond Indices add a fundamental building block to this ecosystem. They serve as a globally recognized benchmark and cover the GEL-denominated sovereign yield curve with maturities of up to 10 years. Using the ICE indices enables portfolio management based on the risk-return characteristics of treasury bonds, facilitates the development of tailored investment mandates, and ultimately supports the creation of index-linked investment products tied to the Georgian government bond market," noted Ekaterine Mikabadze.During the conference, representatives of the NBG's Financial Markets Department and Securities Market Supervision Department delivered presentations on the strategic vision for the development of Georgia's financial market, as well as the regulatory and tax framework governing investment funds.Panel discussions focused on the practical steps required to establish index-based investment funds in Georgia, international best practices in ETF development, and ways to strengthen the investment market ecosystem and further develop the supporting financial infrastructure.The conference brought together representatives of the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), as well as executives and professionals from local and international financial institutions, asset management companies, investment fund managers, and the banking sector.On the second day, the conference continued with bilateral meetings between local financial market participants and ICE representatives.

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MFO "Express Capital +" was sanctioned with 4,300 GEL for irregularity (violated the Financial Monitoring Service rule, did not record the transaction). It also provided incorrect information to the regulator.MFO "Cross Credit" was fined with 6,000 GEL, "Georgian Capital" with 1,000 GEL.MFO "Invest Georgia" was sanctioned with 17,000 GEL. The MFO provided false information on transactions to the NBG. 2 were fined with 4,000 GEL.9,000 GEL was issued for failing to take into account risk factors in the case of 3 clients.

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According to the investment bank's updated macroeconomic analysis, the surplus in the foreign exchange market in recent months, which triggers the strengthening of the lari and the growth of international reserves, persisted in June and early July.In June, a significant contribution to foreign currency inflows was also made by activated purchases of Georgian government securities by non-residents, which increased the share of foreign investors in government securities to 8.3% (the highest since February 2022).TBC Capital economists note, against this backdrop, an increase in international reserves of 52% per year, in line with expectations.It is expected that the accumulation of reserves will continue in the coming months, although at a relatively moderate pace.

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