Capital Horizons Conference: ASA Bank brings together key players of the capital market in BiH

(Patria) - More than 200 distinguished experts from banking, business leaders, and creators of investment and financial policies gathered today in Sarajevo at the "Capital Horizons" conference. This is the first event of its kind organized and sponsored by ASA Bank, aiming to open a dialogue on the development of the capital market in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

By organizing this conference, a significant step has been taken in the financial sector towards improving transparency and information, as the basis for restoring investor confidence.

"Bosnia and Herzegovina has significant potential for capital market development, but we can only realize that potential by strengthening the investment culture, cooperation of all relevant actors, and education. Our vision is for the 'Capital Horizons' conference to become a regional platform for exchanging ideas, creating innovative strategies, harmonizing regulatory frameworks, and strengthening the capital market both in BiH and in the Adria region," stated Samir Mustafić, President of the Management Board of ASA Bank.

In the panel "How to create stability, trust, and opportunities in the capital market," eminent experts, moderated by Professor Kemal Kozarić, analyzed the most current issues, such as how to mobilize small investors to activate their savings in the capital market, thereby enabling financing sources for companies.

"This was a good opportunity to talk about the capital market, given that data shows approximately 17 billion KM of citizens' funds are in commercial banks, and only three percent of companies are listed on the stock exchange, which is not a good situation at all. As much as 85 percent of citizens still use commercial banks for long-term loans, while at the same time, small and medium-sized enterprises have problems accessing funds. Trust is the key thing, because it is evident that citizens trust commercial banks, which is good, but I think the capital market also has its chance. We want to restore trust," emphasized Professor Kozarić.

Given that in today's world, preserving the stability of the financial market and trust in the products it offers is one of the biggest challenges, it was concluded that cooperation between the financial sector and the business community is essential and that these market actors should not be viewed separately.

In the panel "Innovative Business Leaders and the Future of the Financial Market: The Capital Market as a Source of Financing," representatives of the real sector shared their experiences and visions for the future of the financial market.

"ASA Bank brought together eminent experts to discuss the problems and potentials of our financial market. If you look at the trends in the region, you will see that such events in Croatia and Serbia happen twice a month. The starting point must be somewhere for us too. The guests were great, and I am glad that we opened topics that will encourage us to make an additional step in the capital market," said moderator Vedran Vukotić, partner at KPMG B-H.

ASA Bank, as a leading domestic bank, has once again shown that it consistently follows its vision of developing and growing the BiH economy, and that through its strategic actions, it opens new opportunities in strengthening the local and regional economic environment, which is confirmed by the presence of Mr. Kenan Hastor, co-owner of ASA and Prevent Group and one of the founders of the Hastor Foundation at this event.