Speaking at an economic forum on the resilience of Georgia’s banking sector, National Bank of Georgia President Natia Turnava said the country’s banking system remains highly resilient and is developing quickly. She pointed to strong capitalization, solid liquidity buffers, high asset quality and healthy profitability, adding that non-performing loans are at a historical low of 2.5%, total assets exceed GEL 108 billion and amount to more than 100% of gross domestic product, and deposits have reached nearly GEL 70 billion equivalent. She also noted that non-residents account for an average of 20% to 25% of deposits, which she described as a historically high share. Turnava identified global turbulence, including in the region, as a key challenge for the sector, alongside structural risks linked to financial dollarization. She also stressed the need for Georgian banks to expand regionally, arguing that entry into regional markets can broaden their customer base, diversify income sources and reduce dependence on the domestic market. In her remarks, she said leading Georgian banking groups have become increasingly active in regional markets, which supports Georgia’s positioning as a financial services hub and deeper integration with regional markets.
National Bank of Georgia2026-05-21
National Bank of Georgia highlights banking sector resilience and flags global turbulence and dollarization risks
National Bank of Georgia President Natia Turnava said the banking system remains highly resilient, citing strong capitalization, solid liquidity, high asset quality, historically low non-performing loans of 2.5%, total assets above GEL 108 billion and deposits near GEL 70 billion, with non-residents accounting for 20% to 25% of deposits. She highlighted global turbulence and dollarization risks and urged banks to expand regionally to diversify income, reduce reliance on the domestic market and strengthen Georgia’s role as a regional financial hub.