• With TBC and VISA’s support, Starring Georgia will be hosting world-renowned stars.

Organized by Starring Georgia, in collaboration with TBC and VISA, the Black Sea Arena will resonate with the melodies of OneRepublic, Scorpions, and Jungle.

The stellar concert series commences on May 10 with OneRepublic taking the stage at the Black Sea Arena. Following that, on May 31, the legendary Scorpions will captivate the audience with their performance at the same venue. Finally, on August 18, Jungle will grace the Black Sea Arena Front Stage with their electrifying presence.

In the preceding 2023 season, Starring Georgia presented a myriad of world-class competitions across Georgia, from Tbilisi to Kotepeti, featuring renowned artists such as Bruno Mars, Imagine Dragons, The Killers, Damian Lazarus, and All Day I Dream.

Promoting musical culture in Georgia and introducing global music to Georgian audiences stand as primary objectives for TBC. Thus, for the second consecutive year, TBC proudly partners with Starring Georgia, ensuring an unforgettable celebration and unparalleled musical experience for all attendees.

Ticket sales for the upcoming concerts will commence gradually from March 29. With the purchase of tickets using a TBC VISA card, patrons will enjoy exclusive discounts.

• 30,000,000 shares of TBC Asset Management and the First Credit Fund in Georgia were fully distributed to investors.

The Diversified credit portfolio managed by TBC Asset Management and the First Credit Fund in Georgia has successfully allocated all 30,000,000 shares to investors. This achievement was highlighted during discussions at an international capital market conference, where the fund’s prospects in asset management within Georgia were a focal point.

Established in 2022 in accordance with Georgia’s Investment Funds Law of 2020, the fund operates under the regulatory oversight of the National Bank of Georgia. Its strategy revolves around investing in a secure, cross-sector, and diversified loan portfolio of major corporate clients. Investor profits are distributed biannually, with a recorded annual profitability of 10.41% in dollar terms by the end of 2023.

Amidst the global trend of increasing interest rates, the bond market has emerged as a particularly enticing option for investors. Consequently, the introduction of the credit fund by TBC Asset Management proves timely, presenting an innovative opportunity for investors within the Georgian market. The profitability attained in 2023, coupled with TBC Asset Management’s robust corporate governance and transparent reporting, has bolstered investor confidence, resulting in a growing interest in the fund.

Looking ahead, TBC Asset Management intends to diversify its offerings by introducing additional investment funds tailored to cater to various investor preferences. This initiative aims to further invigorate the securities market, fostering a dynamic investment landscape within Georgia.

• The TBC Initiative: Revitalizing Advertising Banners

TBC pioneers the recycling of advertising banners in collaboration with the “Adamiani” brand, introducing a novel approach to environmental stewardship. Repurposing old advertising banners, TBC transforms them into functional accessories like laptops and backpacks.

As the forefront financial institution in the nation, TBC acknowledges its role in fostering environmental sustainability. The initiative to recycle advertising materials signifies another stride towards this overarching objective.

TBC’s extensive support campaign for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, themed “Together We Will Win,” showcased a series of advertising banners alongside a compelling video clip and public screenings of rugby matches. These banners have now been repurposed into backpacks, with support from the “Alma” company.

“Together We Will Win” marks the inaugural campaign where advertising banners have been repurposed. TBC intends to institutionalize this practice, continually crafting new products from used advertising banners, thereby creating aesthetically pleasing and practical items.

• Introducing the Victors of TBC Capital’s Student Program – “Camp”

The victors of the 5th iteration of TBC Capital’s student program – “Camp” have emerged triumphant.

Gvantsa Khakhiashvili from Caucasus University and Luka Sopromadze from Free University clinched the top spot, while Elene Bezhanidze from the International School of Economics (ISET) and Gigi Misheladze from Free University secured the second prize. Both teams, handpicked by the jury, were honored with a special accolade – the S&P 500 fund.

This year, the initiative brought together 22 universities and 215 third and fourth-year students from across Georgia. Throughout the project, participants engaged in diverse tasks. In the final phase, the contenders showcased their collaborative projects to a jury comprising members of the TBC Capital team.

“In the project’s finale, my partner and I had a mere 4 hours to acquaint ourselves, comprehend each other’s skills and strengths, effectively delegate tasks, and execute them. While victory seemed within reach, the outcome took us by surprise,” remarked Gvantsa Khakhiashvili, the project’s victor.

“Upon entering university, I caught wind of TBC Camp. I recall how eagerly senior students anticipated its commencement. The project provided me with the platform to validate my readiness to venture into the realm of investments. The final stage proved to be both captivating and formidable. Within 4 hours, we were tasked with showcasing not only presentation and analytical prowess but also teamwork, time management, and a plethora of other skills,” reflected Luka Sopromadze, another triumphant participant.

“Upon enrolling in the Faculty of Economics, I aspired to delve into investment. However, given the nascent state of this field in Georgia, I didn’t envisage stumbling upon a student program in this domain. The most intriguing aspect of the camp was tackling assignments grounded in real-life scenarios. Throughout our endeavors, we sifted through, processed, and analyzed copious amounts of information, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application,” elucidated Elene Bezhanidze, a victor of the project.

“Driven by the dynamism of the field, my interest in investment banking and finance has been longstanding. TBC Camp afforded me the opportunity to put my capabilities to the test. I vividly recall the final stage as the zenith of excitement, where the primary objective was to cultivate synergy with a stranger within a 4-hour window and coalesce into a team poised to deliver a compelling presentation,” shared Gigi Misheladze, another triumphant participant.

“The camp synergizes two pivotal spheres – the burgeoning generation and education for TBC. The project’s objective is to furnish young individuals with insights and experiences in investment, brokerage, and research within an authentic professional milieu. The victors represent a new breed of financiers who, I am confident, will emerge as formidable assets in the future. We take pride in being the patrons and champions of their maiden strides and achievements. It’s worth noting that standout participants from previous seasons of the program now constitute integral members of the TBC Capital team, contributing significantly to the realm of international financial markets, securities, and publications,” affirmed Mary Chachanidze, Managing Director of TBC Capital.

• TBC Equity Update from Chief Economist: 6% Surpassing Baseline Scenario

The victors of the 5th iteration of TBC Capital’s student program – “Camp” have emerged triumphant.

Gvantsa Khakhiashvili from Caucasus University and Luka Sopromadze from Free University clinched the top spot, while Elene Bezhanidze from the International School of Economics (ISET) and Gigi Misheladze from Free University secured the second prize. Both teams, handpicked by the jury, were honored with a special accolade – the S&P 500 fund.

This year, the initiative brought together 22 universities and 215 third and fourth-year students from across Georgia. Throughout the project, participants engaged in diverse tasks. In the final phase, the contenders showcased their collaborative projects to a jury comprising members of the TBC Capital team.

“In the project’s finale, my partner and I had a mere 4 hours to acquaint ourselves, comprehend each other’s skills and strengths, effectively delegate tasks, and execute them. While victory seemed within reach, the outcome took us by surprise,” remarked Gvantsa Khakhiashvili, the project’s victor.

“Upon entering university, I caught wind of TBC Camp. I recall how eagerly senior students anticipated its commencement. The project provided me with the platform to validate my readiness to venture into the realm of investments. The final stage proved to be both captivating and formidable. Within 4 hours, we were tasked with showcasing not only presentation and analytical prowess but also teamwork, time management, and a plethora of other skills,” reflected Luka Sopromadze, another triumphant participant.

“Upon enrolling in the Faculty of Economics, I aspired to delve into investment. However, given the nascent state of this field in Georgia, I didn’t envisage stumbling upon a student program in this domain. The most intriguing aspect of the camp was tackling assignments grounded in real-life scenarios. Throughout our endeavors, we sifted through, processed, and analyzed copious amounts of information, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application,” elucidated Elene Bezhanidze, a victor of the project.

“Driven by the dynamism of the field, my interest in investment banking and finance has been longstanding. TBC Camp afforded me the opportunity to put my capabilities to the test. I vividly recall the final stage as the zenith of excitement, where the primary objective was to cultivate synergy with a stranger within a 4-hour window and coalesce into a team poised to deliver a compelling presentation,” shared Gigi Misheladze, another triumphant participant.

“The camp synergizes two pivotal spheres – the burgeoning generation and education for TBC. The project’s objective is to furnish young individuals with insights and experiences in investment, brokerage, and research within an authentic professional milieu. The victors represent a new breed of financiers who, I am confident, will emerge as formidable assets in the future. We take pride in being the patrons and champions of their maiden strides and achievements. It’s worth noting that standout participants from previous seasons of the program now constitute integral members of the TBC Capital team, contributing significantly to the realm of international financial markets, securities, and publications,” affirmed Mary Chachanidze, Managing Director of TBC Capital.

• TBC Equity Update from Chief Economist: 6% Surpassing Baseline Scenario

Recent macroeconomic indicators signal robust economic growth, a trend echoed in the latest TBC Capital publications. Despite this backdrop, February witnessed the economy’s staggering 9.5% growth, surpassing expectations. Noteworthy factors contributing to this surge include heightened foreign exchange inflows, increased investment demand, significant fiscal stimulus since the year’s inception, and notably, a marked improvement in migration effects, evident from March data. While migration typically bears positive economic implications, amidst a looming wave of mobilization and heightened instability risks, discussing its benefits in isolation seems inappropriate.

Considering the aforementioned factors, TBC Capital opines that the Georgian economy’s growth under the baseline scenario for 2024 exceeds 6%.

• Plantastic Kitchen: A Vegan Haven in Tbilisi Supported by TBC

Plantastic Kitchen, a remarkable vegan café in Tbilisi, owes its existence to the support of TBC Bank. Despite the global surge in popularity of vegan cuisine, it remains a novelty in the Georgian market. Nonetheless, driven by a shared ideology, especially among the youth, vegan eateries are gradually emerging in Georgia.

For Anna Topuria, co-founder of Plantastic Kitchen, vegan cooking began as a mere hobby, rooted in her deep-seated values of animal rights, ecology, and sustainable development. However, during the pandemic-induced lockdown, her hobby evolved into a serious venture. Encouraged by the positive response to her vegan recipes and tips shared on a blog, Anna transitioned her passion into a commercial endeavor. With the support of TBC Bank, she and her partner secured funding to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.

Opened in August 2023, Plantastic Kitchen, situated on Akhvlediani Street, defies the stereotypical image of a vegan café. Boasting a compact yet meticulously designed space, the bistro exudes the ambiance of an American diner, eschewing the conventional green color palette associated with veganism. Despite its modest size, the bistro offers an extensive menu, featuring vegan renditions of popular fast food items alongside traditional Georgian fare like khinkali and kebabs.

Catering primarily to a youthful demographic aged between 20 and 35, Plantastic Kitchen attracts patrons with diverse motivations. Some dine there to affirm their ideological beliefs, while others seek a meat-free culinary experience out of curiosity or a desire for a break from animal products. Complementing its kitchen offerings, the café’s fully vegan bar provides a wide array of beverages to suit every taste.

In addition to its daily menu featuring staples like vegan burgers and khachapuri, Plantastic Kitchen hosts themed cuisine days every weekend, showcasing international flavors ranging from Mexican to Japanese. Despite sourcing some ingredients from abroad, the café prioritizes local produce whenever possible, ensuring freshness and quality in its dishes.

With a staff composed entirely of vegans, Plantastic Kitchen navigates challenges such as ingredient sourcing and menu diversity with ease. Looking ahead, the café envisions expansion and possibly venturing into different culinary concepts, all while steadfastly upholding its core ideology.

• Streamline Car Replacement with TBC Leasing’s New Service

TBC Leasing introduces a convenient solution for trading in old cars for new ones, aiming to simplify users’ lives. This service caters to individuals seeking to sell their old vehicles while purchasing new ones.

Here’s the process: TBC Leasing handles the sale of your old car, considers its value as part of the down payment, and offers financing for leasing a new model. Whether it’s a new, used, or imported car, you have the flexibility to choose. This trade-in practice, successfully employed in Western countries for a decade, is now available in Georgia, previously dominated by new car dealerships.

Zurab Gugushvili, TBC Leasing’s commercial director, emphasizes that customer demand prompted the creation of this flexible and straightforward product.

To qualify, vehicles must not exceed 15 years in age, and customers can take advantage of the offer for up to two vehicles. The process requires minimal documentation and can be completed within a few hours, with possession of a valid driver’s license being a prerequisite.

With growing interest from Georgian consumers, TBC Leasing plans to introduce additional products in the used car sector in 2024, aligning with their mission to simplify lives through innovative solutions.

• Enhanced Functionality Unveiled in TBC Business App

In a bid to streamline user management, the TBC business app has introduced a significant upgrade. Previously, adding a new user necessitated a tedious process; however, with the latest update, users can now effortlessly add and store multiple user profiles within the application.

To avail of this feature, users simply navigate to the “My Account” section within the app and select the option to add a new account. From there, they input the necessary user details and confirm the action. This straightforward process swiftly integrates a new account into the business app, enhancing user convenience and efficiency.

The TBC Business App stands out as a digital banking solution tailored specifically to meet the needs of businesses. Designed with a keen understanding of business requirements, the app serves to simplify various activities, financial transactions, and overall company management processes.

Continuously evolving, the app undergoes regular updates and enhancements, aimed at providing users with the most intuitive and efficient business tools available.

For those seeking to optimize their business operations, the TBC Business App can be downloaded from the following link: (TBC Business App).

TBC Concept proudly presents Keti Kapanadze’s exclusive exhibition, “Poison for the Couple.”

The exhibition derives its title from a striking 1990 black-and-white photograph by the artist, depicting two vintage perfume bottles.

This showcase amalgamates various series from the early stages of Kapanadze’s career, making its debut in Georgia and spanning across both exhibition spaces at TBC Concept.

Visitors will delve into a collection of conceptual photographs from the early 1990s alongside the “Anima Ex Machina” paintings series from the 1980s. These works, crafted with black gouache on paper, initiated as exercises in automatic writing. Transitioning from paper to cardboard, Kapanadze continued the series, overlaying black gouache as a canvas for technical drawings and diagrammatical works in white paint. According to the artist, the black plane symbolizes a reservoir of information, with the diagrams and numerical motifs emerging akin to pictorial rebuses. Although some pieces were lost during the 1980s, they were meticulously reconstructed from photographs, with new additions introduced to the series in 2003-2004.

The exhibition will also feature select canvases from Kapanadze’s 2010 series, “Akasha Chronicles.” “Akasha,” meaning space and air in Sanskrit, informs the technical execution of these paintings, aimed at evoking environments saturated with space and air.

Keti Kapanadze commenced her artistic journey in Tbilisi during the 1980s, belonging to the tenth floor and Marjanishvili circles, despite never formally affiliating with these groups. She stands as one of the pioneering feminist artists, delineating and exploring identity through conceptual photography in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The exhibited photographs at TBC Concept depict her early self-portraits, where disparate elements such as old perfume bottles, a shattered cup, a dusty chest of drawers, and a parrot converge.

Kapanadze’s oeuvre frequently finds a home in Germany, where she relocated in 2000 with the support of the Baumann Stiftung. Serving as a visiting professor at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, she later assumed the role of head of diploma projects at the Free University, VAADS, in 2020 and 2021. Her works grace esteemed European collections, including the Bochum Museum, Stuttgart State Gallery, Ministry of Culture in Stuttgart, European Patent Office in Munich, State Art Gallery in Göppingen, and MMoma in Moscow. Notably, her creations also adorn the Nancy and Norton Dodge collection at the Zimmerli Art Museum in the USA. In Tbilisi, her art finds representation at the Art Beat gallery, while in Bonn, it is showcased at the Gisela Clemens gallery.

Residing and working between Germany and Georgia, Keti Kapanadze’s exhibition is curated by Irina Popiashvili.

**Exhibition Details:**

– **Opening:** April 10, 2024, 18:00

– **Duration:** April 10 – May 30, 2024

– **Address:** TBC Concept, K. Marjanishvili #7.

• With the backing of TBC, the Nato Vachnadze Foundation introduces the prestigious “Eliso” prize.

The “Eliso” award, bestowed upon remarkable contributions to Georgian cinema, marks the inaugural venture of the Vachnadze Foundation. In its debut this year, the ceremony, set for June 14, will feature a select number of nominees. Serving as the principal patron of “Eliso” is TBC. Key collaborators of the Nato Vachnadze Foundation and the “Eliso” prize include Tegeta, Tegeta Kars, Gurjaani Municipality, along with Sarajishvili, Gulf, and others.

Established in 2023 at the behest of filmmakers and relatives, the Nato Vachnadze Foundation is committed to fostering artistic endeavors, particularly in cinematography. Aligned with the legacy of Nato Vachnadze and her family, the foundation champions filmmaker support, historical inquiry, cinema advocacy, and women’s empowerment.

The concept of instituting an award within Nato Vachnadze’s House-Museum dates back to 1981. “Eliso,” Nikoloz Shengelaya’s enduring masterpiece, embodies the pioneering spirit of Georgian avant-garde cinema, characterized by its innovative storytelling and editing techniques. Notably, in a cinematic landscape where female characters often portray victimhood, Eliso emerges as a courageous protagonist, portrayed by Kira, Nato Vachnadze’s sister and a victim of Soviet oppression.

Comprising esteemed figures from the arts realm such as Shore, Nino Kirtadze, Rezo Kiknadze, Ketevan Shavgulidze, Guram Ghongadze, and Natalia Jug, the Nato Vachnadze Foundation selects both Georgian and international jurors to adjudicate the “Eliso” nominees and unveil the winners.

“I am delighted that this year, on the 120th anniversary of Nato Vachnadze, we are able to orchestrate such an event. For years, Gurjaani has commemorated Nato Vachnadze’s birthday as a festivity, and we aim to infuse cinematic significance into this celebration, which has somewhat waned in recent times. This year serves as a preview of what the Eliso award represents for the future. Nevertheless, even the recognition of a few professionals today constitutes a significant stride,” remarked Natalia Jugheli, a founding member of the Nato Vachnadze Foundation.

This year, the Eliso award recognizes excellence in three categories: best director, best actor, and best cinematographer, with each recipient receiving a prize of 5000 GEL. Eligible works for consideration include full-length documentaries and feature films produced in 2023. The call for submissions opens on April 12 and closes on May 1.

In collaboration with the Nato Vachnadze House-Museum, forthcoming initiatives include a diverse array of events such as workshops, lectures, residencies, and curated film screenings, fostering cross-cultural exchange and professional enrichment.

• TBC-supported AWS User Group Tech Commune Meeting

On April 3, a tech event convened in Tbilisi, orchestrated by the AWS User Group and bolstered by TBC and Space International. The gathering delved into cutting-edge technologies, notably platform engineering, Gen AI, and AWS Direct Connect.

The primary objective was to foster knowledge exchange and bridge the gap between theoretical insights and real-world applications. This marked TBC’s second endeavor in hosting such a Tech Commune event.

Attendees gained profound insights into the latest technologies and their implementations in leading enterprises. They interacted directly with tech professionals utilizing these innovations, engaging in insightful discussions and workshops.

Moreover, participants seized the opportunity to expand their professional networks, connecting with industry experts from top-tier organizations. They also stayed abreast of the latest trends in cloud technology, infrastructure as code, and container orchestration.

The event prioritized enhancing the skills of Tech Commune members, featuring practical workshops tailored to deepen their familiarity with AWS services.

The event encompassed three thematic tracks:

1. Platform Engineering: Discussions revolved around agile software delivery practices and strategies to enhance its life cycle.
2. Generative AI: Attendees gained comprehensive insights into Generative AI, exploring its potential applications and industry impact.
3. AWS Direct Connect Workshop: Participants honed their understanding of managing AWS Direct Connect between on-prem data centers and cloud infrastructure, leveraging hands-on experiences and interactions with leading specialists.

The partnership between the AWS User Group, TBC, and Space International is rooted in shared values, emphasizing technological advancement and innovation support. All three entities actively champion events that foster learning and development within the tech sphere.

• TBC x USAID Initiative: Strengthening the Technology Ecosystem

The project “TBC x USAID for Technological Education,” aimed at fortifying the country’s technology ecosystem, is expanding its scope. With approximately 10,000 applicants registered, interest in transforming careers in technology or enhancing existing skills remains high.

Presently, 350 participants are engaged in eight fully-funded training programs. These programs, led by seasoned technicians and developers with international expertise, emphasize practical training methodologies within authentic work environments. Specialized labs facilitate hands-on learning, ensuring graduates are workplace-ready upon program completion.

A primary objective of the initiative is to empower women and underrepresented regions in technology, enhancing their employability. Notably, 40% of participants are women, with 35% hailing from various regions of Georgia.

Under the “TBC x USAID for Technological Education” umbrella, the Training of Trainer (ToT) for Tech People program has concluded, training 50 professionals to advocate for technological education. These trainers now disseminate tech education practices in diverse academic settings.

An iOS Bootcamp, held in the initial phase, equipped approximately 30 participants with fundamental iOS Development skills over five intensive months. These individuals showcased their iOS applications at a demo day, securing job offers, with some now employed as Junior iOS Developers in prominent tech firms like TBC, TNET, and SPACE.

The project’s involvement of around 20 technology companies, identified during the demo day, underscores industry support and future employment opportunities for tech specialists.

“TBC x USAID for Technological Education” persists, with registration reopening for eight fully-funded technology courses in the summer. An additional 350 students will undergo rigorous training, preparing them for rewarding careers in technology and potential employment with TBC and its partner companies.

• Moody’s upgraded TBC Bank’s credit rating forecast from “negative” to “stable”

The international rating agency Moody’s confirmed the long-term deposit and issuer ratings of TBC Bank at the Ba2 level, and changed the forecast from “negative” to “stable”.

The stable rating outlook reflects Moody’s expectation that the bank’s high profitability indicators, as well as strong capital and liquidity positions, will be maintained in the future.

It should be noted that Moody’s increased the Baseline Credit Assessment (BCA) and Adjusted Baseline Credit Assessment of TBC Bank from Ba3 to Ba2.

Also, the Bank’s Long-term Counterparty Risk Rating (CRR) and Long-term Counterparty Risk Assessment (Long-term Counterparty Risk Assessment) were revised and improved from Ba2(cr) to Ba1(cr).