TBC’s Literary Prize “Saba” Announces 2025 Finalists in the Category of Best Georgian Translation

The jury of the literary prize Saba has announced the finalists in the category Best Georgian Translation. Out of 81 competing books, 10 have made it to the final list.

In 2025, the jury will select the best books and authors in 9 categories. The list of finalists is already known in 8 categories, while the winner of the nomination Special Contribution to the Development of Literature will, as tradition dictates, be announced alongside the other award recipients.

The finalists of the Saba Literary Prize 2025 in the category Best Georgian Translation are:

• Maia Badridze | Max Weber, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism (Diogene)
• Katia Wolters | Olga Tokarczuk, The Empusium (Intelekti)
• Ani Kopaliani | Adam Mickiewicz, Dziady (Intelekti)
• Giorgi Macharashvili | Joseph Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces (Palitra L)
• Gvantsa Popkhadze | Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Moral Letters to Lucilius (Diogene)
• Oktay Kazumov | Gunel Movlud, The Camp (Sulakauri Publishing)
• Kharda Khardukhi | Edgar Lee Masters, Spoon River Anthology (Intelekti)
• Manana Gharibashvili | Publius Ovidius Naso, The Voice from Tomis (Artanuji)
• Bachana Chabradze | Antonin Artaud, The Theatre and Its Double (Center for the Development of Contemporary Theatrical Arts)
• Zaza Chiladze | Cormac McCarthy, The Road (Sulakauri Publishing)

The Saba Prize was founded in 2002 by TBC and poet Rati Amaglobeli. For over two decades, it has been recognized as the most prestigious award in Georgian literature. Since its establishment, nearly 100 writers and literary critics have reviewed more than 5,000 books, with over 200 awards presented to more than 150 authors.

TBC Reminds Us: Before Every Big Journey, It Matters Who Stands Beside You

With its new video, TBC reminds us that before every great adventure, what truly matters is who stands beside you.

At TBC, they believe that faith in yourself can make the impossible possible. Yet, along the way, we often need someone else to strengthen that belief—someone who convinces us of our own abilities. Sometimes, it takes nothing more than an encouraging glance or a single spoken word to uncover the inner strength that fuels confidence and helps us take bold steps forward.

When your loved ones, friends, supporters—or even complete strangers—believe in you, it gives you the certainty that you can succeed. The key is to believe.

აქ თუ სეიძლება ტექსტში ვიდეო რომ ჩაჯდეს?

In its video, TBC brings together real-life stories and moments that resonate with many of us. These are turning points where support and belief from others play a crucial role—whether it’s a milestone like preparing for national exams and university life, an emotional moment such as stepping onto a stage for the very first time, or something seemingly simple, like tying a shoelace. It is through these everyday truths that people discover they are capable of achieving what once felt impossible.

No challenge is insurmountable when you believe—and when others believe in you. Because before every big journey, it truly matters who stands beside you. And remember: there is nothing you cannot achieve, and every endeavor guided by this belief leads to victory.

TBC’s Educational Opportunities for Students: Meet Keso Laliashvili

Education is an inseparable part of our journey to success. It often feels like a magical wand that gives us confidence at decisive moments, helping us get closer to goals that once seemed impossible. That’s why we often say that education is what convinces us—even in the most difficult times, even after painful failures when the road to our big dreams feels lost—that the impossible can indeed become possible.

For TBC Education, supporting education as a fundamental means of self-belief is essential. Especially important is creating more opportunities for the younger generation. Through its partnership with the educational foundation Visionary, TBC has empowered even more young people to believe in their abilities and to strengthen them on an exciting, discovery-filled educational journey.

Today, we introduce the story of one such student on this path: law faculty student Keso Laliashvili.

“Education is the only way that constantly helps you discover yourself. It gives you hope for the future, which stays with you as you move toward both big and small goals. Education builds your confidence, reminds you of every sleepless night you’ve dedicated to it, and ultimately leads you closer to your biggest dream.”

Keso’s educational story began in school, when she first considered a career in genetic engineering. Later, however, she chose to study law. For her, education must be relevant and meaningful to the society in which one lives. That conviction ultimately led her to the field of law, where she found her true calling.

“I often say that education helped me find myself. It was precisely in educational spaces that I realized I have an inner voice that always needs to be heard.”

One theme stood out in Keso’s reflections—self-belief. She believes that without it, one’s educational journey may break down, making it hard to find the way forward.

“If you don’t believe in yourself—your abilities, skills, and dreams—how can you convince anyone else that you truly can? That’s why ‘the main thing is to believe.’ And it shouldn’t just be empty words—you need to live by this mindset every day. Only then will you succeed.”

Education, as a way of expressing oneself, plays an especially important role in the lives of the new generation. It creates freedom, the highest value in our world. On this challenging but endlessly inspiring journey of building their own stories, young people are supported by TBC.

TBC Uzbekistan CEO Nika Kurdiani Awarded by the President of Uzbekistan for Contribution to Economic Development

Within the framework of the annual Entrepreneurs’ Day celebration, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, awarded Nika Kurdiani, CEO of TBC Uzbekistan, the Order of Friendship for his significant contribution to the country’s economic development.

Receiving the presidential award once again highlights TBC Uzbekistan’s ongoing commitment to advancing the level of financial services in the country, as well as its role in attracting international investment and fostering economic growth.

In his speech, President Mirziyoyev also emphasized TBC Uzbekistan’s support for small and medium-sized businesses, which play a vital role in the nation’s economy.

Over the past 12 months, TBC Uzbekistan introduced the country’s first fully digital business banking service, which in April was enhanced with business lending functionality. In July 2025, the company further strengthened its business offering by acquiring BILLZ, the largest retail management SaaS platform in Uzbekistan.

“This award from the President is a great honor for me, but I do not see it as a personal achievement — it is recognition of the results of our entire team’s work. In almost five years, we have built an ecosystem that has transformed how millions of our customers engage with digital financial services in the country. We are proud not only of TBC’s accomplishments but also of the contribution we have made to the development and growth of Uzbekistan’s economy. TBC Uzbekistan will continue to create new products and introduce innovative technologies that meet the highest international standards and live up to the expectations of our millions of customers,”
— said Nika Kurdiani, CEO of TBC Uzbekistan.

Today, TBC Uzbekistan is the leading digital banking ecosystem in Central Asia, with more than 21 million unique registered users, representing over 50% of Uzbekistan’s population. The ecosystem includes rapidly growing digital businesses:

• TBC UZ – the country’s largest digital bank,
• Payme – a digital payments app for individuals and small businesses,
• Payme Nasiya – a lending business,
• TBC Insurance – a fully digital insurance provider.

TBC Uzbekistan is also making major investments in enhancing AI-driven experiences within its mobile bank. The team has allocated $10 million to develop proprietary conversational technologies and large language models (LLMs) in the Uzbek language. AI agents are already deployed across different functions, including sales and collections, and by the end of the year, a virtual assistant will be available to customers.

Assessing the Dynamics of FX Conversions

In Georgia, the long-term trend toward the de-dollarization of loans and deposits continues. However, due to various factors, temporary fluctuations are often observed. Specifically, when expectations of GEL depreciation rise, the share of foreign currency in deposits increases, while in loans the share of GEL also tends to grow, sometimes even beyond the long-term trend. Over time, however, sentiment inevitably shifts, leading to opposite movements in both deposits and loans.

A similar dynamic was observed during 2024–2025. This time, however, even large-scale two-way conversions did not trigger significant exchange rate volatility, thanks to the National Bank of Georgia’s interventions. For instance, between May and October of last year, the NBG recorded net FX sales of USD 875 million. By contrast, in November–February, there was a net purchase of USD 153 million, and from March to date, we estimate net purchases of around USD 1.5 billion.

It is noteworthy that recent net purchases were significantly supported by improved FX inflows. In this regard, July’s preliminary indicators are again positive. Moreover, in the GEL/USD pair, the weakening of the US dollar in international markets has also been an important factor. At the same time, analytical indicators for both deposits and loans suggest that FX conversions have played a key role in both sales and purchases.

Overall, based on different analytical assessments, we can conclude that conversions in favor of GEL appreciation are not yet fully exhausted. This remains a significant supporting factor for the GEL, given the prevailing market sentiment and expectations regarding the exchange rate.

Read the full publication here: TBC Capital Macro Update

Gourmet Academy: Redefining Fast Food with TBC’s Support

“Gourmet Academy” entered the market in 2022 and has since been actively reshaping the very idea of fast food. The first branches opened in Galleria Tbilisi and East Point — locations where heavy foot traffic naturally requires high-quality service. Yet, from the very beginning, the Academy’s ambitions reached far beyond opening a few outlets.

“Our goal was to set new standards in the fast-food sector — to offer customers affordable yet high-quality products, paired with modern design, attentive service, and a refined taste profile,” says Tamar Tsintsadze, founder of Gourmet Academy.

The brand’s daily operations reflect the balance between technological automation and a human touch: attention to detail, quick response to customer feedback, and constant refinement of internal standards. As Tamar notes, “The development and motivation of our team members is a continuous process and one of the fundamental pillars of our success.”

Today, the brand goes well beyond food service, expanding into projects such as winemaking and agro-eco tourism. The concept developed in Kvareli not only draws on Georgian traditions but also aligns closely with modern ecological and tourism trends.

“In Kvareli, we are creating a unique space that combines organic viticulture, traditional qvevri winemaking, and customer-oriented agro-eco tourism,” Tamar explains. Guests will be able to take part in the grape harvest, taste authentic Kakhetian cuisine, observe the wine aging process in qvevri, and immerse themselves in what we call Georgian culture.

An especially innovative initiative is also underway — the production of non-alcoholic qvevri wine. “This will offer a healthy alternative for those who don’t consume alcohol but still wish to experience the authentic aroma and taste of wine,” Tamar adds.

The Academy’s culinary approach is equally distinctive. Its menu is based on local, seasonal products, while preparation techniques and presentation reflect modern culinary practices.

A key driver of this growth has been TBC’s support. “Tailored financial products, along with TBC’s expertise in entrepreneurship, gave us the opportunity to focus not only on rapid expansion but also on developing complex and innovative projects,” Tamar emphasizes.

Over time, Gourmet Academy has grown far beyond its original fast-food concept. By merging Georgian tradition with contemporary standards, it delivers a new kind of experience — authentic, flavorful, and lasting.

TBC x Giorgi Mamardashvili – You’ll Never Walk Alone

For Giorgi Mamardashvili, a new and significant chapter has officially begun – his Merseyside career. The young goalkeeper has joined Liverpool FC. After a 14-year pause, a Georgian footballer once again appears in the Premier League—this time in one of English football’s most decorated clubs—where he begins writing his own story.

The journey to the legendary Anfield began with TBC. Walking through the streets of Liverpool, Giorgi explored the city, met fans, and experienced an adventure that reinforced his belief that this is the place where you’ll never walk alone.

The campaign video, created by TBC in collaboration with Giorgi Mamardashvili, follows his path towards Anfield. For the first time, without maps or digital tools, he navigates Liverpool on his own, discovering the way to the stadium. Viewers become part of his very first Liverpool steps—exploring the city alongside him and sharing in the emotions of walking Anfield Road for the first time.

The partnership between TBC and Mamardashvili reflects shared values. His career and the path he has taken so far serve as an inspiring example for a new generation of players, proving that even the impossible can be achieved. Seeing him at Liverpool is the clearest testament that nothing is out of reach—so long as you believe.

TBC Supports Georgia’s AI Team: Temiko Machavariani Wins Bronze at the International AI Olympiad

With the support of TBC and the organization of the Georgian Artificial Intelligence Association (GAIA),  Georgia hosted its first National AI Olympiad. The winners of this competition formed the country’s first-ever national student team, which represented Georgia at the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI) in Beijing this year.

At Georgia’s debut on this global stage, team member Temiko Machavariani achieved remarkable success, bringing home a bronze medal.

“To have a voice on such a large international stage is a dream and a great responsibility for any Georgian. Every time the organizers announced the countdown to the end of the competition, I reminded myself that I wasn’t doing this just for me, but for my country. That thought gave me extraordinary energy,” said Temiko Machavariani.

Competing alongside more than 300 participants from over 60 countries, Georgian students underwent intensive training before traveling to Beijing. As part of its partnership with GAIA, TBC’s Data Science team professionals served as mentors, actively supporting the students in their preparation for the Olympiad.

“The tasks were both fascinating and unexpected. The moment I opened the problem sheet, I realized I had to create something more, right on the spot. During the challenges, I recalled the tricks and methods we practiced in our preparatory lectures with the mentors. That experience not only helped me think more clearly but also made the problems easier to solve. I believe that behind every successful person, there is a strong team. The knowledge and experience shared by our coaches wholeheartedly proved decisive at the Olympiad,” Temiko added.

The International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI) is a global educational competition that brings together students passionate about AI and data science from over 70 countries. This year marks its second edition.

By supporting such initiatives, TBC continues to make education more accessible, offering diverse educational programs to young people who believe in shaping their future through learning.

Rusudan Khizanishvili’s personal Iconography

TBC Concept Gallery is pleased to present the exhibition Rusudan Khizanishvili’s Personal Iconography. The exhibition unfolds in two parts: the first floor is dedicated to graphic works, while the second floor features six large-scale paintings.

Although Khizanishvili is widely recognized for her vivid and colorful canvases, her black-and-white drawings in pencil are being presented here for the first time as a separate body of work.

What do these graphic works reveal? At first glance, they might resemble illustrations for a fairy tale. Yet the narrative, the myth, or the character they might belong to remains elusive. Khizanishvili’s women appear as heroines of unknown myths, inhabiting enigmatic scenes whose storylines resist easy deciphering. Their mystery recalls the black-and-white collagraph prints of the Cuban graphic artist Belkis Ayón, who drew on the secret, orally transmitted stories of the Abakuá religious society.

Khizanishvili paints her canvases in the studio, but her works on paper are created at home. As the artist herself notes, each drawing functions like a diary entry. With graphite pencil she renders exaggerated figures of her protagonists—giant women whose very skin takes on a strange, textured surface. Through layers of directional hatching she transforms their bodies until they seem clothed in scales or wings. These figures may be dining, embracing skull-headed creatures, or lying in a sulfur bath where a masseur stands pressing down on them with his feet.  A lot is happening in these drawings: the artist uses her imagination to create a personal iconography and tells stories through her own characters.

Rusudan Khizanishvili lives and works in Tbilisi. Over the past decade, her work has been exhibited extensively in Georgia and internationally. She currently collaborates with several international galleries, including Kornfeld (Berlin), LJ Galerie (Paris), Mimmo Scognamiglio (Milan), and Window Project (Tbilisi).

In 2025 she held a solo exhibition at Seojung Art Gallery (Busan/Seoul, South Korea) and participated in a three-artist group exhibition at Kornfeld (Berlin). Later this year, a duo exhibition is planned at CAM Galería (Mexico City, Mexico).

Her works are part of several public and private collections, including the Georgian National Museum of Art, Oni Regional Museum, the Kvareli foundation, and the Breus Foundation.

All works on view are courtesy of the artist and gallery Window Project, Tbilisi.

Curated by Irena Popiashvili.

Venue: Marjanishvili 7, TBC Concept  Flagship

Exhibition opening: September 1st, 18:00- 20:00

Exhibiton duration – 1.09.-15.10.2025

Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 10:00 – 20:00.