Media release 20.2.2025

Ms. Paola Papanicolaou, Chief of International Banks Division at Intesa Sanpaolo, visited BiH

Ms. Paola Papanicolaou, Chief of the International Banks Division (IBD) at Intesa Sanpaolo, conducted her first official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina this week, following her appointment in mid-2024.

The visit represents the strengthening of the Bank's long-term presence in the region and reaffirms its commitment to supporting the country’s financial sector, economic development, and sustainability efforts.

As a leading European banking Group, Intesa Sanpaolo plays a vital role in fostering financial stability and investment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This visit underscored the bank’s vision for deepening economic ties and enhancing collaboration with key institutions and international partners.

During the visit, Ms. Papanicolaou and Mr. Michele Castoro – CEO of Intesa Sanpaolo Banka - held a series of meetings with high-ranking officials and diplomats to discuss key financial, economic, and sustainability initiatives. They met with the Governor of the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ms. Jasmina Selimović, where they discussed the macroeconomic landscape, monetary policies, and the role of banking institutions in ensuring economic stability and growth.

Further strengthening diplomatic and economic relations, Ms. Papanicolaou and Mr. Castoro also met with H.E. Sarah Eti Castellani, the Ambassador of Italy to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and H.E. Ioanna Efthymiadou, the Ambassador of Greece to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Discussions focused on investment opportunities, trade relations, and potential avenues for collaboration in financial and economic sectors.

“The financial sector plays a crucial role in economic growth and stability,” said Ms. Papanicolaou. “Intesa Sanpaolo is dedicated to strengthening its presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina, fostering strong partnerships, and contributing to the sustainable development of the country. Our discussions with key stakeholders reaffirm our shared commitment to advancing economic and financial cooperation.”

Additionally, the Chief of Intesa Sanpaolo’s International Banks Division, Ms. Paola Papanicolaou, met with the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Renaud Meyer, focusing particularly on the Green Transition in BiH initiative, launched in early 2025. This strategic partnership between Intesa Sanpaolo Banka and UNDP is aimed at providing support to local companies in their transition toward sustainable business models.

The initiative is compliant with global objectives of sustainable development, contributing to the ambition of Bosnia and Herzegovina to develop a greener and more resilient economy. Through the strategic partnership with UNDP, Intesa Sanpaolo Banka enables businesses to gain access to financial solutions that support the transition to environmentally-responsible business models, whereby sustainability and economic growth are not mutually exclusive, but mutually enhanced.
Further joint steps were discussed in the meeting with UNDP, including developing specialised financial products tailored for companies ready to adopt sustainable practices. The initiative is expected to have a long-term positive impact, not only through reduction of ecological footprints, but also by improving the competitiveness and resilience of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s economy.

As stated by Mr. Castoro, CEO of Intesa Sanpaolo Banka, Ms. Papanicolaou’s visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina serves as a strong signal of Intesa Sanpaolo’s long-term vision and dedication to the region. Through strategic investments, sustainable financial solutions, and strong institutional partnerships, the Bank aims to play a pivotal role in contributing to the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s banking and economic landscape.

Mr. Castoro, expresses grate appreciation to Ms. Papanicolaou for the visit.