What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past 12 months?

Over the past year, as General Counsel, Executive Committee Member, and Board Secretary, I have played a pivotal role in Optima bank’s position as the bank with the highest growth rate in the Greek market. My responsibilities have spanned all major banking activities and strategic decision-making, ensuring every initiative is underpinned by strong legal, regulatory, and governance foundations.

I led the legal structuring of a landmark Tier II capital enhancement, reinforcing investor confidence and enabling further strategic expansion. I also oversaw the legal and compliance frameworks for DORA implementation and cybersecurity governance, strengthening our resilience and operational readiness. Other key initiatives included the launch of Optima Leasing, landmark investment banking transactions in energy and real estate, and digital automation projects such as KYB enhancements, significantly improving client onboarding and service delivery.

I have also driven our sustainability strategy, embedding ESG principles into corporate governance, risk management, and operations. These achievements not only underpin our growth but also reinforce our reputation for excellence, contributing to Optima’s standing as a top choice for customers who value trust, innovation, and service quality.

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

A very significant highlight of my career has been serving as General Counsel and Executive Committee member of Optima bank from its inception. I was

entrusted with designing our corporate governance framework, establishing robust legal and operational structures, and building a legal team that operates as a strategic partner to the business.

From achieving breakeven in our first year (2020) to completing a landmark listing on the Athens Stock Exchange in just our third year (2023) — the first Greek bank IPO in 17 years — I played a central role in transactions that cemented investor trust and market confidence. Since then, we have maintained the highest ROTE in Europe, sustained profitability for five consecutive years, and completed a highly successful oversubscribed Tier II issuance.

Optima Bank is now recognized by clients and peers as “a bank of benchmarking reference”, a testament to our market impact and our unwavering commitment to customer excellence.

What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?

A modern in-house counsel must be more than a legal gatekeeper: they must be a strategic business partner, blending legal expertise with commercial acumen to anticipate challenges, seize opportunities, and shape strategy. Success demands leadership, influence, and agility, ensuring governance and compliance frameworks not only meet regulations but also enable innovation and growth. By fostering trust, driving best practices, and aligning legal decisions with business objectives, today’s in-house counsel plays a pivotal role in building stakeholder confidence and delivering a customer-centric, competitive edge.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?

I am deeply passionate about sustainable growth in banking, ensuring that business expansion is achieved responsibly and with long-term societal benefit. This drives my advocacy for embedding ESG principles into corporate governance, risk management, and daily operations. I believe banks have a unique role in financing the transition to a greener economy, supporting innovation, and empowering clients with responsible products and services. By aligning financial performance with positive environmental and social outcomes, we can deliver value not only to shareholders but to the communities and markets we serve.