Banking and finance, Capital markets, Corporate and commercial, Energy and natural resources, Insurance, Mergers and acquisitions, Telecommunications and media

Attorney at Law, Managing Partner, Polenak Law Firm

Kristijan is a legal expert with more than 25 years of experience. He manages the firm and co-heads the M&A and banking practice groups . The extensive record in M&A and banking deals, corporate law and corporate governance advices, as well as commercial deals and his thorough understanding of different business sectors, combined with his banking experience and board positions denote a solid base for taking on important roles as legal advisor and team leader advising financial institutions and companies in diverse industries.

Kristijan holds a degree from the University “Ss. Cyril and Methodius”, Faculty of Law “Iustinianus Primus”, Skopje, North Macedonia and a number of courses and trainings in international trade law and banking regulation.

As independent board member in companies and banks since 1997 he has been closely familiarized with the operation of banks, insurance companies, securities and stock exchange operations, brewery business and metallurgy. By lecturing in LLM studies at the Law Faculty in Skopje he assisted a generation of lawyers to better understand corporate governance and company law, while lecturing in judicial training assisted judges in developing knowledge on the operation of stock exchanges. His dedication to supporting the development of the local legal framework and the economic growth of the country was facilitated by his participation in the work of the American Chamber of Commerce in North Macedonia as its founding member, as well as through the European Business Association and other business associations. Being appointed as member in the Presidency of the Permanent Court of Arbitration with the local Chambers of Commerce is another channel to assist enhancing the legal environment in North Macedonia.

Hе has published articles in publications on corporate governance in companies and banks, mergers & acquisitions, licensing requirements in banks, anti-money-laundering, municipal infrastructure projects, debt recovery procedures, etc.

International Bar Association Macedonian Bar Association South East Europe Legal Group (www.seelegal.org) Founding member of the American Chamber of Commerce in North Macedonia Slovenian Macedonian Business Club European Business Association in North Macedonia

Certificate for passed Judicial Exam, Ministry of Justice of the Republic of North Macedonia, 1997 LL.B, Ss. Cyril and Methodius  University, Faculty of Law Iustinianus Primus, Skopje, North Macedonia, 1994