How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

Addressing legal matters during times of instability or crises in the banking sector demands a comprehensive approach. It is crucial to possess a thorough understanding of the business, its operational processes, and the challenges that management encounters; this knowledge is fundamental to identifying risks and developing a crisis management plan that meets the specific needs and structure of the organisation. Proactively recognising legal risks and developing effective mitigation strategies is also essential. Furthermore, maintaining awareness of legal and regulatory changes is critical, especially since new legislation may be enacted swiftly during crisis situations. Seamless communication among internal teams and key stakeholders, coupled with regular reviews and updates of the crisis management plan, is key to ensuring the plan’s effectiveness and the organisation’s resilience.

What emerging technologies do you see as having the most significant impact on the legal profession in the near future, and how do you stay updated on these developments?

Emerging technologies are expected to reshape several industries, including the legal profession. These technologies encompass artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and blockchain. Generative AI, in particular, is envisioned to streamline workflows and enhance the efficiency of legal services. The resulting increase in productivity, cost savings, and time efficiencies can be reallocated towards more strategic considerations, allowing legal professionals to focus on higher-value tasks. To stay abreast of developments, it is essential to engage in various activities, such as attending webinars and conferences on emerging technologies, subscribing to legal research platforms and newsletters, and participating in professional legal networks and associations to access resources and discussions on current trends and technologies. Additionally, enrolling in corporate training programmes about emerging technologies and their legal implications is beneficial. Collaboration with our organisation’s IT department and technology experts is also crucial for effectively integrating these technologies into legal operations.

In your opinion, what are the main trends that are salient in your country currently (these can be legal, political, economy or business-based)?

Greece’s return to investment grade after more than a decade is a milestone achievement that highlights the country’s economic resilience and positive outlook. This upgrade has positively impacted the Greek banking sector, which is experiencing significant strategic and digital transformation alongside a growth trajectory. Despite global challenges and heightened geopolitical risks, robust recovery and positive momentum, increased economic activity, effective implementation of an ongoing reform programme, fiscal discipline, and steady growth are, in my view, expected to be the main current trends in Greece. Additionally, digital transformation, the importance of sustainability, and addressing climate change will continue to attract considerable attention and emerge as crucial priorities.