1. Who is Ms Suzan Tanriyar? How would you introduce yourself in one sentence?

I am a bridge-builder in an international environment, who walks the talk uncompromisingly, a born controller addicted to numbers and, in private, a huge fan of nature, and a passionate hiker.

But self-image and the perception of others might differ, so I asked my team to tell me who Ms Suzan Tanriyar is and this is how they describe me: “She is a life loving, full of energy person, with high family values, who appreciates honesty and respect. A professional banker and dynamic person, both people and result oriented, who constantly pushes boundaries to achieve excellence, and conquers new mountain peaks with the same passion and determination.”

2. What is your typical day as a CFO/CRO? What is your job description?

On the web you can read many comprehensive job descriptions for the CFO/CRO job, but, in the essence, I am the navigator of the bank, ensuring that we stay on track and achieve our financial and non-financial targets in line with the expectations of the shareholders and regulators. My team supports me in balancing the needs of our clients and employees with the financial goals of the bank, since only a financially healthy bank is a reliable and long-lasting partner in business.

My working day starts early and finishes late, I use the quiet hours for reviewing e-mails, reports and materials, preparing my notes, catching up with the news. If I am not travelling, I prefer to work in the office rather than from home. I am available for my colleagues who can approach me at any time with a request or feedback, share their ideas, success stories, and complaints.

Whenever I have time after work, I exercise at the gym, in order to reduce stress and stay fit for outdoor adventures.

3.If we were to ask AI how a CFO/CRO can best do their job, what do you think it would say?

I did ask ChatGPT and the answer is: “The key aspects for being a successful CFO/CRO are strategic leadership, financial stewardship, operational efficiency, investor relations, compliance and governance, adaptability, and innovation.”

4. What do you think is the most important quality for a good CFO/CRO?

During my career I have met several excellent CFOs and CROs. From them I have learned that there is not a single ultimate important quality, on the contrary, I believe in a healthy mixture of several qualities.

A good CFO/CRO builds a strong leadership team. I am a C-level manager, and I am as good as my team. I must rely on their contribution and share with them all necessary information.

A good CFO/CRO promotes decisions based on facts. Gut feelings and intuitions are allowed but must be verified and back-tested by facts, otherwise it is a bit like reading tea leaves.

A good CFO/CRO cultivates a strong tone from the top, and is a person of integrity and trust, because that is what plays a vital role in banking. Furthermore, I believe that a CFO/CRO should be able to translate strategy into concrete operational and measurable targets, which are understandable for the employees at all levels in their daily work.

5. Looking ahead, what do you see as the main challenges facing the Serbian financial sector today and tomorrow?

Serbian banks are advanced and modern financial institutions at eyelevel with their peers in CEE and SEE. Therefore, the challenges are similar and manifold.

Technological disruption means that banks must adapt to new technologies like AI, machine learning and cloud computing to stay competitive. And as the banks increasingly digitize, they become more exposed to various kinds of cyberattacks, which is where prevention plays a crucial role in the form of financial education of the citizens when it comes to cyber security. Last year, Erste Bank Serbia finished a multi-year project and implemented the state-of-the-art core banking system, as the basis for its secure digital platforms in the future. At the same time, we have launched several initiatives, in order to improve the financial literacy of our current and future clients.

Regulators are imposing strict regulations at increasingly shorter intervals. Being a member of a European banking group means a heavier burden for our bank, since we are under the regulatory oversight of both the National Bank Serbia and the European Central Bank.

Unfortunately, the adoption of the ESG principles is still in its infancy in SEE but has been gaining importance among clients and regulators due to the tight trade relations of Serbia with Europe. Erste Bank Serbia is the first-choice bank for renewable energy projects, and we are fully committed to supporting our clients in their green transformation journey.

6. Erste Bank Serbia is part of Erste Group. What are the benefits of being a part of one of the most important financial groups in the CEE region?

We are a small bank in Erste Group and we enjoy access to extensive resources by using shared infrastructure, digital platforms, and sophisticated technologies. Not to mention that we can leverage the experience of the Group and avoid mistakes and traps in implementing these advanced tools and technologies.

The Group also fosters internal networks for sharing knowledge, ideas and best practices. For example, a two-day risk summit was recently organized gathering over 500 risk managers from all Erste markets. Moreover, we enjoy the benefits of the close cooperation and collaboration within Erste Group and the employees have a chance to grow thanks to the numerous learning and development opportunities.

7. How do you evaluate the Bank's transformation from the period of your first mandate until today? How much has the market changed in the meantime? How about the clients, the employees?

First of all, Erste Bank Serbia is a much more dynamic and modern bank compared to 2008. We have invested a lot into the modernization of our IT and branch infrastructure. During my first mandate the clients preferred to be serviced in branches. I remember long queues of patient clients in front of the branches. Now our clients want to have personalized experience and 24/7 access to banking services.

At the same time, automatization and digitalization have been rapidly changing the labor market, different job profiles and qualifications are now required in banks. As a result, we have an increasing need for experts in AI, cyber security, data science.

8. What is keeping you awake at night as a CRO?

I sleep well and deep. Erste Bank Serbia is in such a good shape that there is nothing to keep me awake at night. The risks specific for banking sector – credit risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, market risk – are under control. However, cyber risk and risks caused by climate change pose a threat that keeps me alerted permanently, not only as a CRO but also as an individual.

Recently we experienced severe floods in Europe after a long period of draughts and wildfires, all consequences of climate change. For over 200 years we at Erste have been focusing on financial health, well-being, and prosperity. Bearing in mind the challenges of the climate crisis, our commitment to protect the environment and create a sustainable world is necessary. Therefore, we are mobilizing financial resources for climate protection and green transformation in CEE. Additionally, as members of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, we are supporting our clients in their decarbonization plans by providing funds and consultancy on their green transition path.

9. Good balance between personal and professional life is important. How do you manage as Ms Tanriyar and CFO/CRO of Erste Bank Serbia?

The magic phrase is “work-life-balance”. In my over 30 years long career I have learned that you can excel in your job but also must take care about your personal wellbeing. “You cannot pour from an empty cup” is the advice I give to my colleagues regularly.

I have many interests, but mostly I draw energy from the power of nature. I am a mountain-addict, spending my leisure time in the wild and regularly pushing myself to my limits like in my professional life.

Although I am passionate about my job, naturally, it is not always sunshine. The love for my family and my partner are my safe haven during the stormy times at work, reminding me to keep my focus on what makes life worth living, on the quality of life overall.

10. We have heard that you know Serbia better than some of your colleagues. How come?

If you met fly fishers at Gradac river, if you saw the sunrise after a night hike at Trem, if you visited a local farmer’s museum at his house full of archeological artifacts close to Caričin grad (Justiniana Prima), if you went bear watching at Tara mountain, if you spent a night in a konak (dormitory) run by nuns, having the privilege to see their hidden treasure in a silver shrine – I would say you know Serbia well. I am prone to unusual experiences, travelling away from the beaten tracks, because I am truly interested in the local authentic culture. I have always found sincere hospitality in Serbia and in the neighboring countries.

I am a Balkan kid and feel happy living in Serbia.