AmCham Azerbaijan Hosted Its First Annua ...
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AmCham Azerbaijan Hosted Its First Annual Risk & Resilience Conference
On May 8, 2026, AmCham Azerbaijan convened its First Annual Risk & Resilience Conference under the theme “From Principles to Proof”, initiated by the Chamber’s Risk Management Committee. The conference brought together senior government officials, leading representatives of the financial and energy sectors, international experts, and business leaders to discuss emerging risks, institutional resilience, and strategic approaches to risk management in Azerbaijan’s rapidly evolving business environment. The successful organization of the conference was made possible through the valued support of NEQSOL Holding and Yelo Bank.
Opening the conference, Mr. Dayanat Sadullayev, President of AmCham Azerbaijan, welcomed participants and emphasized the growing importance of resilience, adaptability, and strategic foresight in today’s increasingly complex global environment. He noted that risk management is no longer viewed solely as a compliance function, but rather as a critical pillar of sustainable growth, institutional stability, and long-term competitiveness. Mr. Sadullayev also highlighted the importance of strengthening dialogue between the public and private sectors to collectively address evolving regional and global challenges.
The conference continued with a keynote speech delivered by Mr. Zaur Fatizadeh, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Financial Monitoring Service of Azerbaijan, who addressed the importance of strengthening institutional resilience, enhancing compliance culture, and adapting financial and corporate systems to emerging risks in an increasingly digitalized and interconnected global economy.
The conference also featured opening remarks by Mr. Samir Karimov, Chairperson of the AmCham Risk Management Committee, who highlighted the growing importance of effective risk management and institutional resilience in today’s rapidly changing business environment. He emphasized the role of cross-sector collaboration, forward-looking governance, and proactive strategic planning in addressing emerging challenges and strengthening long-term organizational sustainability.
The first panel session, “Risk Landscape in Azerbaijan: Challenges and Strategic Responses,” was moderated by Ms. Gamar Gadimli, Deputy Chairperson of AmCham Risk Management Committee. The panel featured valuable insights from distinguished industry leaders and experts, including Mr. Zaur Gurbanov, Vice President of SOCAR; Mr. Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, bp Vice President for the Caspian Region, Communications & External Affairs; Ms. Naila Mehrabova, Advisor to the Board on Strategy and Business Development/Supervisory Board Member, Azersun Holding; Mr. Rajeev Dutt, Managing Director of Swiss GRC; and Mr. Tural Hajiyev, Partner of the Technology & Transformation Department at Deloitte.
The panel discussions focused on the evolving non-financial risk landscape in Azerbaijan, including operational resilience, ESG considerations, cybersecurity, supply chain challenges, technological transformation, and data security risks. Speakers exchanged views on strengthening resilience frameworks, proactive risk management approaches, and adapting to rapidly changing global and regional dynamics. The discussion also highlighted the growing importance of digitalization, integrated governance, and cross-sector collaboration in building more adaptive and resilient business models.
The second panel session, “Managing Risks in Financial Institutions,” was moderated by Ms. Gultakin Kamranova, Deputy Chairperson of AmCham Risk Management Committee. The discussion brought together senior representatives from leading financial institutions and regulatory bodies, including Mr. Rauf Namazov, Head of the Office of the Financial Monitoring Service of Azerbaijan; Mr. Javid Mirzayev, CEO of Bir Fintech; Mr. Onur Faydacı, General Manager for Türkiye and Azerbaijan at Mastercard; Ms. Gunay Jalilova, Deputy CEO of Yelo Bank and Utku Öz, Partner at Artur D. Little.
The discussion focused on systemic risks in financial sector, the growing complexity of financial technologies, financial crime prevention, compliance culture, and the evolving role of risk management as a strategic business function. Particular attention was devoted to the impact of artificial intelligence, digital financial services, real-time payments, and cross-border operations on modern financial risk management frameworks. The panel emphasized the importance of aligning governance, technology, and organizational culture to strengthen institutional resilience and support long-term sustainable development.
The conference concluded with closing remarks delivered by Mr. Zaur Karimov, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan, who emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation and knowledge-sharing between businesses, regulators, and industry experts to build more resilient institutions and adaptive business environments, while reaffirming AmCham Azerbaijan’s readiness to continue supporting platforms that foster dialogue and collaboration between the public and private sectors. Mr. Karimov also expressed his sincere appreciation to all speakers, moderators, panelists, organizers, committee representatives, partners, sponsors, and participants whose valuable contributions supported the successful organization of the conference.
At the end, awards and appreciation certificates were presented to all speakers and panelists in recognition of their valuable contributions to the conference and the broader dialogue on risk management and resilience.
Throughout the conference, speakers emphasized the growing importance of strategic resilience, cross-sector collaboration, technological adaptation, and forward-looking governance in navigating today’s rapidly changing risk environment. The conference reaffirmed AmCham Azerbaijan’s commitment to providing high-level platforms that support dialogue, strengthen institutional cooperation, and contribute to the advancement of Azerbaijan’s business environment.
AmCham Azerbaijan extends its sincere appreciation to NEQSOL Holding and Yelo Bank for their valuable support and partnership, which played an important role in the successful implementation of the conference and in advancing dialogue on risk management and resilience.
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