Martina Verić at the round table marking the World Savings Day: Citizens’ trust and innovation are key to further developing the capital market
On 30 October 2025, Hanfa Board Member Martina Verić took part in the traditional round table marking the World Savings Day, organized by the Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK).
The panel “Capital market – challenges and opportunities for citizens” focused on the challenges and opportunities the capital market offers to citizens, current trends, market developments, and digitalization processes, as well as the recently adopted Strategic Framework for the Development of the Capital Market in Croatia until 2030. Alongside Martina Verić, the discussion featured Ivana Gažić, President of the Management Board of the Zagreb Stock Exchange, and Gordana Soldo, Advisor to the Management Board of Fina.
“There is a new energy on the capital market, with more and more issuers and investors recognizing investment as an opportunity for long-term value creation. It is important that we continue to build that trust,” said Verić, adding that Hanfa sees its role not only in supervision but also in fostering market development through support for innovation and initiatives such as the regulatory sandbox, which creates space for new ideas and safer investments.
During the event, financial experts and panellists presented insightful analyses showing a significant shift in the structure of Croatian households’ financial assets: the share of cash and deposits is gradually declining, while investments in debt securities and funds are increasing.
Marijana Alavanja, State Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, emphasized the importance of strengthening citizens’ trust in the financial system and encouraging investments that contribute to economic growth, noting that the development of the capital market is one of the government’s economic policy priorities.
Goran Šaravanja, Chief Economist at HGK, presented an analysis of households’ financial assets and deposits. In his presentation, he highlighted that the share of cash and deposits in household financial assets in Croatia is decreasing, while the share of investments in debt securities is growing, driven by new opportunities in the capital market.
Deputy Governor of the Croatian National Bank Sandra Švaljek reminded participants that real estate still plays a major role in household savings, but that a trend is emerging where the dominant share of deposits is giving way to financial investments.
The panel discussion “Savings, investments, and financial literacy” addressed current trends and expectations regarding various forms of savings and investments, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy and the role of new technologies among young people in choosing and using financial services. Participants included Tadija Vrdoljak, President of the Association of banks and other financial Institutions at HGK and Member of the Management Board of Hrvatska poštanska banka; Marin Hrešić, President of the Association of investment and pension funds at HGK and CEO of Eurizon Asset Management Croatia; Eva Horvat, President of the Pension funds group at HGK and Member of the Management Board of Raiffeisen Pension Company; and Božo Šaravanja, Member of the Management Board of Wiener osiguranje Vienna Insurance Group.
Source: HGK
