Postbank

Mr. Iliya Karanikolov is a highly accomplished executive with over two decades of experience in the banking and finance sector. Currently serving as a Chief Risk Officer and member of the Management Board, he possesses a profound understanding of the intricate dynamics of markets and a keen focus on the Bank’s risks, bringing valuable insights fostering growth.

Throughout his career, he has held key positions in the management of financial institutions, notably as a member of the Management Board and Executive Director at the Bulgarian Development Bank (BDB) respectively from 2011 to 2013 and since January 2023 to February 2025. From 2019 to 2022, he was the Head of Financial Instruments Directorate at BDB, where his strategic insights and innovative approaches were crucial in aligning the organization’s initiatives with its developmental objectives.

Additionally, from 2016 to 2017, he served as Deputy Chairman of the Management Board and Executive Director of the Fund Manager of Financial Instruments in Bulgaria, and in 2021, held the position of Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Fund, further solidifying his expertise in managing financial resources for maximum impact.

Before the tenure at BDB, he was a key contributor to the success of Postbank team from 2007 to 2011. During this period, he played a significant role in the institution's growth, focusing on structural funds and public organizations.

In addition to his corporate roles, he has actively contributed to shaping industry standards and policies as an Administrative Board member of the European Association of Public Banks in Brussels from 2012 to 2013 and from 2024 to 2025.

Beyond his corporate and industry engagements, he has made significant contributions to public policy, administration, and policies related to European integration. His comprehensive expertise, acquired during tenures at the Ministry of Economy and Energy and the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, encompasses EU strategies, European integration, and the effective management of structural funds.

As a distinguished lecturer, he shares insights on topics ranging from cost-benefit analysis of large infrastructural projects to the management of financial instruments. He holds an MBA from the University of National and World Economy in Sofia (Bulgaria), complemented by specialized certifications from Oxford university (Senior Leadership Executive Programme and Bank Governance), Management of Financial Instruments, Credit Risk, and Management of Structural Funds from esteemed institutions across Europe.

Driven by a dedicated pursuit of excellence and a passion for advancing the banking and finance sector, he remains committed to fostering innovation and digitalisation in driving organizational success.