An important announcement regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence in the supervision of the Greek capital market was made from London by the Chair of the Hellenic Capital Market Commission, Vasiliki Lazarakou, during her keynote speech at the 31st Annual Gala of the Hellenic Bankers Association UK (HBA UK).
Ms. Lazarakou announced that the Hellenic Capital Market Commission has recently implemented an artificial intelligence algorithm developed specifically for the needs of the Greek market by a research team from Archimedes Unit of the Athena Research Center. As she noted, the system is capable of scanning the internet and social media, identifying individuals and legal entities that advertise or appear to provide investment services without the required license or certification.
According to the Chair of the Hellenic Capital Market Commission, even during thepilot phase of the tool, a significant number of cases that are being examined by the Commission’s relevant departments to determine whether they involve unlicensed individuals or entities.
Ms. Lazarakou also referred to the broader transformation that artificial intelligence is bringing about in the financial sector, from data analysis and risk management to fraud detection and compliance, while emphasizing the importance of human oversight, cybersecurity, financial stability, and investor protection.
The announcement was made during the 31st Annual HBA UK Gala, held at Drapers’ Hall in the City of London, attended by 250 executives from the banking, investment, legal, and business sectors from the United Kingdom, Greece, Cyprus, and other international markets.
HBA UK President, Xenophon Zacharoudis, welcomed the attendees and highlighted the importance of unity, intergenerational connections, and cooperation among the international financial centers where the Greek and Cypriot professional communities operate.
HBA UK, which has maintained a continuous presence in the City of London for more than three decades, continues to serve as a meeting and networking hub for financial sector executives, fostering dialogue between the market, institutions, and the next generation of professionals.
This year’s Gala was held at Drapers’ Hall, one of the City’s most iconic venues, a venue of profound historical and aesthetic significance which, as HBA UK noted from the outset, exudes heritage, excellence, and continuity —values directly linked to the Association’s identity and the institution’s evolution over time.
The evening also highlighted HBA UK’s enduring commitment to the next generation, and, as part of the 6th HBA UK Student Award 2026, presented by Dimitris Tsesmetzoglou of Howden Hellas, an initiative that continues to invest in the talent and future leadership of the Greek and Cypriot communities in the fields of finance, technology, economics, and entrepreneurship.
Finally, HBA UK expressed its warmest thanks to the supporters of this year’s event: Grand Sponsor Howden Hellas and Gold Sponsors Euroxx Securities, Lambadarios Law, and Snappi, whose support contributed significantly to the quality and scope of this year’s event.
Among the guests were the Greek Ambassador to the UK, Ioannis Tsausis; His Highness Mohammed Al Shaibani from Dubai; Sir George Katsos; George Politis (Euroxx), Dina Kapetanaki and Dimitris Tsesmetzoglou (Howden Hellas), Melina Katsimi (Lambadarios Law), Apostolos Goutzinis (Milbank), Nikos Kostikas (Watson Farley Williams), Christina Papanikolopoulou (Papanikolopoulou & Partners Law), Babis Angeletopoulos (Whitetip Investments), Katerina Nomikos (White Blue Legal), Margarita Goulandris (Crown Estate), Thomas Antoniadis (Critical Publics).
