The most influential regional conference in the field of financial literacy, jointly organized by the Faculty of Economics – Zagreb and Raiffeisen Pension Funds, is being held again. This year, it will gather leading experts, decision-makers, and citizens interested in financial education and responsible money management. Under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance and the City of Zagreb, on March 21, 2025, Kaptol Boutique Cinema will become the central venue for discussions on key economic challenges and financial trends of today.
Under the title “Financial IQ: Smart Finance as a Response to Contemporary Problems”, the conference will offer a series of panel discussions and lectures addressing the most important topics in finance, personal finance, and economic trends shaping the future. This event is part of the Financial Literacy Week project, celebrated in conjunction with Global Money Week from March 18 to 21.
The conference will be opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Economics – Zagreb, Prof. Dr. Sanja Sever Mališ.
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The opening lectures at the conference will be delivered by Finance Minister Marko Primorac, Governor of the Croatian National Bank Boris Vujčić, and Ante Žigman, Chairman of the Management Board of the Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency. Their speeches will serve as an introduction to the panels.
The panel “Global Trends, Local Challenges: How Economic Factors, AI, and Technology Shape Our Wallets” will explore how key global trends – from Trump’s economic policy and property taxes to the development of AI and financial fraud – affect citizens. Experts in economics, banking, insurance, and digital transformation will discuss consumer adaptations, the future of financial institutions, and strategies for financial resilience in uncertain times.
The panel “From Artists to Entrepreneurs: Financial Literacy as the Key to Success for All” will address the challenges and opportunities that financial education brings to various professional groups. Special focus will be on small entrepreneurs and craftsmen, who form the backbone of the economy but often face a lack of financial resources, bureaucratic obstacles, and cost management challenges, as well as artists, athletes, and freelancers. Experts from finance, entrepreneurship, and creative industries will share practical advice on smart money management, investments, taxes, and sustainable business practices.
The panel “Between Luxury and Minimalism: The Path to Sustainable Consumption” will open a discussion on how to balance between luxury and minimalism in a world where consumption shapes our daily lives. Through a multidisciplinary discussion, experts in consumer psychology, sustainable economics, the luxury industry, and digital activism will discuss the future of consumption, the circular economy, and the adaptation of consumer habits to new trends. The panel will provide insights into the challenges and opportunities of sustainable consumption and offer concrete guidelines for consumers.
Particularly interesting will be the lecture by Petra Bašić Jantolić, Executive Director of Client Business Development at Addiko Bank, who will premiere the “Research on the Financial Behavior and Attitudes of Croatian Citizens Towards Money.” This research provides valuable insights into the financial habits and attitudes of citizens, offering a deeper understanding of their decisions and financial awareness.
In addition to the financial literacy conference, many other free activities are held during the Week, open to all interested parties – Financial Literacy x Talk, Financial Literacy Academy for Youth and Adults, Financial Playroom for Children and Parents, Financial Literacy Festival, and the promotion of the new book by economic analyst Velimir Šonje, “Pensions for the 21st Century: Part Two.”
