Panagiotis Antonopoulos, CEO of Alpha Asset Management, at Euronext Athens’ Event Marking 150 Years of the Athens Stock Exchange

Panagiotis Antonopoulos, CEO of Alpha Asset Management M.F.M.C., participated in the panel discussion “Capital Markets as a Driver of Sustainable Growth: The Next 20 Years”, held as part of Euronext Athens’ event marking the 150th anniversary of the Athens Stock Exchange.
He was joined by Eleni Vrettou, CEO of CrediaBank, Vassiliki Lazarakou, Chair of the Hellenic Capital Market Commission, and Dimitris Papalexopoulos, Chairman of TITAN Group.

The discussion focused on the role capital markets can play in supporting the next phase of economic growth in Greece and Europe, by broadening access to capital, strengthening the investor base and creating the conditions for greater long-term investment.

Particular emphasis was placed on the complementary role of banks and capital markets within a well-developed financing ecosystem. Banks continue to play a central role in financing the economy, while deeper capital markets and a broader range of alternative sources of capital can further expand the options available to both businesses and investors.

The discussion also highlighted the strategic importance of further European capital market integration. Greater integration of market infrastructure, reduced fragmentation and access to a broader pool of investors can enhance visibility, liquidity and cross-border investment, creating additional opportunities for Greek companies within a wider European capital market.

Another key theme was the importance of building stronger pools of institutional, long-term capital. Occupational pension funds, funded pension schemes and a new generation of investment accounts can play an important role in transforming a greater share of household savings into long-term investment capital, while helping to create a stronger domestic investor base.

The need to further develop a long-term investment culture was also a central part of the discussion. Moving from saving to investing — and ultimately to long-term investing — requires stronger financial literacy, simple and convenient access to investment opportunities, and products that are understandable, diversified and cost-efficient.

For the next generation of investors, three elements stand out: access, incentives and products. Investing should be as easy as saving, long-term investment should be appropriately incentivised, and investors should have access to simple, diversified and low-cost investment solutions.
Strengthening the investment culture, broadening individual investor participation and developing a stronger base of long-term capital can contribute meaningfully to deeper and more sustainable capital markets in Greece and across Europe.