The Athens Stock Exchange today welcomed the management, executives, and partners of Optima Bank to mark the commencement of trading its shares on the Main Market. The event was also attended by the Ambassador of the United States to Greece, George Tsounis.

"Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey for Optima Bank, a journey that began a few years ago with the planning of its listing on the Athens Stock Exchange. The impressive oversubscription is indicative of the strong response from the investment community to Optima Bank's philosophy and objectives," emphasized Yianos Kontopoulos, CEO of the Athens Exchange Group, during his speech. He further added: "The anticipated recovery of the investment grade will mark the start of a path with greater opportunities that must be seized, but also challenges to overcome. It is very important for us to introduce Greek companies to international investors in a timely manner. This is the main goal of the roadshows we conduct abroad. The Athens Stock Exchange, recognizing its institutional role as a key pillar of the development of the Greek economy, remains a supporter of every healthy development driven by Greek businesses. We wish continued success and achievement for Optima Bank in its future plans and growth trajectory."

Dimitris Kyparissis, CEO of Optima Bank, referred to today as the conclusion of a difficult journey with a very positive outcome. He noted that this is the first bank listing in the Athens Stock Exchange in 17 years, the largest IPO since 2010, and an oversubscription of over five times. "Personally, and on behalf of the entire bank staff, we commit to being worthy of the expectations of the investors who trusted us now, as well as those who supported us all these years." Mr. Kyparissis warmly thanked the consultants and underwriters for their contribution to the success of this venture.

"The people of Optima Bank have every reason to celebrate today, and I want to thank them most of all for their belief in this journey," said George Taniskidis, Chairman of Optima Bank.

George Tsounis, Ambassador of the United States to Greece, highlighted the significant success of Optima Bank's listing, the first bank listing on the Athens Stock Exchange since 2006. He commended the resilience of Greek citizens during the past years of crisis and the remarkable progress that the Greek economy is now achieving.

"Optima Bank has proven its dynamic potential and strong prospects. As Alpha Bank, having supported, for more than three decades, several major businesses in their listings on the Athens Stock Exchange, we stood by Optima Bank in its effort, in our role as the exclusive Advisor and Coordinator of the Lead Underwriter. This transaction comes at a time that is symbolically and practically important for the banking sector, as international rating agencies have given a vote of confidence to the prospects of the Greek economy and Greek banks. As a bank, we are committed to supporting other such success stories that contribute to the deepening of the Greek capital market and place the Greek economy on a path of sustainable growth," stated Yiannis Emiris, General Manager of Wholesale Banking at Alpha Bank.

On her part, Vasiliki Lazarakou, Chair of the Hellenic Capital Markets Commission, stated: "Today is a very significant day, both for the Greek economy, as it marks the listing of a bank after 17 years, and for the Greek capital market itself. We hope today marks the beginning of efforts to list other companies."