Past Speakers

ECB Simulation Conference for university students

Since the 2nd Simulation Conference of the European Central Bank in November 2018, the first day of each Conference has been established as “Training Day.” On this day, distinguished professors, institutional representatives, and industry professionals deliver talks exclusively to the participants, sharing their insights and experiences. Training Day is the only part of the Conference structured as a seminar. Although the presentations are independent of one another, they align with the central theme of each year’s Conference.

Since 2018, a total of 97 speakers have participated in Training Days. The titles listed correspond to the roles they held at the time of each event. Please note that some of these titles may have changed and may no longer be current. Details follow below:

Charoula Apalagaki

Acting General Manager, Hellenic Bank Association

Emmanouil Perakis

Associate Professor of European Union Law, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Dimitrios Dimopoulos

Head of ESG, Piraeus Bank

Dimitris Anastasiou

Assistant Professor, Department of Business Administration, Athens University of Economics and Business

Maria Luís Albuquerque

Commissioner (2024-2029) | Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union

Ifigeneia Skotida

Deputy Director, Economic Analysis & Research Department, Bank of Greece

Maria Nefeli Bernitsa

Partner Bernitsas Law

Gabriel Glöckler

Principal Adviser, Directorate General Communications, European Central Bank

Nikos Magginas

Chief Economist, Head of Economic Analysis Department, National Bank of Greece

Christos Kalandranis

Associate Professor of Corporate Finance, Department of Accounting and Finance, University of West Attica

Christos Hadjiemmanuil

Professor, University of Piraeus, Visiting Professor, London School of Economics & Member of the Monetary Policy Council, Bank of Greece

Georgios Gatopoulos

Head of International Macroeconomics and Finance Unit, IOBE

Antonis Ballis

Associate Professor in Finance, Director of MSc FinTech, Aston Business School, Aston University

Hatzidakis Costis

Minister, Ministry of National Economy and Finance

McLoughlin Michael

Member, Economic and Monetary Union and Economic and Social Cohesion (ECO), Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship (SOC) & External Relations (REX) Sections, European Economic and Social Committee

Drakos Konstantinos

Professor, Department of Accounting and Finance, Athens University of Economics and Business

Ballis Antonis

Director of MSc FinTech, Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Finance, Aston Business School

Hardouvelis Gikas

Chairman of the Board of Directors, National Bank of Greece & Hellenic Bank Association

Hadjiemmanuil Christos

Professor, University of Piraeus, Visiting Professor, London School of Economics & Chairman of the Audit Committee, Bank of Greece

Magginas Nikos

Chief Economist, Head of Economic Analysis Department, National Bank of Greece

Kalandranis Christos

Assistant Professor of Corporate Finance, Department of Accounting and Finance, University of West Attica

Skotida Ifigeneia

Deputy Director, Economic Analysis & Research Department, Bank of Greece

Katseli Louka

Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, National Bank of Greece (Cyprus) & Professor Emeritus, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Gravas Konstantinos

PhD, Global Political Economy and Monetary History & Lecturer, Department of Economics, Athens University of Economics and Business

Anastasiou Dimitris

Assistant Professor, Athens University of Economics and Business

Sheridan Ronan

Deputy Head, Public Communications Department, European Central Bank

Kazazoglou – Skouras Dimitris

Group ESG Coordinator, Alpha Services & Holdings S.A

Koundouri Phoebe

Professor of Economics at the Athens University of Economics and Business & Technical University of Denmark, President of EAERE, Co-Chair of SDSN Europe, Director of AE4RIA

Hatzidakis Kostis

Minister of Economy and Finance

Gortsos Christos

Professor of Public Law, NKUA & President of the Academic Council of the European Banking Institute

Koundouri Phoebe

Professor, Athens University of Economics and Business & Technical University of Denmark, President, EAERE, Chair, SDSN Global Climate Hub & Co-chair, SDSN Europe

Anastasiou Dimitris

Visiting Professor, Athens University of Economics and Business & Bank Executive

Hardouvelis Gikas

Chair of the Board of Directors, National Bank of Greece

Magginas Nikos

Chief Economist, Head of Economic Analysis Division, National Bank of Greece

Philippopoulos Apostolos

Professor, Athens University of Economics and Business

Glöckler Gabriel

Principal Adviser, Directorate General Communications, European Central Bank

Kazazoglou – Skouras Dimitrios

Group ESG Coordinator, Alpha Services & Holdings S.A.

Ballis Antonis

Assistant Professor in Finance & Programme Director of MSc in Finance & MSc in FinTech, Aston University

Skotida Ifigeneia

Deputy Director, Economic Analysis and Research Department, Bank of Greece

Konti Kiara

Partner, Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader - Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe & Central Asia (CESA), EY Greece

Kallandranis Christos

Assistant Professor in Finance, Department of Accounting and Finance, University of West Attica

Boris Vujčić

Governor, Croatian National Bank

Hadjiemmanuil Christos

Professor at the University of Piraeus and LSE; Member of the Monetary Policy Council, Bank of Greece

Kourkouli Sylvia

Corporate Governance and Sustainability – ESG, Alpha Bank

Papaconstantinou Christina

Deputy Governor, Bank of Greece

Gortsos Christos

Professor of Public Law, NKUA & President of the Academic Council of the European Banking Institute

Lekkos Ilias

Chief Economist, Piraeus Bank

Gabriel Glöckler

Principal Adviser, Directorate General Communications, European Central Bank

Athanasopoulos Theodoros I.

Chairman of the Board of Directors, HLSA & CEO, Cepal Group

Zavvos Georgios

Chair of Board of Directors, Hellenic Development Bank

Drakos Konstantinos

Vice-Rector, Athens University of Economics and Business

Magginas Nikos

Chief Economist, Head of Economic Analysis Division, National Bank of Greece

Stournaras Ioannis

Governor, Bank of Greece

Apalagaki Haroula

Secretary General, Hellenic Bank Association

Malliaropoulos Dimitrios

Chief Economist and Director of Research at the Bank of Greece

Peppas Nikolaos

Deputy Governor of Attica Region

Ioannou Demosthenes

Senior Lead Economist Directorate General International, European Central Bank

Drakos Konstantinos

Vice-Rector, Athens University of Economics and Business

Varfis Aemilia

CEO at Velos Advisory

Sirmakezis Sotiris

Consultant at Interbanking Systems "Dias"

Hardouvelis Gikas

Chair of the Board of Directors, National Bank of Greece

Gortsos Christos

Professor of Public Law, NKUA & President of the Academic Council of the European Banking Institute

Emiri Thaleia

Of Counsel, Sardelas Petsa Law Firm

Chatzipetrou Athina

CEO & Chair of Bod, Hellenic Development Bank

Psaltis Marios

CEO at PWC Greece

Blavoukos Spyridon

Associate Professor in the Department of International & European Economic Studies, AUEB

Vernardis Philip

Vice-President at Asset Stewardship SSGA

Stournaras Ioannis

Governor, Bank of Greece

Gortsos Christos

Professor of Public Law, NKUA & President of the Academic Council of the European Banking Institute

Hardouvelis Gikas

Senior Independent Director, National Bank of Greece

Kazazoglou – Skouras Dimitrios

Greek Representative at Single Resolution Board (SRB)

Czurda Martin

Chief Executive, Hellenic Financial Stability Fund

Aivazis Iordanis

President of Special Liquidations Committee Bank of Greece

Zavvos Georgios

Deputy Minister responsible for the Financial System

Sirmakezis Sotiris

Consultant at Interbanking Systems "Dias"

Stournaras Ioannis

Governor, Bank of Greece

Varfis Aemilia

CEO at Velos Advisory

Hardouvelis Gikas

Senior Independent Director, National Bank of Greece

Stamatiou Theodoros

Senior Economist, Economic Analysis & Financial Markets Research, Eurobank SA

Karatzas Antonios

Director & Chair of Bod at Nomiki Bibliothiki

Gortsos Christos

Professor of Public Economic Law, National Kapodistrian University of Athens

Potamitis Efstathios

Managing Partner, Potamitis Vekris

Tzikopoulos Argyris

CEO, Junior Achievement Greece

Malliaropoulos Dimitrios

Chief Economist and Director of Research at the Bank of Greece

Condoyanni Leda

Corporate Governance Director and Company Secretary at MYTILINEOS

Hardouvelis Gikas

Professor, Department of Banking and Financial Management, University of Piraeus

Katseli Louka

Chair of Board of Directors, National Bank of Greece (Cyprus)

Vettas Nikolaos

General Director of the Foundation for Economics and Industrial Research - IOBE

Mastrokalos Vasileios

Independent Member of the Board of Directors at Ethniki Asfalistiki

Staikouras Panagiotis

President of the Department of Banking and Financial Management, University of Piraeus

Chatzidakis Kostis

Vice-President of New Democracy

Staikouras Christos

Professor at the Athens University of Economics and Business & Member of Parliament

Phillipas Nikolaos

Professor, Department of Business Administration - University of Piraeus

Drakos Konstantinos

Professor in the Department of Accounting and Finance in the Athens University of Economics and Business

Malliaropoulos Dimitrios

Chief Economist and Director of Research at the Bank of Greece

Elisavet Dolopikou

Junior Associate

My name is Elisavet Dolopikou. I am a graduate of the Faculty of Law at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), a postgraduate student in the LL.M. program in European Business and Economic Law at AUTh, and a trainee lawyer specializing in Commercial Law.

I joined the Get Involved team in September 2025, and since then, I have been an active member of both the Legal and Operations departments. For me, Get Involved is a hub of innovation and interdisciplinarity that provides the ideal environment for developing new skills. The fact that this is an initiative driven by young people with a shared vision for producing meaningful work was my primary motivation for joining.

Chrisanthi Indouna

Junior Associate

My name is Chrisanthi Indouna, and I am an undergraduate student in the Department of Management Science and Technology at the Athens University of Economics and Business. I joined Get Involved as a Junior Associate in September 2025. I am part of the Operations team, where I contribute, among other tasks, to the organization and coordination of the team’s initiatives. In May 2025, I attended the event “Sustainable Future IV: Beyond Green – Navigating the Future of Sustainability & Innovation”. I acquired valuable insights into sustainable development and its role in contemporary entrepreneurship.
My decision to join Get Involved was driven by my strong interest in youth initiatives and the team’s culture, which encourages creativity, collaboration, and active participation in innovative projects.
For me, Get Involved represents a unique opportunity to expand my knowledge in sustainability and finance. Its youthful spirit and the collaboration among people from different academic backgrounds, united by a shared vision, motivate me to actively engage in projects that have a meaningful impact.

Evangelia Koutsougera

Junior Associate

I’m a Law student and since May 2025, I’ve been part of the Communications team at Get Involved. I’ve always been an outgoing person who enjoys working with others, so I immediately felt that this role suits me well. I’m really interested in sustainability, mainly because I feel like we’re the first generation truly experiencing the consequences of the environmental crisis. I believe that each of us can contribute to something better, in our own way. Through this team, I hope to learn, grow, and collaborate with people who share the same concerns and vision. I also hope to bring my own perspective and energy to everything we do.

Konstantina Katsimicha

Junior Associate

My name is Konstantina Katsimicha, and I am an undergraduate student at the Department of Economics of the Athens University of Economics and Business.

In 2024, I participated in the 8th ECB Conference; an experience that significantly deepened my understanding of monetary policy, financial institutions, and the broader economic framework of the Εuro area.

In 2025, I joined Get Involved as a Junior Associate in both the Communications and Social Media Management teams. Through this role, I contribute to the promotion of our initiatives and help manage our online presence, while also developing valuable communication, organizational, and teamwork skills.

What inspired me to become part of Get Involved is the team’s vision and spirit to enhance economic literacy among young people and foster a space where ideas, knowledge, and skills can grow through collaboration. Being surrounded by passionate peers committed to impactful initiatives motivates me to learn, evolve, and contribute actively.

Fay Panagakis

Junior Associate

My name is Fay Panagakis, and I am an undergraduate student in the Department of Business Administration at the University of Piraeus. Joining Get Involved in February 2025, I am actively contributing to both the Communications and Operations departments.
I was eager to join the organization because of its strong commitment to empowering young people through initiatives that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and today’s challenges. Its focus on financial literacy, sustainable development, and fostering interdisciplinary learning aligns with my aspirations to make a positive societal impact.
Becoming part of this dynamic team offers me an invaluable opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects while growing both personally and professionally. I’m excited about what the future holds alongside like-minded individuals who share a passion for youth empowerment and societal change.

George Sakkas

Junior Associate

My name is George Sakkas and I am an undergraduate student in the Department of Accounting and Finance at the Athens University of Economics and Business. I joined the organization in March 2025 as a Junior Associate in the Social Media and Scientific teams, contributing to its activities through the perspective of financial literacy and sustainable economic development.

My involvement with Get Involved arose from my deep interest in the role that financial knowledge plays in modern society. My goal is to deepen my understanding of financial issues, enhance my skills in communication and strategic development, and actively contribute to the promotion of economic education.

Angelina Arfani

Junior Associate

My name is Angelina Arfani, and I am an undergraduate student in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of the Peloponnese. I have joined the Get Involved team as a Junior Associate in the Operations and Communications departments, where I contribute to the efficient coordination of initiatives and assist in enhancing the organization’s outreach and engagement. 

I believe that Get Involved is an innovative initiative driven by individuals committed to creating meaningful change. Being part of this team has provided me with the opportunity to expand my knowledge, develop key skills, and showcase my abilities, all while collaborating with passionate individuals who share a common vision.

Konstantina Triantafyllopoulou

Junior Associate

My name is Konstantina Triantafyllopoulou, and I am an undergraduate Political Science & Public Administration university student at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Also, I am currently enrolled in the American College of Greece, pursuing a minor in Human Resources Management.

I joined Get Involved in 2025 as a Junior Associate in the communications team, where I help by communicating with external partners and with the promotion of our initiatives. The key factors that motivated me to join were my ambition to engage within the community and broaden both my understanding and skills around finances, communication, entrepreneurship, and youth-led projects.

Being an active member of Get Involved highlights my keen enthusiasm for promoting financial literacy, actively engaging with the youth community, and embracing the core values of this team.

Pavlos Tsiokas

Senior Associate

As a participant of the 1st ECB Simulation Conference, I had the opportunity to familiarize myself with concepts related to Central Banks, their objectives, and the exercise of monetary policy.
The reason I decided to join the Get Involved team stemmed from the fact that I strive for learning, especially in areas concerning economic literacy. I was drawn to the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals who share our shared culture and values.
As a new addition to the team, I am involved in drafting the Economic Term of the Week, which enjoys considerable success on Get Involved’s social media platforms. Furthermore, I am part of the team responsible for compiling the Study Guide, the pivotal manual for every delegate participating in the European Central Bank Simulation Conference.

Lila Kartali

Senior Associate

My name is Lila Kartali and I am an undergraduate student in the Department of International and European Studies at the University of Piraeus. I joined the team in February 2024, and since then I have happily been part of the Corporate Communications, Social Media, External Opportunities, and Scientific team. The diversity of the topics I deal with in each department, as well as the collaboration and interaction with ambitious people, are a pleasant challenge for me.

For me, Get Involved is an opportunity to develop various skills and strengthen my knowledge background on sustainability and monetary policy issues. Moreover, the fact that it is a youth initiative, by people from different scientific fields collaborating for a common goal, is the reason why I want to be part of it.

Iasonas Pavlakis

Senior Associate

As an active member of Get Involved’s Associates, I am part of engaging and continuously evolving projects centered on strengthening financial literacy among young people in Greece and Europe. Moreover, by combining my studies in computer science, I am an integral part of Get Involved’s ongoing digital transformation journey.

My contributions to Get Involved reflect my commitment to supporting its ultimate goal of social contribution and raising awareness of financial literacy issues among youth.

Maria Anastasopoulou

Senior Associate

My name is Maria Anastasopoulou and I am an undergraduate student at the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. My participation in Get Involved started in 2023, whereas now I am an Associate and a member of the Legal Team, where I help handle the group’s legal issues, prepare legal educational materials and represent the group in the ECB Simulation Conference. Additionally, I participate in the stream for Student and Youth Organizations, where I develop my communication skills by interacting with external partners and other youth initiatives. I am also a member of the Scientific Team and contribute to the structuring of the group’s studies, such as the “ESG & Sustainability Youth Perspectives”, while simultaneously developing my research and writing skills.

The drive behind my involvement with the team is the exceptional academic and research level of my colleagues and the passion for the field. The shared values of mutual respect, the desire for progress and innovation, and continuous new’ goal setting, motivate me to contribute and join in a common evolutionary path.

I am particularly grateful for my participation in Get Involved, as it provides me the opportunity to significantly broaden my economic and legal knowledge, delve further into areas of interest and collaborate with some of the most active and accomplished young people, from whom I learn daily.

Apostolos Karasakalidis

Scientic Associate

Apostolos Karasakalidis has graduated from the Law School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, is a certified Data Protection Officer (DPO), and works as a trainee lawyer in Thessaloniki having developed a special interest in Commercial Law.

He is an Associate at Get Involved since the summer of 2022 and a member of the legal team. He has participated in the writing and updating of the Study Guide for the 7th Simulation of the European Central Bank in which he also participated as a Central Banker. In addition, he oversees Get Involved’s compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the protection of its intellectual property.

Apostolos participates in Get Involved because he believes in the added value of cooperation among young scientists from different academic backgrounds. Furthermore, he is interested in the green transition of the EU economy and supports financial literacy’s expansion to young people.

Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.” — Chris Grosser

Vasiliki Koukoula

Senior Associate

I joined Get Involved in 2019, I have progressed to the role of Senior Associate, and I currently am a member of the Legal Team. My participation in the team has provided me with valuable opportunities, and experiences, and it has given me the chance to work with numerous active youths. I have taken part in various initiatives, such as the ECB Simulation Conferences, and have had multiple responsibilities, including developing educational materials and participating in the communications team. I appreciate Get Involved’s commitment to fostering a collaborative environment that empowers young university students and professionals.

Thanasis Dogramatzidis

Scientific Associate

Thanasis Dogramatzidis is an executive in the Financial Assets Management department at the Central Bank of Malta. Previously, he worked as a trader at the National Bank of Greece.

He holds an MSc in International and European Governance and Politics from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens an MSc in Finance and Banking, and a BSc in Statistics, both from the Athens University of Economics and Business.

In 2024, Thanasis became a Scientific Associate at Get Involved, driven by his belief in the need to advance economic literacy and highlight contemporary economic issues, especially within the realm of monetary policy.

Panteleimon K. Karamalis

Scientific Associate

Panteleimon Karamalis is a PhD Fellow at the UCD School of Economics in Ireland. He holds a MSc in Healthcare Administration from National School of Public Health in Athens (2018), a MSc in Banking and Financial Management from University of Piraeus (2017) and a BSc in Business Administration from Technological Educational Institute of Athens (2014). His research interests lie mainly in Monetary and Fiscal Policy, Banking, Wealth Inequality, and Health Economics. Since 2018 he has been a Teaching Assistant in Macroeconomics, Financial Economics, International Banking, and Econometrics at the UCD School of Economics.

He joined Get Involved because of their common belief about both the necessity of financial literacy in all students regardless of academic background, and the importance of scientific research by students and researchers who want to focus on specific research topics of economic science. All projects run by Get Involved, such as the ECB Simulation Conference and the scientific journal ‘Future Economic lab Journal’, orient themselves to the completion of these goals.

Antonis Ballis

Scientific Associate

Antonis Ballis holds a Doctoral degree in Finance (2021) from Athens University of Economics and Business, a specialized Master’s degree in Applied Economics and Data Analysis (2016) from the University of Patras (2016), and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2014) from Athens University of Economics and Business. In 2018 he was awarded full funding for his doctoral research on cryptocurrencies, from the Greek State Scholarships Foundation (IKY). His main research areas are Cryptocurrency/DEFI Economics, Behavioral Finance, and Financial Technology (FinTech).

Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill

Maria Triantafyllopoulou

Vice President

I joined Get Involved in April 2021, and since May 2023 I have been Vice President. My main responsibilities include coordinating the legal team and communications with our stakeholders. Moreover, I participate in the formulation and implementation of the organisation’s strategy.

My involvement in Get Involved and my interaction with its multi-faceted people reflects my commitment to developing initiatives that motivate young people to actively engage with economic science and remain active citizens at all times.

Stavros Vletsos

Vice President

I joined Get Involved in 2020 and I serve as a vice-president in 2022. My responsibilities include participating in the decision-making process and implementing the organisation’s strategy.

I am grateful to be part of Get Involved and contribute to connecting institutions, academia and the market with young people, spreading financial education and sustainable development through experiential learning and interdisciplinarity.

Petros Dimitropoulos

Vice President

I’ve been part of Get Involved since April 2020 and one of the Vice Presidents since 2022. My main responsibilities include managing corporate communications as well as designing and implementing the organization’s strategy.
My participation in Get Involved reflects my commitment to empowering the voices of young people and promoting active dialogue between the market, the academic community, institutions, and youth, with the aim of advancing financial education, interdisciplinarity, and sustainable development.

Anthony Efstathiadis

Co-Founder

I am one of the co-founders of Get Involved with which I have participated in the planning and implementation of numerous initiatives that have impacted more than 3,000 university students and graduates. My role entails the coordination of the overall organization, the project management of our various and diverse initiatives, and the strategy formulation.

My work in Get Involved reflects my commitment to have an active role in empowering the youth, their “voices” and to strive to nurture a positive culture where young people can develop to their full potential.

Vasilis Angelopoulos

Co-Founder

As the co-founder of Get Involved, I lead an initiative that has influenced over 3,500 university students, empowering them through opportunities that bridge the gap between academic education and real-world challenges. The initiatives of Get Involved have garnered recognition from important organizations such as the Hellenic Bank Association, the Bank of Greece, the European Central Bank (ECB), and the corporate community in Greece, validating our efforts to foster a culture of social responsibility and professional excellence among the youth.

Our work at Get Involved is a reflection of my commitment to driving societal change and creating an active path of dialogue amongst university students, academia, institutions, and companies.