CONFERENCE
“Financial technology is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, and artificial intelligence has given it an unprecedented boost. The international Advisory Board established for the BA School of Business and Finance of the University of Latvia must help define the unique position of BA School of Business and Finance of the University of Latvia’s within the Northern European business school ecosystem. We are honoured that the brightest strategists from Latvia and the region have agreed to serve on the Board,” emphasises UL Rector Prof. Gundars Bērziņš.
BASBF’s integration into UL marks an important step in the consolidation of higher education, aimed at strengthening scientific capacity, educational quality, and international competitiveness. The BA School of Business and Finance of the University of Latvia Advisory Board will begin its work at the beginning of 2026, with the task of reviewing BASBF’s strategic development directions, helping to implement best international practices, and strengthening cooperation with the financial sector and industry partners both in Latvia and abroad. The Board will provide recommendations on strategy, study quality, cooperation with businesses, and the further growth of the college.
Board members are appointed for a four-year term by the UL Rector, based on the Dean’s recommendations. It will include both industry professionals and international partners, ensuring a broad, practice-based perspective and valuable ideas for the development of BA School of Business and Finance of the University of Latvia. Seven internationally recognised experts have been approved for the Board:
- Mārtiņš Bičevskis – independent board member and adviser to several public and private sector boards, Chair of the Advisory Board;
- Marijana Wolfs – owner of SBS Swiss Business School;
- Uldis Cērps – Head of the Finance Latvia Association;
- Ģirts Bērziņš – Head of Digital Innovation and Strategy at Swedbank Group;
- Virginijus Kundrotas – Dean of the Adizes Graduate School (USA), Head of the Adizes Institute (Lithuania);
- Jakub Więcław – Chair of the Management Board of Magnetiq Bank (a subsidiary of Signet Bank, Latvia);
- Marine Krasovska – Head of the Financial Technology Supervision Department at the Bank of Latvia.
“Higher education and the financial sector are undergoing fundamental transformations driven by rapidly developing technologies. The University of Latvia’s strategic decision to build business education with a clear focus on finance and technology is a strong statement that enhances both our students’ future opportunities in the industry and Latvia’s competitiveness on a broader scale. I am deeply proud to begin work on the newly established Board alongside such experienced industry and education professionals, to shape the future of business education in Latvia,” says Advisory Board Chair Mārtiņš Bičevskis.
