Conference on “Borsa Istanbul and Financial Institutions Insights Through Student Experiences” Held
As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences (İİBF) at Afyon Kocatepe University (AKÜ), a conference titled “Borsa Istanbul and Financial Institutions Insights Through Student Experiences” was organized.
The event took place at the Sabri Bektöre Conference Hall and was attended by the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Dr. Ali Balkı, Vice Head of the International Trade and Finance Department, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Letife Özdemir, along with academic staff and students.
“Although alternative intelligences are developed, the human brain remains the main engine”
Opening the program, Vice Head of the International Trade and Finance Department, Dr. Adem Böyükaslan, emphasized that the decisions of financial institutions affect the quality of life of people and societies, as well as the allocation of national resources, ultimately impacting the welfare of countries. He highlighted that this event would present perspectives from students’ viewpoints, stating:
“Nowadays, every institution has measurable performance metrics. Financial markets can be analyzed through their depth, the number of traded instruments, or the number of investors. There is also a competition between countries’ stock exchanges and financial development levels. However, any competition without the human element becomes meaningless. Even though alternative intelligences are developed in technology and software, the main driver is still the human brain. Ideas that add value to institutions and competition are still generated by the human mind. Therefore, we can say that the quality of people in institutions also constitutes a competitive factor. We value the experiences of young generations in this context.”
“We are not behind universities in Istanbul”
Mustafa Berkay Pınar, a 4th-year student of the International Trade and Finance Department, shared his experiences in financial institutions, stating that AKÜ İİBF is not behind universities in Istanbul. He emphasized that participation in congresses and gaining experience in financial institutions would further advance students’ skills:
“When I attended student training programs, I noticed how effectively students in Istanbul utilize their networks. Each year, 20 students participate in these programs, half of whom are from Istanbul universities. As İİBF, we need to strengthen our connections and expand our professional networks.”
Information on the Turkish Capital Markets Congress and Borsa Istanbul
Pınar provided details about the Turkish Capital Markets Congress and Borsa Istanbul Student Training Program:
“The Turkish Capital Markets Congress covers topics such as the future of digital finance, sustainable finance, workshops, and the impact of carbon-neutral and green environments on finance. The common point of these trainings is their growing importance and the potential to shape the future. The key takeaway is seeing how theoretical knowledge from courses applies in real markets and the economy. Workshops offer training by field experts. Students gain insights on the role and importance of finance in the future world, the integration of technology into finance, and corporate adaptation processes. These programs enhance financial literacy and explain what capital markets offer for a sustainable future.”
Regarding Borsa Istanbul Student Training Programs, Pınar added:
“These programs are conducted annually by Borsa Istanbul staff and managers. They aim to provide students with vision and improve financial literacy before entering the workforce. Experts explain the functioning of the Istanbul Capital Market and Borsa Istanbul in detail.”
The conference concluded with a Q&A session.
We extend our gratitude to the speakers, Dr. Adem Böyükaslan and Mustafa Berkay Pınar, as well as to Dr. Ali Balkı, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Letife Özdemir, the academic staff, and students who attended the event.
