Who found themselves in our unique deck of cards consisting of only Aces? We present the list of winners in the Bankier.pl ranking. We handed out the statuettes during Thursday's gala at the Warsaw Stock Exchange.
The Golden Ace of the Banker
1. Brunon Bartkiewicz, President of ING Bank Śląski until April 2025 – winner in two categories: “Achievements and accomplishments in 2024” and “Positive impact on the development of the Polish financial market”
A leader in the banking sector and a visionary who has been promoting innovation and sustainable development for years. 2024 was his last full year as president of the bank, which he had managed for 30 years (with breaks for work at the group's headquarters). During this time, ING Bank Śląski grew into one of the most effective banks in Poland, strengthening its position on the market last year, especially in the area of financing energy transformation (the bank significantly increased its portfolio of so-called green loans for companies investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency). 2024 was a period of stable growth and continuation of the digitalization strategy, despite the challenges related to lower economic activity. His public statements about the role of banks and activities for innovation make him one of the most influential opinion leaders in the financial sector.
Silver Banker Aces
2. Andrzej Domański, Minister of Finance – winner in the category: “Power of public influence”
Despite his short tenure in the position and little previous experience in politics, he has gained a strong opinion-forming influence as a “voice of reason” in the discussion on public finances. Responsible for effective fiscal policy (including record VAT revenues), supporting economic growth, initiatives strengthening the capital market (from which he comes and understands it perfectly) and international activity. His strong presence in the public debate and involvement in economic education strengthen his influence on the development of the financial market and the financial awareness of society. His activities were aimed at reconciling ambitious election promises with responsibility for public finances. Thanks to his investment experience, he enjoys the trust of domestic and foreign investors, which helps stabilize market expectations. As a result, Domański contributes to a more credible and sustainable fiscal policy in Poland.
3. Jacek Jastrzębski, Chairman of the Polish Financial Supervision Authority
In 2024, he ensured the stability and security of the financial market, effectively supervising banks, insurers and the stock exchange, while initiating discussions on necessary pro-development changes. He emphasized the need for deregulation and simplification to increase the competitiveness of the Polish financial market. Under his supervision, the banking sector remained safe despite global turmoil, and the KNF signaled its readiness to take a more lenient approach in some areas in order to stimulate the market. His opinions and initiatives had a positive impact on shaping a friendly but safe regulatory environment.
4. Jarosław Dominiak, president of the Association of Individual Investors
He has been at the helm of SII for over two decades, and in 2024 his role in protecting the interests of individual investors was invaluable. Jarosław Dominiak was actively involved in defending the rights of minority shareholders – under his leadership, the association monitored tender offers and compulsory share buyouts, intervening where investors were threatened by unfair practices (e.g. too low prices in the tender offer). In 2024, SII participated in high-profile corporate disputes, taking the side of small shareholders and often winning battles for better buyout conditions. At the same time, Jarosław Dominiak focused on educating and integrating the investor community – the flagship WallStreet conference organized by SII attracted a record number of participants, providing them with knowledge and contact with market experts. Under his leadership, SII also issued opinions on legislative projects concerning the capital market. Jarosław Dominiak, thanks to his determination and passion, became the spokesman for the “small investor” in the public debate – his voice was heard by both the supervision and listed companies, which translated into a more friendly and transparent capital market in Poland.
5. Adam Góral, President of Asseco Poland
In 2024, he confirmed his position as one of the leading leaders of the Polish financial market. Under his leadership, the Asseco Group achieved record financial results, recording the highest net profit in history at PLN 520 million and revenues exceeding PLN 17 billion. Record results translated into a significant increase in share prices on the WSE. A strategy based on sector and geographical diversification and consistent investments in the development of proprietary software and digital services strengthened the company's position as the largest IT provider in Central and Eastern Europe.
Adam Góral actively supported the development of the Polish capital market, serving as Chairman of the Board of Issuers at the Warsaw Stock Exchange. As an opinion leader, he regularly participates in public debates, sharing his knowledge and experience on digitalization, cybersecurity and the role of technology in the financial sector. His vision and actions contribute to shaping a modern, innovative financial market in Poland. He is an important promoter of the capital market among current and potential issuers.
6. Piotr Krupa, president and co-founder of Kruk
In 2024, he significantly strengthened the position of the Kruk Group as the leader in receivables management in Central and Eastern Europe. Under his leadership, the Kruk Group recorded a record net profit of PLN 1.074 billion and cash EBITDA of PLN 2.4 billion, which means an increase of 9% and 13% year-on-year, respectively. His leadership is also reflected in the active development of the company's operations on foreign markets, which is confirmed by investments in receivables portfolios in countries such as Romania, Italy, Spain and France. The ambitious new strategy of the Kruk Group for 2025-2029, which assumes investing in new receivables portfolios as much as in the previous 25 years of activity, is evidence of his vision and scale of operations. Piotr Krupa acts as an opinion leader, participating in key economic and financial events, where he boldly takes a constructive stand on the most important issues.
7. Sebastian Buczek, founder, main shareholder and president of Quercus TFI
He is one of the most recognizable Polish asset managers. In 2024, he continued to actively influence the capital market through his actions and comments. As the president of the Quercus Investment Fund Company, which he founded, he managed billions of złoty entrusted to him by individual and institutional investors, promoting good practices and taking care of the interests of all shareholders. Quercus funds recorded very good results in 2024. TFI itself achieved record financial results, which justifies a significant increase in market valuation on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. His contribution to the development of a professional investment fund market helps build trust in this form of increasing savings, which has a positive impact on the Polish financial market.
7. Waldemar Markiewicz, President of the Chamber of Brokerage Houses
For over a decade, the president of the Chamber of Brokerage Houses – in 2024, he still plays a key role as a guardian and strategist of the Polish capital market. Using over 20 years of experience, he actively sought solutions that would support the development of the stock exchange and investments. During the Capital Market Conference in Bukowina Tatrzańska, he emphasized that the Polish capital market can be an engine of economic growth – provided it receives appropriate political support. Waldemar Markiewicz became an advocate of bold systemic decisions: he appealed, among others, for preferential taxation of investments burdened with higher risk (to encourage Poles to transfer their savings from banks to the stock exchange) and for better protection of minority shareholders, to increase trust and encourage more companies to debut on the WSE. His initiatives – from the postulate to establish a special Capital Market Court to simplifying procedures for issuers – aim to make the financial market more dynamic and investor-friendly. By leading the brokerage house environment, Markiewicz has a significant, systemic influence on the shape of regulations and market strategies in Poland. He is an important commentator on economic life: he regularly speaks in the industry media and participates in prestigious debates, strengthening the public impact of his postulates.
9. Tomasz Bardziłowski, President of the Warsaw Stock Exchange
In 2024, he significantly strengthened the position of the Warsaw Stock Exchange as the center of the regional capital market. Under his leadership, the Warsaw Stock Exchange achieved record revenues and recorded a spectacular IPO of the Żabka Group, the largest in several years. He promotes our capital market in Poland and abroad, supports the integration of CEE markets, emphasizes the importance of financial education and the role of individual investors in market development. As an active participant in the public debate, he effectively builds trust in the market and educates investors, strengthening the foundations of the long-term development of the Polish financial market.
10. Omar Arnaout, president of X-Trade Brokers
In 2024, he strengthened the company's position as a financial champion from Poland. Under his leadership, XTB recorded record financial results, and the dynamic growth of the customer base led to exceeding the symbolic threshold of 1 million investors served at the beginning of 2024. This success translates into a positive impact on the Polish financial market – XTB has become a globally recognizable fintech company from Warsaw, proving the competitiveness of Polish institutions on global markets. Omar Arnaout consistently focuses on foreign expansion and product innovation, which not only supports the further development of the company, but also inspires the entire industry. As a frequent market commentator and financial media interviewee, Arnaout strengthens his public image as a visionary managing a company “worth billions” and a company of first choice for individual investors.
11. Tadeusz Białek, President of the Polish Bank Association
He plays an important role as a representative of the entire banking sector. His public positions – balanced and substantive – help shape a positive image of the banking sector as a responsible partner in the development of the economy. Representing banks, in 2024, he appealed for a stable legal environment, indicating that excessive and chaotic production of regulations harms both banks and customers. He also sought dialogue with the new government on a systemic solution to the problem of Swiss franc loans and the future of credit holidays, in order to find a compromise beneficial to the market. He is involved in improving the education and financial awareness of Poles, for example, serving as the chairman of the honorary committee in the initiative: Year of Economic Education in 2024.
12. Dariusz Mazurkiewicz, President of the Polish Payment Standard (Blik)
As a leader in innovation in Polish finance, it has helped millions of Poles make everyday cashless payments easier, reduce the grey zone of cash, and build a modern fintech sector, all of which has a positive impact on the development of the financial market. In 2024, it strengthened the position of the Blik system as a Polish fintech phenomenon with global aspirations. In 2024, Poles made over 2.4 billion Blik transactions (up 37% from the previous year), and the total value of these transactions reached PLN 347 billion (+43% y/y). Blik has become one of the most frequently chosen payment methods in the country, and its share in household consumption has reached 11%. Blik services are already used by 18.5 million Poles.
13. Szymon Midera, president of PKO Bank Polski
Leader of the banking sector. In 2024, already in the first months of managing PKO BP, he presented a vision of development based on innovation and strategic partnership. Under his leadership, the bank continued to achieve record financial results, while focusing on improving relations with clients with Swiss franc loans. The bank's shares broke price records, and PKO BP's capitalization on the WSE exceeded PLN 100 billion, making the company the most valuable company on the Polish stock exchange. An experienced banker with an innovative background enjoys the market's trust – his opinions are listened to in the industry, and dynamic activities in 2024 strengthened PKO BP's position as the leader of banking in Poland.
13. Małgorzata Rusewicz, President of the Chamber of Fund and Asset Managers and President of the Chamber of Commerce of Pension Societies
She represents the interests of the domestic investment and pension fund sector, making a huge contribution to its development in 2024. As the head of market organizations, she actively participated in the dialogue with the government and supervision – she fought for a stable legal environment for funds and PPK, defending the savings of Poles. In 2024, Małgorzata Rusewicz supported the need for reforms in the field of saving for retirement, emphasizing the growing role of PPK in supplying the Polish stock exchange with fresh capital. She publicly spoke out on issues important to investors, e.g. she criticized the ideas of reaching for funds accumulated in pension funds or increases in capital gains taxation. Thanks to her, the TFI and PTE sector spoke with one strong voice – building public confidence in investing and having a positive impact on increasing the private savings of Poles.
15. Maciej Trybuchowski, President of the National Depository for Securities in Warsaw
As the president of KDPW and the KDPW_CCP clearing house, he effectively and “failure-free” manages institutions responsible for the security, stability and efficiency of the post-trade infrastructure in Poland. For years, he has played an important role in its development and integration with the European financial system. He also actively participates in the debate on the future of the capital market.
The year 2024 was an opportunity for a symbolic summary – KDPW celebrated its 30th anniversary. During the anniversary, the president emphasized the role of market participants in the development of the financial sector and the importance of institutional partnership. He is an opinion-forming manager, committed to the development of a modern, safe and integrated capital market infrastructure. His actions in 2024 showed that he has a real impact on shaping the financial environment in Poland and the region.
16. Cezary Stypułkowski, CEO of Pekao (since October 2024, previously CEO of mBank since 2010)
He is one of the most experienced leaders of Polish banking, who changed his colors in 2024 – after 14 years of managing mBank, he took the helm of Bank Pekao. His achievements to date are impressive: analysts indicate that during his term, mBank became the digital market leader, and despite the huge challenge of Swiss franc loans, the bank avoided serious trouble and did not require recapitalization. This effectiveness in risk management was appreciated – the Supervisory Board of Pekao recognized that Stypułkowski's reputation as a manager and his energy would play a key role in the development and transformation of the Pekao group. In October 2024, he became the head of Pekao, where he uses his many years of experience (he was also the president of PZU and Bank Handlowy, among others) to strengthen the innovation and market position of the second largest bank in Poland. His opinions influence the directions of development of the financial sector in Poland.
17. Jacek Chwedoruk, Managing Director of the Polish office of Rothschild & Co.
Jacek Chwedoruk deserves to be called the leader of the Polish financial market in 2024 due to his impressive achievements in advising on dozens of key M&A transactions, especially in the renewable energy and technology sectors, despite the global slowdown. His actions have had a positive impact on the development of the capital market in Poland, supporting the transparency and professionalization of the private sector. Additionally, thanks to his activity in the public debate and social involvement – including by supporting charitable initiatives such as ALL4Kids – he is building a strong, responsible image of a leader with a broad social impact.
18. Beata Javorcik, Chief Economist of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
The first woman and representative of Poland in the position of EBOR Chief Economist, who in 2024 continued to formulate key analyses for the region. Prof. Javorcik influenced the direction of EBOR investments (a bank supporting the development of markets in Europe and Asia) – her economic team indicated priorities such as digital transformation, green energy or strengthening the resilience of markets after the pandemic. As the Chief Economist, Javorcik is a valued authority: the EBOR reports she co-creates set the framework for discussions on economies in the period of recovery. Her analyses on, among others, trade integration, supply chains or the impact of climate change on the economy were quoted by decision-makers throughout Europe. In Poland, her opinions – e.g. on the need to attract foreign investments with higher added value – were published in the economic media, shaping economic policy. Beata Javorcik is proof that Poles influence economic thought at a global level, and in 2024 her work contributed to a more sustainable and resilient development of markets in our region.
19. Tomasz Czechowicz, founder and managing partner of MCI Capital
Leader in innovation and the private equity sector. In 2024, MCI managed assets worth PLN 2.7 billion, investing in the development of the digital economy. Tomasz Czechowicz predicted that 2024 would be a great year on the M&A market and that private equity would see a major revival after two years of slowdown. And so it happened. MCI Capital played first fiddle. His funds finalized several significant transactions, including foreign ones, supporting the development of companies from the fintech, e-commerce and AI sectors. As a financial visionary, Tomasz Czechowicz builds a bridge between the traditional capital market and the dynamic world of startups, positively influencing the development of the innovation ecosystem in Poland.
19. Jarosław Grzywiński, President of NASK S.A.
In 2024, he strengthened his position as one of the most influential leaders of financial markets, effectively connecting the world of capital with the dynamically developing digital economy. Responding to the challenges of the modern economy, he played a key role in preparing an advanced cybersecurity governance model for the financial sector, setting new security standards and promoting mechanisms for protection against cyber threats. As the former head of the Warsaw Stock Exchange, he continues to actively support the development of the capital market, promoting innovative financial tools and new sources of financing for technology companies. He is also the architect of the dialogue between the public and private sectors in the development of the digital economy, intensively promoting the digital transformation of financial institutions.
19. Marta Życińska, CEO of Mastercard Poland
In 2025, she was recognized as the most influential woman in the Polish payment industry, promoting digital payment solutions. In 2024, she strengthened the company's position as a leader in innovation in the payment sector. For example, a pilot of biometric payments “by sight” was introduced, which was a breakthrough in cashless transactions in Poland. Marta Życińska actively promotes financial education and inclusiveness, engaging in projects supporting diversity and equality in the workplace.
22. Krzysztof Krawczyk, Managing Partner of CVC Capital Partners in Poland
Representative of one of the leading private equity funds operating in the region. In 2024, he actively supported the development of the Polish market through strategic investments in key sectors of the economy, including energy, trade and healthcare. As chairman of the board of directors of Żabka Group, he played a key role in the preparation and implementation of the company's stock exchange debut on the Warsaw Stock Exchange in October 2024. It was the largest IPO in Poland since 2020, worth PLN 6.5 billion. CVC, through its funds, was also the acquiring party in the largest transaction on the M&A market in Poland – the leading IT company, Comarch. Thanks to his experience and influence, he contributes to the professionalization of the capital market and the promotion of long-term investment capital.
23. Jacek Kędzior, Managing Partner of EY Poland
Jacek Kędzior, as Managing Partner of EY Poland and the CESA region, effectively managed a consulting company with a regional reach in 2024, strengthening its position on the market despite the difficult economic environment. His activities had a real impact on the development of the Polish financial market by promoting digital transformation, sustainable development and implementing modern technologies, such as generative AI. Thanks to his active presence in the public debate and substantive analyses of geostrategic and economic trends, Jacek Kędzior plays an important role in shaping opinions and directions of business development in Poland.
24. Izabela Kozakiewicz-Frańczak, CEO iKsync, Sneakers on the Stock Exchange
Izabela Kozakiewicz, as CEO of iKsync and creator of educational initiatives such as “Trampki na kasze”, played a key role in promoting financial education in Poland in 2024. Her activities, aimed at children, youth and adults, contributed to increasing the economic awareness of society and building foundations for a more mature investor market. Thanks to her strong media presence and active participation in the public debate, Izabela Kozakiewicz has become a recognizable voice in the area of financial education, having a real impact on the development of the Polish financial market.
25. Michał Gajewski, CEO of Santander Bank Polska
Leader of the banking sector. For years, he has successfully led the Polish branch of the global Santander group, which in 2024 recorded record profitability and growth in all segments. Michał Gajewski consistently implements the digital transformation strategy – the bank is among the leaders in mobile banking and cashless payments, and in 2024 introduced further improvements (e.g. full support of online credit processes for companies). Under his leadership, the bank is also socially engaged, financing green projects and supporting financial education. He enjoys the reputation of a manager who cares about the interests of both shareholders and customers – in 2024, under his leadership, Santander increased its customer base and strengthened its brand as an innovative and trusted bank. The bank's shareholders should also be satisfied, including customers of domestic TFI and OFE.
