The Zagreb School of Economics and Management, in co-organization with the Student Finance and Investment Club, had the pleasure of hosting the Free Market Road Show 2025, a renowned international event that brings together leading voices in economics, policy, and business.

This year's Road Show featured an exceptional lineup of speakers, including Dr. Andrej Grubišić, Vedrana Pribicevic, Dr. Robin Harris (Advisor to UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher), Branko Roglic (Founder of Orbico), and Dr. Eamonn Butler (Director of the Adam Smith Institute).

The event tackled some of the most pressing economic issues of our time across three panels:

🔹 Tariffs – with insights from Keith Miles, Damir Novotny and Branko Roglić

🔹 Inflation – discussed by Dr. Eamonn Butler, Dr. Andrej Grubišić and Vedrana Pribičević

🔹 Migration – addressed by Alexander Tokarev, Dr. Robin Harris and Mate Čurić

Each panel offered diverse perspectives on economic freedom, market efficiency and the global challenges we face.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all speakers and attendees for contributing to this thought-provoking event. A special thank you goes to Professor Vedrana Pribičević, whose dedication and support were instrumental in organizing the entire event.

Yesterday, the ZSEM Student Finance and Investment Club had the honor of welcoming Kresimir Krajnovic, CFA, an Associate at Goldman Sachs, for an insightful lecture on financial markets and investment strategies.

During the session, Mr. Krajnović shared his expertise on the history of financial markets, various types of investments, and methods of company valuation. He also provided an engaging analysis of notable investors such as Warren Buffett and Michael Burry, as well as a discussion on prominent stocks including Nvidia, Tesla, Tcom, and Podravka.

The lecture was highly interactive and sparked significant interest among students, culminating in a dynamic Q&A session.

We sincerely thank Mr. Krajnović for sharing his valuable insights, fostering dialogue, and inspiring future leaders in finance!

Last week, the ZSEM Student Finance and Investment Club had the honor of welcoming Kristijan Buk, President of the Management Board at Allianz ZB Ltd. Mandatory and Voluntary Pension Funds Management Company and President of the HANFA Council, for an interactive lecture on Croatian Pension Funds.

Pension funds are not only vital for securing future pensions, but also act as major institutional investors on the Croatian capital market - driving market stability, investing in domestic companies, and contributing to the country’s economic growth.  

The Croatian pension system is structured into three pillars:

First pillar – mandatory state-run pay-as-you-go system, Second pillar – mandatory individual capitalized savings, Third pillar – voluntary individual pension savings.

Allianz ZB, under Mr. Buk’s leadership, plays a vital role in the second and third pillars, managing both mandatory and voluntary pension funds and contributing significantly to the country’s long-term financial sustainability.

During the lecture, students had the unique opportunity to participate in an open and engaging discussion - examining both the strengths of the Croatian pension system and the areas where improvements are needed.

We sincerely thank Mr. Buk for sharing his expertise, encouraging dialogue, and inspiring the next generation of finance leaders!

For the second consecutive year, members of the ZSEM SFIC had the incredible opportunity to participate in a debate on the digitalization of payments, hosted in collaboration with HANFA and the Croatian National Bank (HNB).

Guided by mentors Anja Tkalčević (Hanfa) and Josip Pintarić (HNB), our members engaged in thoughtful discussions on some of the most pressing questions surrounding the shift to digital finance. 

Topics ranged from the benefits of greater payment transparency and efficiency to the complex risks of cybersecurity threats and digital fraud. The introduction of a digital euro was also explored as a transtormative step toward the future of monetary transactions.

We extend our deepest thanks to Hanfa, HNB and our outstanding mentors Anja Tkalčević and Josip Pintarić for making this event such a valuable learning experience. We're proud to contribute to conversations that shape the financial future of our society.

The ZSEM Student Finance and Investment Club (SFIC) had the honor of hosting Dr. Sinisa Krajnovic, Partner at McKinsey & Company, for an insightful guest lecture.

With extensive global leadership experience Dr. Krajnović shared his career journey, from his early days to holding executive positions at Ericsson and later joining McKinsey. He provided insights into building a global career and emphasized the importance of continuous learning, adaptability to different cultures and strategic career moves.

Beyond career growth, Dr. Krajnović also spoke about balancing a demanding career with personal life.

The session concluded with a dynamic Q&A, where students engaged in discussions. We are truly grateful to Dr. Krajnović for this incredible opportunity and for sharing his invaluable knowledge and experiences with us.

The Zagreb School of Economics and Management Student Finance and Investment Club had the honor of hosting Dominic Maier, Partner and Head of Fund Investing at AXA VENTURE PARTNERS in London, for an insightful guest lecture.

With extensive experience in venture capital, Mr. Maier provided a comprehensive overview of the VC investing process, breaking down each step - from sourcing and selecting promising startups to exiting investments. He also covered key investment metrics, explaining the differences between TVPI and DPI, and analyzed global indexes and market trends shaping the investment landscape.

To conclude, Mr. Maier shared invaluable career advice for students aspiring to enter the venture capital industry, offering guidance on how to stand out and secure a job in this competitive field.

The session ended with a dynamic Q&A, where students engaged in thought-provoking discussions, gaining deeper insights into the world of VC and startup investing.

We sincerely thank Dominic Maier for sharing his expertise and inspiring us to explore the exciting world of venture capital!

SFIC leadership Lovro Lesić and Marin Lesić, along with co-founder Luka Medvidović, have authored a research paper examining strategies to revitalize Croatia's capital market and attract long-term investors.

Their comprehensive study combined traditional research methods with student surveys (over 100 participants) and professional interviews. The research identified solutions to key challenges facing the Croatian market, particularly addressing low liquidity issues and the limited participation of retail investors.

The Croatian Financial Services Supervisory Agency (HANFA) recognized this work with their Annual Award for outstanding student research. Marin and Lovro became the youngest recipients in the award's history. Their achievement, resulting from the mentorship between co-founder Medvidović and SFIC's student leadership team, reflects one of our core values - fostering talent through knowledge sharing between senior and junior members.

This collaborative achievement demonstrates ZSEM SFIC's approach to excellence in finance and investment, where experience and emerging talent work together to drive innovation.

ZSEM Student Finance and Investment Club had the honor of hosting Mate Janković, renowned chef and owner of SOL Restaurant, for a captivating conversation with Professor Vedrana Pribičević. 

The discussion delved into his inspiring career journey, starting from his early days in the culinary world to his present achievements. Mr. Janković shared engaging stories about his six years working in Bermuda, his time at Bevanda, and the opening of his own restaurant a few years ago. He also reflected on his experience as a judge on MasterChef and his unique opportunity to guide the legendary Anthony Bourdain through Croatia, showcasing the country’s culinary gems.

The session provided students with an intimate look into the resilience, passion, and dedication required to thrive in the restaurant industry. 

We are grateful to Mate Janković for sharing his experiences and to Professor Pribičević for leading such an inspiring conversation!

Today, we had the pleasure of hosting Mario Staroselcic, CFA, Member of the Management Board at Allianz ZB Ltd. Mandatory and Voluntary Pension Funds Management Company, for an insightful lecture on pension funds and their investment strategies. 

Mr. Staroselčić shared his expertise, explaining how pension funds operate and where they allocate their resources. We learned that one-sixth of their assets are invested in Croatian companies to support the local economy. 

Allianz ZB is one of Croatia's largest and most reputable pension funds, managing over €9 billion in assets and serving hundreds of thousands of members. Owned 51% by Allianz and 49% by Zagrebačka banka, the fund is a trusted leader in providing long-term financial security. 

Mr. Staroselčić’s lecture offered a comprehensive overview of the critical role of pension funds in economic development and personal financial planning. It was an engaging and highly informative session for all attendees, and we are very grateful to Mr. Staroselčić for his contribution today.

The ZSEM Student Finance and Investment Club had the pleasure of hosting Ivan Bešlić, co-founder and CSO at Sofascore, for a guest lecture. As the driving force behind one of the world’s leading sports statistics and analytics platforms, Mr. Bešlić shared his insights on building a company that now serves millions of sports fans across the globe.

SofaScore provides real-time results, detailed statistics, and analytics for various sports. The platform’s innovative approach to data presentation, including unique metrics and visualizations, has set a new standard in sports analysis.

During the lecture, Mr. Bešlić emphasized the pivotal role that our generation (Gen Z) will play in shaping the future, expressing his confidence that there are many groundbreaking innovations to come.

The session concluded with a Q&A segment, where students engaged in a lively discussion, posing intriguing questions that sparked even more fascinating answers. The exchange provided valuable insights into entrepreneurship, innovation, and the evolving tech landscape.

We are sincerely grateful to Ivan Bešlić for sharing his experiences and inspiring us to push boundaries.

Members of the ZSEM Student Finance and Investment Club had the privilege of attending a guest lecture by Lada Tedeschi Fiorio, a Bocconi alumna and one of Croatia’s most successful businesswomen.

Ms. Tedeschi Fiorio shared her journey of building and transforming businesses, recounting the IPO that Atlantic Group successfully conducted many years ago. She also highlighted how the company rebranded Cedevita, which has since become one of the most popular beverages in Croatia. Atlantic Group now generates over €900 million in annual revenue.

Ms. Tedeschi Fiorio emphasized the significance of resilience, strategic decision-making, and innovation. Through a group task in the class, she demonstrated the importance of strong organization and cohesion across all departments within a company.

Finally, she advised students to focus on lifelong learning, adaptability, and making a difference in society. Known for her determination in both business and life, she is a true role model for aspiring leaders.

We are truly grateful to Lada Tedeschi for inspiring us with her wisdom and experiences. A special thanks also goes to Karlo Gabrek and Bono Šerić, our newly appointed SFIC Event Managers, who also contributed to yesterday’s success.

We had the honor of hosting the renowned Free Market Road Show last Wednesday, where brilliant minds gathered to delve into transformative ideas!

The event kicked off at the Croatian Catholic University and wrapped up at our ZSEM campus. It was a day filled with thought-provoking talks and engaging debates on market morality and economic recovery.

We had the opportunity to hear from

Emman Butler from the Adam Smith Institute discussed reducing government involvement in his talk

"Restraining Government."

Glen Hodgson presented "The Current European Context," analyzing economic and political situations in Europe.

Hannes Gissurarson, a political theory expert from the University of Iceland, explored ethical dimensions in regulation with his presentation, "Does Morality Lie in Regulation?"

Vedrana Pribicevic from the Zagreb School of Economics and Management examined the role of governments in market organization in "Governments, Too, Can Organize Markets."

Vedran Sosic from the Croatian National Bank (HNB) addressed how tourism impacts Croatia's economy in

"Inflation in Croatia: The Price of Enjoying the Sun and Sea?"

Barbara Kolm, former Vice Director of the Austrian Central Bank, emphasized the need for political independence in central banks during her session

"Keep Politics Out of Monetary Policy."

Vuk Vukovic shared insights on market behaviors and economic policies, enriching the event's discussions.

Neven Vidakovic delved into the debt market complexities in his talk, "Debt is Selling, But Who is Buying?"

We take great pride in having sparked these important discussions about free market principles. We sincerely thank all the speakers, attendees, and affiliated organizations for helping to make this event a success!

We had the distinct honor of welcoming Jako Andabak, a renowned figure in entrepreneurship and innovation, to give a guest lecture at the #ZSEM. Mr.

Andabak shared his journey from humble beginnings to current ventures in tourism, healthcare, and, most notably, renewable energy, teaching us valuable lessons about resilience, strategic thinking, and sustainable development.

His method of approaching problems from a fresh angle with logical justification before consulting preexisting viewpoints offered a unique perspective on innovation and creativity. Furthermore, Mr. Andabak's commitment to environmental stewardship through his renewable energy projects emphasizes the importance of aligning business practices with long-term objectives.

Mr. Andabak's advice to students and aspiring entrepreneurs emphasized the value of diversification, lifelong learning, and finding creative solutions to complex problems. His approach to navigating business and societal challenges, with an emphasis on consensus and shared interests was particularly insightful.

We are deeply grateful to Jako Andabak for sharing his experiences and wisdom with us. His lecture inspires all aspiring leaders to pursue their goals with curiosity, integrity, and a desire to make a positive difference in the world.

Financial Frauds in the Digital Era - Student Debate Recap!

HANFA team, which is made up of Lovro Lesić, Lovro Nevidal, and Roko Jurić, revealed the tricks of financial scammers who aren't connected to banks.

Team HNB, which is made up of Marin Lesió, Dominic Markovina, and Ivan Tokic, looked into how banks affect the world of financial fraud and how you can avoid it.

who asked our speakers important questions. People in the room could listen and learn more about the mysteries of online financial scams.

We found out together how to stay strong in a world where money is always changing hands. Financial fraud in the digital age #studentdebate

Alan Sumina with ZSEM's Dean Mato Njavro moderating. Boasting 185 million downloads, Nanobit's journey from a bootstrapped venture to a $148 million acquisition by Stillfront Group is nothing short of inspiring.

Alan, now focusing on investing in startups and exploring new ventures, shared his wisdom: "Failure and success are not final states. The biggest hurdle is often just starting. So, start as soon as you can. It's an exciting journey."

He also touched on the Al revolution, suggesting its swift adoption introduces both opportunities and uncertainties, humorously noting that English could become the new universal coding language.

The ZSEM Student Finance and Investment Club hosted its first guest lecture featuring dr. sc. Vuk Vukovic, CEO of the American hedge fund ORCA. Vukovic shared ORCA's successful trading strategy, which is investing in options of US Stock Indexes via crowd wisdom research metodology. They have accurately predicted major events since 2015 with just a 1% error margin. Despite a setback in early days of the fund in 2023, they remained composed and disciplined risk management led to 19% return year-to-date. With the fund's growth they aim to expand into futures trading