Stamatis Velegrakis - CEO AFI Microfinance
Stamatis Velegrakis is the Chief Executive Officer of AFI Microfinance, where he leads Greece’s first dedicated microfinance institution in empowering small businesses, self-employed individuals, and underserved entrepreneurs with access to funding and strategic support. Under his leadership, AFI is driving financial inclusion and fostering economic growth, with a strong focus on social impact across Greece. Prior to this role, Stamatis built a distinguished international career, spending over 12 years at UBS in London, where he rose to Executive Director and Head of Risk & Design for the Investment Bank Middle Office. During his tenure at UBS, he also served as Director of IB Execution Services & Financing Operations, Director of Business Architecture and Global Account Management, Chief of Staff for EMEA Integrated Middle Office, and Operations Manager for Structured Products. Earlier in his career, he worked as a P&L and Risk Analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and as an Analyst at the National Bank of Greece. Academically, Stamatis holds a Bachelor’s degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, pursued further studies at the University of Essex, completed a Master of Science at Imperial College Business School, and expanded his executive education with programs at the London School of Economics and Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. His journey of excellence began at CLC Educational Institute, where, at the age of 17, he completed the Proficiency in English, followed by IELTS preparation and university consulting, setting the foundation for a career that blends academic rigor with international leadership.
What’s your job?
Many aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners struggle to secure funding to bring their vision to life.
As CEO of AFI Microfinance, my mission is to empower those who dare to dream by providing accessible financing, strategic guidance, and long-term support.
What does your company do?
Established in 2014, AFI Microfinance is a financial organization, authorized and regulated by Bank of Greece, working to empower those who have a business idea or an existing business and are excluded or underserved from the banking system.
AFI provides them with access to the necessary business funds, as well as with educational and business development services, creating sustainable economic development opportunities.
*Microfinance is a financial instrument and a service, providing support and micro-credit up to €25.000, to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses who do not meet the strict and stiff criteria set by the traditional banks for financing.