Regulatory Compliance Academy

Biography Irena Bacanovic Karakashev is a professional holding dual LL.M. degree – one in the field of business and administration from the Faculty of Economics, University Ss Cyril and Methodius, Skopje, Macedonia, and other in the field of law and economics through the prestigious ERASMUS Master Program (via Universität Hamburg, Università degli Studi di Bologna and Université Paul Cézanne Aix-Marseille III) With over fifteen years of banking experience in compliance management, she is an internationally certified compliance expert specializing in compliance management, digitalization, ESG and green sustainability initiatives, corporate governance, ethics, and integrity. Her expertise as a trainer covers compliance, data protection, ethics, integrity, and corporate governance, equipping professionals with essential and advanced skills to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. In the role of a representative of a financial institution, Irena is a former member of expert bodies (Legal, Compliance, and Information Security committees) part of the Macedonian Banking Association, and an active promoter of the compliance function as a significant control function, in good corporate governance. Trainer on ISO standards for compliance management, anti-corruption, anti-bribery, and legal aspects in information security and data protection. An active member of Technical Committee 9 Management of Quality, environment, and Risks as part of the Institute for Certification of Macedonia (observer in the international body for ISO standards drafting in this field). Expertise in project management funded by international organizations.

Biography Dr. Pane Iliev is a distinguished expert in the fields of entrepreneurship, internal audit, leadership, communication, risk management, and regulatory compliance, with extensive professional and academic experience. He was born on December 9, 1979, in Negotino, and lives and works in Skopje. He completed his higher education at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, where he graduated from the Faculty of Economics, and subsequently obtained his Master’s and PhD degrees in the field of management, organization, and entrepreneurship at the Institute of Economics – Skopje. Dr. Iliev’s professional career is characterized by continuous development and the acquisition of significant experience in internal audit, finance, and risk management. He currently serves as Chief Audit Executive at STH DOO Skopje. Previously, he held positions as an Experienced Auditor at ProCredit Bank AD Skopje, Internal Audit Manager at Replek AD Skopje, and Head of Internal Audit at Tigo Finance DOOEL Skopje. A substantial part of his career was spent at Komercijalna Banka AD Skopje, where he worked for several years as an Independent Auditor within the Internal Audit Directorate, as well as in positions in the field of finance. In addition to his professional engagement, Dr. Iliev has been actively involved in the academic community as an Assistant Professor at the International Slavic University. He is also a long-standing lecturer and trainer, with significant experience in delivering numerous professional trainings, seminars, and educational programs in the areas of internal audit, entrepreneurship, leadership, communication, and regulatory compliance. He is particularly recognized as a lecturer with a high level of expertise and practical approach to knowledge transfer, placing special emphasis on topics related to codes of ethics, professional integrity, and organizational culture. His interest in these areas is directly linked to modern regulatory compliance requirements, where ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability represent key elements in establishing effective compliance systems, risk management, and sound corporate governance. His professional engagement is further complemented by active participation in relevant professional organizations. He is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors of North Macedonia, where he served as a member of the Management Board in the period 2020–2023. Additionally, he holds the international professional certification Certified Credit Analyst (CCA) and continuously invests in his professional development.