Rainer Michael Preiss — Global Markets Commentary | July 2026
The lari is more than a national currency — it reflects the transformation of a country that has embraced economic openness and institutional reform.
For many international investors, Georgia remains one of the world’s hidden investment stories. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the country occupies a strategically important position between the Black Sea, Russia, Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Although Georgia has a population of fewer than four million people, it has successfully positioned itself as one of the most business-friendly economies in the emerging world.
Why the Currency Matters
Currencies are often the clearest reflection of a country’s economic health. They capture investor confidence, the credibility of central-bank policy and the resilience of the domestic economy. For private investors, currency performance can significantly influence the overall return from international investments.
Unlike many frontier-market currencies, the Georgian lari has developed a reputation for relative flexibility. The exchange rate is determined by market forces rather than rigid government controls, allowing the currency to adjust naturally to changing economic conditions. While this results in periods of volatility, it also enhances transparency and supports investor confidence over the longer term.
Two Decades of Reform
One of Georgia’s greatest strengths lies in its commitment to economic reform. Over the past two decades, successive governments have implemented policies aimed at improving the business environment, reducing corruption and encouraging foreign direct investment. Today, Georgia consistently ranks among the most attractive countries globally for ease of doing business, property registration and tax competitiveness.
Policy Credibility and the Middle Corridor
The National Bank of Georgia has established a credible inflation-targeting framework, helping strengthen confidence in the domestic currency. Tourism, logistics, remittances and exports continue to support foreign-exchange earnings, while Georgia’s position on the Middle Corridor between Europe and Asia has increased its strategic importance.
Regional geopolitics inevitably influences the outlook for the lari. Nevertheless, Georgia has demonstrated resilience through diversified economic relationships with the European Union, Turkey, the Gulf states and Central Asia.
The Investment Perspective
From an investment perspective, Georgia combines manageable public debt, a well-capitalised banking sector and economic growth that has often exceeded many European economies. Institutions such as Bank of Georgia Group and TBC Bank Group have strengthened confidence in the country’s financial system.
For private clients, Georgian government bonds, internationally listed Georgian banks, selected real-estate opportunities and private investments provide attractive avenues for exposure. Currency considerations, however, should remain central to portfolio construction, as the GEL is naturally more volatile than the U.S. dollar, euro or Swiss franc.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, continued reforms, expanding trade corridors, increasing foreign direct investment and deeper integration with European markets should provide structural support for the Georgian economy. The Georgian lari ultimately represents more than a national currency; it reflects the transformation of a country that has embraced economic openness, institutional reform and international engagement. For globally diversified private clients, understanding the dynamics of the lari provides valuable insight into one of the most promising frontier investment stories of the coming decade.
This commentary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or an offer to buy or sell securities. Investors should consider their objectives, risk tolerance and consult professional advisers before investing. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Rainer Michael Preiss is a German national and an investment advisor based in Singapore. He has over 25 years of experience in global private banking and multi-family office business across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia. Michael was previously the Chief Equity Strategist at Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) where he was one of seven voting members on the Global Investment Council which decided on SCB's global investment policy. He is also a prolific and renowned contributor to the financial media world where he is a columnist for Forbes and is frequently featured on Bloomberg, CNA and CNBC.
