WSBI is a non-governmental organization founded in 1924. It unites savings banks and their associations around the world. Today WSBI comprises more than 100 members from 88 countries. Sberbank is the full member of WSBI since 1992.

In many countries the savings banks are corner-stone financial institutions that keep leading positions on basic segments of financial market and contribute to the economic development of their respective countries. 

The forum was honored by the participation of Mr. Alexey Kudrin, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation - Minister of Finance, Mrs. Tatyana Paramonova, First Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Russian Federation, Mr. Jean Lemierre, EBRD President. The presentations were also made by Mr. Andrei I. Kazmin, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Sberbank, Vice President of WSBI, Mr. Chris De Noose, Chairman of the Management Committee of WSBI, top managers from European savings banks and representatives of different international institutions.

 The participants of Europe Regional Group have discussed a wide range of issues, including the activities of Europe Regional Group for the past year and determined further ways of cooperation between savings banks in providing services in European countries. The progress in the implementation of projects with participation of international financial institutions, including EBRD, was also discussed. 

Such topical issues for European countries as transformation of ownership in Central and Eastern Europe countries, closer cooperation between European banks, EBRD estimation of cooperation results with banks from transition economy countries and other problems were considered during the meeting.