The company

Expat Capital, with its licensed wholly-owned subsidiary Expat Asset Management, is one of the largest wealth management companies in Bulgaria. Our global reach, superior asset custodian setup and access to investment opportunities in all markets worldwide give us the opportunity to offer a large scope of first-class investment services one can find at the major international asset managers, with added flexibility and a more personal touch.

Our team of professionals with experience and education from North America, Europe, and Asia manages individual investment portfolios of clients from more than 35 countries, 4 mutual funds with global focus, a family of ETFs tracking the performance of stock indices from the CEE region, a fund investing in global artworks, as well as an ETF tracking the price of gold. Expat Capital is a member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Business Leaders Forum, and Expat Asset Management is a member of the Bulgarian Association of Asset Management Companies.

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Nicola Yankov

Managing Partner at Expat Capital and Chairman of the Board of Expat Asset Management

Nicola Yankov founded Expat Capital in 2006 and has been a managing partner there since. He has held a number of senior management positions in multinational companies between 1995 and 2001. He later served as Deputy Minister of Economy in 2001-2003, and as Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications between 2003 and 2005. He has a BSc degree from Cornell University (1994).

Nicola Yankov founded Expat Capital in 2006 and has been a managing partner there since. 

He has held a number of senior management positions in multinational companies between 1995 and 2001, Kraft Jacobs Suchard and Solvay Sodi among them. He served as Deputy Minister of Economy in 2001-2003, where he was responsible for industrial sector development and regulation and was also Chairman of the Temporary Protection Tariffs and Quotas Committee. Nicola Yankov served as Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications between 2003 and 2005, where he was responsible for the management oversight of the government-controlled business entities in the sector, as well as for promoting private investment in public infrastructure such as ports and airports.

Nicola Yankov has a BSc degree in Consumer Economics from Cornell University in the United States (1994). He speaks English, Russian, and French.

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Nikolay Vassilev, CFA

Managing Partner at Expat Capital and CEO of Expat Asset Management

Nikolay Vassilev was a minister in two governments (2001-2009). Previously, he worked at the investment banks UBS (UBS Warburg Dillon Read) and Lazard Capital Markets in Tokyo, New York, and London. Nikolay studied at prestigious universities in Hungary, the US, and Japan. He is a CFA charterholder.

Nikolay Vassilev has been Managing Partner of Expat Capital since 2009. 

Nikolay Vassilev was a member of two governments of the Republic of Bulgaria, serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy (2001-2003), Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications (2003-2005), and Minister of State Administration and Administrative Reform (2005-2009).

Previously, Nikolay Vassilev was Senior Vice President at Lazard Capital Markets – London (2000-2001), and Associate Director at UBS (UBS Warburg Dillon Read) in the Tokyo, New York, and London offices (1996-2000), working in the area of equities and emerging markets. He was also a tax adviser at Coopers & Lybrand in Budapest, Hungary (1993-1994).

Nikolay Vassilev holds a Master of Arts degree in International Economics and Finance from Brandeis University, USA (1997) with an exchange program at Keio University (Tokyo, Japan), as well as two Bachelor's degrees from the State University of New York, USA (1995) and the Budapest University of Economic Sciences, Hungary (1994), and has been a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder since 1999. He speaks English, Hungarian, and Russian and has basic knowledge of French, German, and Japanese.

Nikolay Vassilev was elected President of the Bulgarian CFA Association in November 2023.

He is the author of three books – “Energy” (2009), “Menu for Reformers” (2014), “Career or Not?” (2018), and "NEXT.BG" (2023).

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Daniel Donchev, CFA

CEO and Member of the Board of Expat Asset Management

Daniel Donchev has more than 15 years experience in the financial sector. He joined the Expat team in 2019 as Chief Investment Officer. Prior to that, Daniel was Chief Investment Strategist at Karoll Capital Management. For more than 10 years he was a Senior Portfolio Manager in one of the largest institutional investors in Bulgaria - NN (formerly ING).

Daniel Donchev has more than 15 years experience in the financial sector. He joined the Expat team in 2019 as Chief Investment Officer. Prior to that, Daniel was Chief Investment Strategist at Karoll Capital Management, where he was responsible for the investment strategy of the company, the management of the portfolios of the individual and institutional clients, as well as for the company’s global equity fund. Previously, for more than 10 years he was a Senior Portfolio Manager in one of the largest institutional investors in Bulgaria - NN (formerly ING), where he was part of the management of portfolios of pension funds and the insurance portfolios of the company. Daniel was as a financial analyst in UniCredit Leasing and Postbank. He is a CFA charterholder, holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of National and World Economy and an Investment Consultant license by the FSC.

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Konstantina Pergelova

Director Back Office and Member of the Board of Expat Asset Management

Konstantina Pergelova joined Expat in 2016. Her professional experience includes working for various companies in the financial sector among which Sociètè Generale Expressbank and DSK Rodina Pension Assurance Company. She has a BSc in Finance and an MSc in International Relations.

Prior to joining Expat, Konstantina Pergelova worked as Manager Institutional Clients at Societe Generale Expressbank. Her previous experience includes working as Head of Back Office and Asset Investment Procedures at DSK Rodina Pension Assurance Company, and as a Back Office Expert at Standard Asset Management. Konstantina Pergelov has a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from “Dimitar Tsenov” Academy of Economics, Svishtov, and a Master’s degree in International Relations form the University of National and World Economy, Sofia. 

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Gloria Nikolova

Director Client Relations and Member of the Board of Expat Asset Management

Gloria holds a Bachelor Degree in Business, Economics and Social Siences from Vienna University of Economics and Business. Prior joining the team at Expat, Gloria Nikolova held a management position in Group Payments Operations at Erste Group Bank, Vienna. Her career includes also working as tax assistant at Leitner Leitner, Vienna. Gloria was also an intern at the Europan Parliament.

Gloria holds a Bachelor Degree in Business, Economics and Social Siences from Vienna University of Economics and Business. Prior joining the team at Expat, Gloria Nikolova held a management position in Group Payments Operations at Erste Group Bank, Vienna. Her career includes also working as tax assistant at Leitner Leitner, Vienna. Gloriya was also an intern at the Europan Parliament.

Gloria Nikolova is also Chief Executive Officer of the Bulgarian CFA Association.

She speaks German, English and Russian.

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Veselina Petrova

Client Relations Manager

Veselina Petrova joined the Expat team in 2018. Prior to that, she was Senior Supervisor in a bank branch of First Investment Bank. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of National and World Economy, as well as a Master’s degree in Organization and management of corporate security from the Military Academy Georgi S. Rakovski.

Veselina Petrova joined the Expat team in Oct 2018. Prior to that, she was Senior Supervisor in a bank branch of First Investment Bank. Her previous experience also includes working for the Institute for Postgraduate Studies at the University of National and World Economy, as well as for the Building and construction company Savix Pharm.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of National and World Economy, as well as a Master’s degree in Organization and management of corporate security from the Military Academy Georgi S. Rakovski. She speaks English and Spanish and has basic knowledge of Italian.

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Dzhuliya Katsarova, CFA

Portfolio Manager

Dzhuliya Katsarova holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Studies from the University of Sheffield, and a Master's degree in Finance from Durham University. She is a CFA charterholder.

Dzhuliya Katsarova holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Studies from the University of Sheffield, and a Master's degree in Finance from Durham University. She is a CFA charterholder. Prior to the position of Portfolio Manager, she was a financial analyst at the company. She has experience as trader and financial analyst.

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Mehmed Dikme

Portfolio Manager

Mehmed Dikme is a Master of International Affairs, International Finance and Economic Policy from Columbia University, USA, and a Master of Science in Finance from ESSEC Business School, France. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science in Management from City University London. His previous work background includes positions related to equity trading, corporate finance analysis, financial project management, derivatives trading.

Mehmed Dikme is a Master of International Affairs, International Finance and Economic Policy from Columbia University, USA, and a  Master of Science in Finance from ESSEC Business School, France. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science in Management from City University London.

Mehmed joined the Expat team in the beginning of 2021. Prior to that, he was an Intern at the Economic and Financial Committee of the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Bulgaria in the UN. His previous work background also includes positions related to equity trading, corporate finance analysis, financial project management, derivatives trading.

Mehmed has successfully passed Level I and II of the CFA Programme, and currently he is a Level III Candidate. He speaks English and Turkish.

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Damyan Bashliev

Securities Trader

Damyan holds a Bachelor Degree in Economics and Social Sciences at Bocconi University. He has 1,5 years of Discretionary Trading experience, Member of a Virtual Trading Floor at the Manhattan-based T3 Trading Group. 

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Teodora Dimitrova

Senior Back Office Expert

Teodora Dimitrova holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics. As a back office expert, her responsibilities include administration of securities transactions and communication with Expat’s counterparties on the technical execution and booking of purchases and sales of financial instruments.

Teodora Dimitrova holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and is currently completing her Master's degree in Financial Management at the New Bulgarian University. She participated in an internship program at the United Bulgarian Bank where her responsibilities were in the area of lending to large corporate clients. In 2014, Teodora had an internship at a large Bulgarian accounting firm, after which she joined the Expat team. Her responsibilities include communication with Expat’s counterparties on the technical execution and booking of securities transactions. Teodora is responsible for the administration of Expat’s UCITS funds. She speaks English.

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Gergana Milcheva

Back Office Expert

Gergana Milcheva joined the Expat team in 2021, having many years of experience in the financial sector. She was the founder of the call center of First Investment Bank, as well as creator and manager of other corporate contact centers. 

Gergana Milcheva joined the Expat team in 2021, having many years of experience in the financial sector.

She has worked as Head of Settlement, Reporting and Administrative Services at Alpha Asset Management. She was the founder of the call center of First Investment Bank, as well as creator and manager of other corporate contact centers. Her experience includes working as Financial and Administrative Manager of the Center for Inclusive Education, as well as Managing Owner of a company in the field of customer service Aerlin Pro.

Gergana has a Master's degree in Bulgarian language and literature from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. She speaks English.

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Sabina Sabeva

Back Office Expert

Sabina Sabeva holds a Master's Degree in International Economic Relations from the University of National and World Economy, Sofia. Her professional experience includes working for various financial institutions like United Bulgarian Bank and Unicredit Bulbank. Sabina has also experience as Accountant at Tradeville EAD.

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Asya Karsheva

Senior Back Office Expert

Asya Karsheva holds a Master's degree in Accounting and a Bachelor's degree in Macroeconomics from the University of National and World Economy, Sofia. Her professional experience includes working for the custody services departments in two banks.

Asya Karsheva holds a Master's degree in Accounting and a Bachelor's degree in Macroeconomics from the University of National and World Economy, Sofia. Prior to joining the Expat team she had worked for the custody services departments in Texim Bank and in Eurobank Bulgaria. Her professional experience also includes working as an accountant at KMI Fund Services.

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Marina Todorova

Head of Legal Affairs

Marina Todorova holds a Master's degree in Law from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. She is a member of the Sofia Bar Association. Previously, Marina worked as a Lawyer at Gruykin, Tanchovski, Velichkov Law Firm in Sofia.

Marina Todorova is a registered lawyer and a member of the Sofia Bar Association, and a domestic and international arbitrator. From 2005 till 2009, Marina Todorova worked as a Lawyer at “Gruykin, Tanchovski, Velichkov” Law Firm in Sofia. She has a Master's degree in Law from Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. In 2004, Marina attended a training course in Conduct of cases before the European Court in Strasbourg. In the same year, she completed her government legal experience as a trainee lawyer at the Ministry of Justice. She speaks English and Russian.

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Evgenia Simeonova

Head of Internal Control and Compliance

Evgenia Simeonova joined the Expat team in 2008. She has substantial experience as a Business Coordinator and Economic analyst working at large international companies, among which ExxonMobil and Amtest. She holds a Master's degree in International Economic Relations from the University of National and World Economy in Sofia.

Evgenia Simeonova joined the Expat team in 2008. She has substantial experience as a Business Coordinator and Economic analyst working at large international companies such as ExxonMobil and Amtest. She graduated from the University of National and World Economy in Sofia with a Master's degree in International Economic Relations. In 2010, she acquired a qualification in Financial and Investment Analysis from the Center for Finance and Accounting, IPS, UNWE. She speaks English and Russian.

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Tatyana Lazarova

Head of Accounting

Prior to joining the Expat team, Tatyana Lazarova was Deputy Chief Accountant at DV Asset Management. She has substantial experience in the field of accounting working at asset management companies, investment intermediaries, REIT. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance from the University of National and World Economy, Sofia.

Prior to joining the Expat team, from 2010 to 2018, Tatyana Lazarova was Deputy Chief Accountant at DV Asset Management. Before that, from 2009 to 2010, she was Operational Accountant at the same company. Her professional experience includes working as Chief Accountant at Exclusive Property REIT (2007-2009) and DSK Asset Management (2005-2007). Between 2001 and 2005, she held the position of Financial Manager at the investment intermediary Bora Invest. Prior to that, she was Manager at Again Invest.

Tatyana holds a Master's degree in Finance from the University of National and World Economy, Sofia. She speaks Russian and English.

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Yordanka Dimitrova

Deputy Chief Accountant

Yordanka has extensive experience in the field of accounting and finance, including working for local and international companies from the merchandising, financial services and pharmaceutical sectors.

Prior to joining the Expat team Yordanka was accountant at Zora MMS. Her professional experience in the field of accounting and finance includes working for local and international companies from the grains and oilseeds merchandising, financial services and pharmaceutical sectors. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of National and World Economy, Sofia. Yordanka speaks English and Russian.

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Preslava Karaivanska

Financial Analyst

Preslava Karaivanska is a final-year student majoring in Economics and Finance at Sofia University 'St. Kliment Ohridski'. She has completed a specialization in Corporate Finance and Investments at the University of St. Gallen HSG in Switzerland. Prior to her academic pursuits, she had a professional career in the field of arts. She speaks German and English.

Preslava Karaivanska is a final-year student majoring in Economics and Finance at Sofia University 'St. Kliment Ohridski'. She has completed a specialization in Corporate Finance and Investments at the University of St. Gallen HSG in Switzerland. Prior to her academic pursuits, she had a professional career in the field of arts. She speaks German and English.

Careers

Working for Expat Capital is a combination of challenges and personal development. We are proud of our team of professionals with extensive experience in the fields of capital markets and investment management. If you would like to explore the challenges and opportunities of working for the largest independent asset management company in Bulgaria, please send your CV, cover letter, and a recent photo to hr@expat.bg.

Internship Program

Expat Capital has a policy of supporting and training young professionals and college students. Each year, the company accepts a limited number of interns (guests of the company) from various academic fields and universities around the world. For a period of one to several months, the interns gain knowledge and practical experience in corporate finance, capital markets, and investment management.

So far, we have had interns from the following categories:

  • Foreign students from China, Great Britain, Austria, Netherlands, Spain, France and Ukraine
  • Bulgarian students from worldwide universities
  • Bulgarian students from Bulgarian universities
  • Bulgarian high school students

If you are passionate about the financial markets and would like to get a grasp of the wealth management business, you can apply for participation in our internship program by sending your CV, cover letter, and a recent photo to hr@expat.bg.

See our interns