The People Behind ROQ Capital

- Araksya, you have been with the company for around 20 years. What major changes have you observed in Armenia's financial market and the company's operations during this time?


Over the years, Armenia's financial market has changed significantly, and ROQ Capital has evolved and grown alongside it. Customer expectations, the way services are delivered, the pace of the market, and the competitive landscape have all changed. When I first started my career, processes were much more traditional. Today, it is hard to imagine our work without technology and digitalization.

I remember a time when executing a stock exchange transaction meant visiting a bank in person, submitting a paper-based order, forwarding documents to the Central Depository and going through a series of procedures. Today, thanks to digitalization, all of this can be done much faster and more easily.

Investment opportunities have also expanded significantly. In the past, Armenian investors were largely limited to domestic securities, whereas today they have access to international markets and a much broader range of investment instruments.

On the other hand, attracting foreign investors to the Armenian market used to be quite challenging. We had to present the opportunities offered by our relatively small market, explain its specific characteristics and generate interest in Armenia. Investment companies like ours played an important role in this process. We did more than provide services; we also helped raise awareness of the Armenian market among international investors.

Today, I can confidently say that ROQ Capital has not only grown alongside the market but has also contributed to its overall progress through innovative initiatives. For us, this is both an achievement and a great responsibility: to continue developing the industry and creating new opportunities for our clients and partners.


- This year, the company introduced its new brand, ROQ Capital. What does this change mean for the company, and what new opportunities does it create?

The new ROQ Capital brand, officially unveiled in April, is a natural continuation of our development.

Of course, much of our company's history, experience, and many achievements are tied to the Armbrok name. However, over the years, the company has grown, expanded its services and broadened its development goals. Naturally, the time had come to present our capabilities and vision for the future in a new way.

I believe that sometimes a company's name needs to keep pace with its growth, rather than the company continuing to fit within the limits of its name.

The new ROQ Capital brand allows us to present our investment services more clearly, develop new areas of business and reach a broader range of investors.

But changing the name is only a small part of this process. Behind it lies a great deal of work, including new services, a growing team and an evolving corporate culture. Throughout this process, it is important for us to preserve the values and client trust we have built over the years.


- The role of technology and digital tools in financial markets has grown significantly. How does ROQ Capital combine its years of professional experience with innovation and modern technology?


I believe that professional experience and innovative technologies strengthen each other when combined effectively. In the financial sector, however, innovation is not just about introducing new systems. Information security, risk management, and internal controls are equally important.

Today, we are working to automate processes and modernize our operations. For us, it is important that technology not only improves operational efficiency, but also makes investment services simpler and more convenient for our clients.

One of the key steps in this direction has been the launch of the ROQ Markets investment app. Today, clients expect investment services to be fast and convenient, without unnecessary paperwork or the need to visit an office for every request. Through the app, users can open an account online, monitor their investment portfolios, execute trades, and access their statements.

Another particularly important development is the integration of an AI-powered digital assistant into the app. Our goal is not simply to provide automated answers to standard questions. The assistant can respond to clients' questions, help them navigate market trends, provide analytical information, and assist with placing orders. At the same time, it is important to emphasize that it does not replace personalized investment advice.

Professional experience is a valuable advantage for us, as it helps us properly assess innovations and determine whether they are worth implementing. Ultimately, the true value of technology lies in how effectively it simplifies our work, reduces risks and improves the client experience.

I am confident that digital solutions will create new opportunities for the development of financial services. Healthy competition also drives the industry forward, giving clients access to better, faster and more convenient services.


- Based on your experience, what matters most when it comes to earning clients' trust and maintaining it over the years?
In the financial sector, trust is not built overnight. It is the result of years of responsible work, keeping promises and professional expertise.

Throughout the company's more than 30 years of operation, our clients' trust has been built and strengthened through consistent efforts.

Trust becomes especially important when things do not go as planned. That is when you see how willing you are to take responsibility and stay true to your principles.

Trust built over many years can be lost through a single irresponsible decision. That is why consistency, staying true to established values and honest communication with clients are so important.

You need to tell clients not only what they want to hear, but also what they need to know, even when it may not be what they would like to hear.


- You started your career at the company as an economist-analyst and are now Deputy CEO. How does the experience you have gained in different roles help you in your current leadership position?

Over the years, I have held various positions, gradually taking on greater responsibilities. This has allowed me to understand the company's operations from different perspectives, gaining a deeper understanding of both individual processes and how they are interconnected.

I believe that, as a leader, it is important not only to understand what results need to be achieved, but also to see how everyday decisions and people's work contribute to those results. The experience I have gained over the years helps me better assess potential risks and the long-term consequences of decisions.

At the same time, working in the same environment for many years comes with its own challenges. You have to be careful not to let your experience and established habits turn into an instinctive resistance to new approaches. After all, experience should help you grow, not keep you attached to familiar ways of doing things.


- ROQ Capital brings together professionals from different generations. In your opinion, what helps employees stay with the company for many years and continue to grow?

First of all, it is important for professionals to see opportunities for career growth and a clear path forward, feel that their work matters, and receive the recognition they deserve. Of course, trust in the company, workplace relationships, and corporate culture also play a major role.

Interestingly, we have a recurring pattern at our company: people leave at different stages of their careers and for various reasons, but after some time, they return or express a desire to come back. They return with new experience, a fresh perspective, and, why not, a sense of nostalgia for the very environment that, at one point, may not have fully met their expectations.

I think this says a lot about the company's values. Sometimes, working in a different environment helps you appreciate what you had in a new light, while also seeing more clearly what could still be improved.

Another important factor is sharing experience. Passing on the knowledge gained over the years, including lessons learned from our own mistakes, to younger colleagues is essential. This way, professionals from different generations not only learn from one another but also contribute to the company's development together.


- If you could go back to the beginning of your career, what advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell myself to be bolder and more ambitious.


- How would you describe ROQ Capital in three words?

Team, reputation, growth opportunities.