Most of the business in today’s market struggle from the difficulty of financial planning and risk management on their own. Businesses that do not seek expert advice may experience increasing financial instability, missing possibilities for growth, and inadequate market risk protection. They may also have a more difficult time accessing personalized insurance solutions, investment plans, or personnel retention programs that are important to long lasting success. This is where Babylon Financial Group comes into play.

Babylon Financial Group Zrt. was founded in 2012 by Mr. Balázs Zoltán Orbán and has since become a valued partner for small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) throughout Central Europe. With over 30 years of experience in financial consulting and a strong focus on creative, individualized solutions, the organization assists businesses in navigating complicated financial challenges. Babylon Financial, which specializes in risk management, foreign health insurance, and investment strategies, helps its clients achieve growth and stability. This firm is committed to diversity, sustainability, and digital innovation, the group is extending its footprint throughout Europe, providing bespoke services that help businesses accomplish their financial objectives.

Insights from a Conversation with Balázs Zoltán Orbán

What inspired the founding of Babylon Financial Group? How has this mission evolved as the company has grown?

I started my career 30 years ago as a financial advisor. During this period, I mainly dealt with insurance. Recognizing that small and medium-sized enterprises have a great need for professional support in financial challenges, I focused on this target group after the first few months. I continuously developed the portfolio, which resulted in a significant increase in the number of employees and sales revenue.

More than 13 years ago, we realized that we wanted to be more than a one-man show. From the very beginning, we understood that hard work and innovation are the keys to achieving significant success. Our mission has always been to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) achieve their financial goals while differentiating our company in the market. Focusing on these principles, we strive to make a lasting impact and drive growth for our clients.

Could you describe the core financial services and products Babylon Financial offers? How have these evolved to meet the changing needs of a diverse client base?

We provide unique risk management methods, private international health insurance, capital-guaranteed investments, and workforce retention packages, primarily tailored for SMEs and larger clients. Our goal is to equip decision-makers with the tools and resources they need to enhance their financial stability and workforce satisfaction. By focusing on innovative solutions and personalized consultations with our esteemed financial experts, we ensure our clients are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of today's financial landscape.

Our commitment to international expansion is complemented by our unique portfolio management strategies. By leveraging a diverse range of investment opportunities and innovative approaches, we tailor our offerings to meet the evolving needs of our clients across different markets. This dual focus not only enhances our ability to capitalize on global trends but also ensures that our clients benefit from a well-rounded investment strategy designed for optimal growth and security. Through meticulous portfolio management and an eye toward international opportunities, we strive to empower our clients to achieve their financial goals while addressing the challenges of a globalized economy.

Are there any specialized programs or initiatives Babylon Financial has developed to promote diversity and inclusion among its clients and employees?

Our corporate culture is rooted in being family-friendly and professional, fostering an environment where employees feel valued and supported. We believe that team motivation is crucial for success, which is why we focus on creating an attractive and aesthetic office environment that inspires creativity and collaboration. Our approach includes offering challenging jobs that promote personal and professional growth while ensuring a healthy work-life balance. By prioritizing these elements, we aim to cultivate a workplace where our employees are not only motivated but also engaged, leading to a harmonious atmosphere that benefits both the team and the organization as a whole.

How does Babylon Financial’s broad definition of diversity and commitment to inclusion shape your company culture, and how do these values empower your employees, customers, and communities to drive innovation and achieve success?

With careful and 21st-century recruitment and selection methods, we pay special attention to ensuring that our employees feel that they share the most important corporate values, while also being accepting of everyone. Different people bring new ideas and new insights to the company, which benefits everyone. Our clients appreciate the reliability and continuous innovation that our employees demonstrate in meeting their daily financial challenges.

How has the rapid growth of online platforms influenced Babylon Financial’s approach to delivering services, and what advantages does your online presence offer to partners and clients?

We are currently exploring how to integrate artificial intelligence into our operations to enhance our 24-hour customer service capabilities. Additionally, we are focused on automating systems and fostering active engagement on social media platforms, with the aim for implementation by 2026.

How does Babylon Financial Group support clients in transitioning their retirement savings into protected lifelong income?

We strive to mitigate the potential negative financial impacts arising from macroeconomic risks by helping our clients stabilize the value of their investments. We also provide opportunities to invest in physical gold, as well as to hold portfolios in multiple currencies, which protects them from the potential depreciation of the domestic currency. In retirement planning, we are guided by a multi-currency approach. In risk management, we ensure that as retirement age approaches, portfolios are gradually rebalanced from riskier assets toward safer ones.

How does Babylon Financial integrate corporate social responsibility into its business model, and what specific initiatives do you lead to support sustainable communities and environmental impact?

Our company offers numerous investment opportunities that take sustainability into account, such as ESG equity funds. In fact, our financial questionnaires now almost mandatorily address these important aspects. Regarding our investment strategies, we consciously avoid investments that could have harmful global impacts — for instance, we do not speculate on further increases in food prices in the commodities market, nor do we take short positions on shares of financially weakened companies.

Environmental awareness is also a key priority for us. Thankfully, the development of digitalization over the years has significantly reduced paperwork, whether related to investments or our company's operations. We make portfolio adjustments through online platforms and meetings are conducted virtually, which saves both time and energy.

The perception of ESG funds can be mixed. In certain market conditions, investing in these funds can be advantageous; however, during the energy crisis in 2022, they underperformed. There have been periods of heightened interest in ESG funds, often driven by purposeful investor behavior. Nevertheless, we believe it is beneficial to maintain investments in such funds in the long run, as they help mitigate regulatory and reputational risks — an essential consideration for retirement programs or investments intended for future generations.

Looking ahead, what are Babylon Financial Group strategic priorities or upcoming initiatives over the next two years to better serve clients and stay ahead?

It is an inspiring and developing market with significant potential, focusing on private healthcare, trust management, syndicate contracts, unique investment models, and asset management. It emphasizes the importance of market monitoring and continuous research to maintain a competitive edge.

We have a comprehensive long-term business plan in place, with all subsidiaries and branches actively developing. Our focus is on expanding into more European countries to enhance our market presence and capitalize on new opportunities. This strategic growth will allow us to strengthen our position and continue evolving in line with market demands.

Finally, is there anything we haven’t touched on that you’d like to highlight—such as recent milestones, awards, or core values that truly represent what Babylon Financial Group stands for?

Pivotal Moments:

• Member of MDRT (since 2003)

• Joined Limra (2010)

• Recognized as Employee benefits company of the year in Europe (2024)

• Named among the Top 10 retirement planning service providers in Europe (2023)

• AAA Financial qualifications.

About the founder

Mr. Balázs Zoltán Orbán is the founder of Babylon Financial Group. Born in Budapest in 1972, he is a proud father of one child. Initially trained as a photographer, he redirected his career path and earned his degree in economics in 2010 from Milton Friedman University, specializing in banking and stock exchange. Over his 28-year career, he has excelled at two insurance companies before establishing himself as a leading independent expert and broker in August 2020.

Since 2003, he has been a prominent member of the US-based MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table), a prestigious organization for personal insurance professionals, consistently placing in the top two and a half percent of its elite members each year since 2012. His unwavering commitment to meeting the highest standards from 2003 to 2013 has earned him lifelong membership status within MDRT.

His exceptional contributions to the industry have earned him platinum recognition from LIMRA, a respected organization that has supported the insurance and financial services sectors for nearly a century, awarded four times during the decade starting in 2010. Throughout his career of over twenty years, he has received nearly a hundred awards in his home country and is recognized as one of the top ten pension planners in Europe.

Babylon Financial Group Zrt. is distinguished as an organization in its field to have attained ISO certification. Besides, the company has reached AAA Highest Creditworthiness by Dun&Bradstreet in 2024. The Central European group of companies includes interests in Slovenia, the Czech Republic, and Austria, alongside a burgeoning presence in Hungary, reflecting his commitment to continuous growth and innovation in the industry.

“Babylon Financial Group provides unique risk management methods, private international health insurance, capital-guaranteed investments, and workforce retention packages, primarily tailored for SMEs and larger clients.”