The purpose of paper is to explore the diversity of bank boards as an innovative tool to reduce the effects of the global crisis and as a beginning of long-term sustainable development. The expectations from the diversifying boards are mainly related to improving the quality of decisions, methods of risk management and remuneration of executive directors. The recommended character within the EU for diversity in boards by profession, nationality and gender passed into national policies and corporate practices in the case of Bulgarian banks. The results of the paper reveal that board diversity in Bulgarian banks exceeding those of the EU. The diversity on profession is predominantly; the diversify on nationality has lowest dynamics due to the subordination of Bulgarian banks in European banking groups; and the gender diversity is easiest to measure and difficult to prove motives for diversification. In parallel with the introduction of a diversity of boards, which is acceptable to study, is put the issue of economic and social effects of diversity on the boards.