The National Bank of Moldova published its overview of banking sector developments, reporting that the sector remained financially solid in the first half of 2025, with growth in assets, capital, lending and household deposits and continued compliance with key prudential requirements. It also noted that, as of 31 July 2025, Moldova had 10 licensed banks following the merger of Victoriabank S.A. and Banca Comercială Română Chișinău S.A. (BCR Chișinău), after which BCR Chișinău’s licence was withdrawn. As of 30 June 2025, total assets stood at MDL 175,820.6 million, up 3.2% over the first half, while gross prudential loans rose 16.2% to MDL 93,953.4 million and non-performing loans were 4.5% of total loans. Total deposits increased 3.2% to MDL 133,192.7 million, driven by a 6.1% rise in household deposits to MDL 80,567.4 million, while corporate deposits fell 0.9% to MDL 52,529.4 million; deposits in MDL grew 5.8% and foreign-currency deposits decreased 1.5%. Sector profit totalled MDL 2,054.6 million (up 17.7%), with return on assets at 2.3% and return on equity at 14.3%; liquidity and capital ratios remained above minimum requirements, including a sector liquidity coverage measure of 228.6% (minimum 100%) and a total own funds ratio of 25.6% (minimum 10%). On regulatory alignment with European Union standards and Basel III, the central bank adopted a new leverage ratio regulation applying to banks and branches of foreign banks on both an individual and consolidated basis, setting a leverage ratio of 3% and introducing related reporting; disclosure requirements were amended so banks must publish the leverage ratio and its components from 1 January 2026, and governance rules were updated accordingly. The National Bank of Moldova also published a draft regulation on the prudential treatment of securitisations and highlighted that amendments to the foreign exchange law entered into force on 12 July 2025, partially liberalising certain capital foreign-exchange operations by removing authorisation requirements for residents transacting in financial instruments and for licensed and non-resident banks when bringing MDL cash into or out of Moldova.
National Bank of Moldova 2025-08-25
National Bank of Moldova reports solid first-half 2025 banking sector performance and implements a Basel III-aligned 3% leverage ratio
The National Bank of Moldova reported the banking sector remained financially solid in H1 2025, with asset growth, increased lending, and compliance with prudential requirements. Following the merger of Victoriabank S.A. and Banca Comercială Română Chișinău S.A., Moldova now has 10 licensed banks. The central bank adopted a new leverage ratio regulation aligned with EU and Basel III standards, set at 3%, and partially liberalised foreign exchange operations.