The National Bank of Moldova has published draft amendments aligning its credit transfer and direct debit framework with European Union requirements. Payment service providers offering euro credit transfers would have to offer instant transfers to all payment service users, make eligible accounts available around the clock and complete transfers within 10 seconds. Charges for instant transfers could not exceed those for corresponding conventional transfers. The draft would also require payee verification before a credit transfer is authorized, including checks that the account identifier matches the payee’s name or other identifying data. It sets rules on payer-selected transaction limits, payment scheme accessibility and interoperability, daily checks against targeted financial sanctions, and interchange fees for direct debits. Payment service providers would generally have to refund payers where failure to perform required verification results in a defective payment. Most provisions would take effect when Moldova’s EU accession treaty enters into force. Limited amendments to payment reporting and specified data requirements would apply one month after publication in Moldova’s Official Gazette.
National Bank of Moldova2026-07-27
National Bank of Moldova publishes draft EU-aligned rules for instant euro transfers and payee verification
The National Bank of Moldova has proposed EU-aligned requirements for euro instant transfers, including 24/7 availability, execution within 10 seconds and capped charges. The draft also introduces payee verification, sanctions screening and payment scheme interoperability rules, with most provisions taking effect upon Moldova’s EU accession.