The National Bank of Moldova reported that Governor Anca Dragu held bilateral talks with European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde during the Francophone Central Bank Governors' Conference in Cambodia. The discussion focused on cooperation between the two central banks, regional macroeconomic and financial developments, financial stability, payment infrastructure modernisation, and Moldova's integration into the European financial system, with particular attention to banking supervision cooperation under the two institutions' memorandum of understanding. The meeting also reviewed Moldova's integration into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and the development of its payments infrastructure. SEPA has become the country's main channel for cross-border euro transfers in EUR within months of becoming operational, while the MIA instant payments system was highlighted for citizens, businesses and payments to public institutions. Central bank independence and continued alignment of Moldova's regulatory and supervisory framework with European Union standards were also discussed. For the next period, the National Bank of Moldova reiterated its objective of continuing to align national legislation with the European Union acquis and international standards, and identified recognition by the European Banking Authority of the equivalence of Moldova's banking prudential framework with the European Union framework by the end of 2026 as an objective.
National Bank of Moldova2026-05-28
National Bank of Moldova holds talks with the European Central Bank on banking supervision cooperation and SEPA integration
The National Bank of Moldova said Governor Anca Dragu held bilateral talks with ECB President Christine Lagarde on strengthening cooperation in banking supervision, financial stability, payment infrastructure modernisation and Moldova’s integration into the European financial system. They reviewed Moldova’s progress toward joining the Single Euro Payments Area, the rollout of the MIA instant payments system, central bank independence and continued alignment of regulatory and supervisory frameworks with EU standards. The bank aims to secure EBA recognition of the equivalence of Moldova’s banking prudential framework with the EU framework by end-2026.