National Bank of Moldova (NBM) Governor Anca Dragu discussed efforts to secure recognition of Moldova’s banking prudential framework as equivalent to European Union standards during opening remarks at the Globalization and Higher Education in Economics and Business Administration conference in Iași. The NBM is in discussions with the European Banking Authority on recognition, which would facilitate cross-border banking supervision and make Moldova’s banking market more attractive to foreign investors, particularly those from the EU. Dragu linked this work to the implementation of Basel III standards and the central bank’s broader role in aligning financial legislation with EU rules. The NBM helps coordinate national working groups covering three accession negotiation chapters: free movement of capital, financial services, and economic and monetary policy. Dragu also reviewed previously achieved payment reforms as examples of financial integration delivering lower costs and broader access to services. Following Moldova’s operational connection to the Single Euro Payments Area on Oct. 6, 2025, the base cost of transfers to European countries fell from a mandatory minimum of EUR 20 to an average of EUR 1 per transaction. The NBM’s MIA instant payments system has expanded beyond transfers between individuals using phone numbers to payments to merchants, public institutions and other businesses. She reiterated that MIA has more than 1 million unique users.
National Bank of Moldova governor reviews EU prudential equivalence talks and payment integration
National Bank of Moldova Governor Anca Dragu reviewed discussions with the European Banking Authority on recognition of Moldova’s prudential framework as equivalent to EU standards during a conference in Iași. Recognition would facilitate cross-border supervision and attract foreign investors. She also revisited payment reforms, citing average European transfer costs of EUR 1 following SEPA integration and more than 1 million unique MIA users.