The Institute of Financial Studies (ISF), in collaboration with the Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF), has taken significant steps to expand its activities in the Republic of Moldova, as demonstrated by the delegation led by ASF President Alexandru Petrescu, alongside Gabriel Avrămescu (First Vice-President), Sorin Mititelu (Vice-President of the Insurance Sector), Cătălin Câmpeanu (ISF Secretary General), and Prof. univ. dr. Adrian Micu (ISF Scientific Director). This delegation engaged in bilateral meetings with representatives from the National Bank of Moldova (BNM) and the National Commission for Financial Markets (CNPF).
The primary objective of these meetings was to extend ISF’s activities to the Republic of Moldova, strengthening the framework for evaluating and training financial market specialists. This initiative also aims to foster academic and research partnerships and enhance financial education among the general population.
In the context of Moldova’s aspirations for European Union integration, Romanian financial supervisory authorities have collaborated with Moldovan counterparts to align with the EU acquis communautaire and bolster the stability of the financial sector and macroeconomic policies. President Alexandru Petrescu emphasized, “The expansion of ISF’s activities through the establishment of a branch across the Prut is a natural step in continuing our excellent collaboration. We have agreed to create a working group to outline the implementation strategy for this initiative.”
During discussions with CNPF President Dumitru Budianschi, the focus was on the potential contributions of ASF and ISF in training professionals in non-banking sectors, certifying capital market participants, and supporting the professional development of CNPF staff, as well as advancing research efforts.
Another key topic was improving consumer protection for financial services and products by establishing an alternative dispute resolution institution for the financial market. The meetings also addressed harmonizing Moldovan legislation with the EU acquis in areas under CNPF’s responsibility and explored concrete financial education projects aimed at the general public.
Additionally, the ISF delegation met with Prof. univ. dr. Alexandru Stratan, Rector of the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM). The discussions centered on ISF’s four key directions: Scientific Research, Professional Training, Financial Education, and Professional Certification. ASEM representatives expressed their commitment to strengthening the partnership with ISF, contributing to the professionalization of Moldova’s financial markets and enhancing financial literacy among Moldovan citizens. In terms of research, ASEM and ISF will support the publication of scientific articles in the Financial Studies Journal (RSF), focusing on comparative analyses of the financial markets in Romania and Moldova.
This initiative culminated in the signing of a cooperation protocol on 16 December 2024 between ASF, ISF, ASEM, BNM, and CNPF, leading to the establishment of an ISF branch in Chișinău, based at ASEM. The branch aims to train local specialists in insurance, private pensions, and capital markets, raise standards, promote European practices, and increase financial literacy among the population.
