The Institute of Financial Studies (ISF) joins the efforts of Romanian authorities to support the Republic of Moldova’s endeavors to join the European Union. Starting this week, as a result of numerous joint actions undertaken by ISF and ASF together with authorities in the Republic of Moldova, the Institute of Financial Studies has established a branch in Chișinău.
The establishment of the ISF branch is just one part of a broader protocol between academic institutions and authorities in Romania and the Republic of Moldova, respectively.
The agreement was formalized between the National Bank of Moldova (BNM), the National Financial Market Commission (CNPF), the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM), along with the Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF) and the Institute of Financial Studies Foundation (ISF) from Romania, who signed a collaboration protocol at the BNM headquarters focused on financial education and inclusion.
The protocol’s objective is to strengthen relations between institutions to implement joint projects aimed at supporting the development of financial markets and contributing to the welfare of citizens in the Republic of Moldova. According to the document, the parties commit to promoting joint educational programs, supporting specific university and postgraduate programs in the financial sector, conducting research studies, and supporting the continuous training of specialists in the non-banking financial sector.
“We have the experience of successful collaboration within the Twinning project, and this protocol provides us with the opportunity to expand these initiatives through new professional training, financial education, and inclusion projects,” stated BNM Governor Anca Dragu.
In turn, Dumitru Budianschi, President of CNPF, emphasized: “This cooperation will contribute to creating a strong professional community that supports both consumers and financial education in the academic environment.” In this context, Alexandru Stratan, Rector of ASEM, added: “The academic environment plays an essential role in this collaboration, preparing specialists capable of contributing to European integration and the development of the financial market.”
Continuing these ideas, Gabriel-Ioan Avrămescu, First Vice-President of ASF, noted: “Education unites, and this protocol marks the beginning of joint projects that will support the development of financial markets in both countries.”
Furthermore, Valentin Ionescu, President of the ISF Board of Directors, specified: “Romania’s experience in professional certification and financial education can now be utilized in the Republic of Moldova as well.” In turn, Cătălin Câmpeanu, General Secretary of ISF, stated: “This is a very important step for ISF. Today, we are laying the foundation for inter-institutional collaboration, and together with our partners, we hope to develop projects that leverage the experience gained by ISF and ASF in developing financial education, professional training, and certification programs in the financial sector.”
A significant aspect of the collaboration is the establishment of an ISF branch in the Republic of Moldova, which will organize training programs with experts from both countries and conduct educational sessions for the general public, including students, university students, entrepreneurs, and adults.
Through this partnership, professionals in the banking sector, students, and the general public will have access to free educational resources—lectures, seminars, workshops, and awareness campaigns—that will help them acquire knowledge or make more informed financial decisions, thus contributing to the growth of individual and national welfare.