A key objective for the NBM is to have the European Banking Authority recognize the equivalence of Moldova's banking prudential system to the EU system by the end of 2026
This was announced by Anca Dragu, President of the National Bank of Moldova, during a bilateral meeting with Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), in Cambodia, where the Conference of Governors of Central Banks of the Francophone Region is taking place. According to the NBM, the discussion focused on cooperation between the NBM and the ECB, regional macroeconomic and financial development, strengthening financial stability, modernizing the payment infrastructure, and deepening Moldova's integration into the European financial space. A key topic of the meeting was bilateral cooperation in banking supervision, including within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding between the NBM and the ECB. This cooperation contributes to strengthening supervisory practices, sharing experience, and the ongoing harmonization of the national system with European standards. Discussions also addressed Moldova's integration into the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and prospects for developing its payment infrastructure. It was noted that SEPA integration confirms Moldova's ability to implement comprehensive European standards and actively participate in building a modern economy connected to the European financial space. In just a few months since its launch, SEPA has become the main channel for cross-border euro transfers for Moldova. In this context, the Governor of the NBM noted Moldova's progress in developing an instant payment system through the MIA system, created by the National Bank of Moldova for citizens, businesses, and payments to government agencies. This project confirms Moldova's ability to implement modern payment solutions and become a model for digital financial transformation in the region. Anca Dragu emphasized that Moldova is already integrated into the European financial architecture, and the NBM is strengthening this position by aligning the regulatory framework with EU standards, developing a modern financial infrastructure, and enhancing the resilience of the financial sector. "Our goal is to deepen this integration by developing a modern financial sector that meets EU standards. For the National Bank of Moldova, dialogue with the European Central Bank and partner central banks supports the process of aligning with EU legislation, implementing best international practices, and maintaining macroeconomic and financial stability," Anca Dragu emphasized. She congratulated Christine Lagarde on assuming the presidency of the Economic Advisory Committee and the Global Economic Meeting of the Basel Process, which are important platforms for global cooperation among central banks, effective May 2026. In this context, Anca Dragu emphasized that Moldova is advancing along an accelerated reform path, and the NBM is actively promoting regional and European financial resilience, including through enhanced cooperation with international financial institutions and achieving shareholder member status in the Bank for International Settlements. During the meeting, the NBM Governor reaffirmed the institution's commitment to further aligning national legislation with EU legislation and international best practices in the financial sector. She stated that an important task for the coming period is the recognition by the European Banking Authority by the end of this year of the equivalence of Moldova's banking prudential system to the EU system. The importance of central bank independence for maintaining macroeconomic and financial stability was also discussed. "The National Bank of Moldova will continue to promote the creation of a robust, transparent, and European-compliant financial system for the benefit of Moldovan citizens, companies, and the economy," stated Anca Dragu. The Conference of Governors of the Central Banks of French-speaking Countries, in which the Governor of the National Bank of Moldova is participating, is an international platform for cooperation and exchange of best practices, initiated by the Bank of France in 1994.// 28.05.2026 — InfoMarket.
