The National Bank of Romania (BNR) and the Romanian Fintech Association (RoFintech) have signed a cooperation protocol aimed at supporting digitalisation and fostering innovation in payment services. The agreement is valid for four years and may be extended, according to a statement released by the association.
The protocol was signed by BNR first deputy governor Leonardo Badea and RoFintech president Cosmin Cosma. The documents were finalised and signed on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, at the central bank's headquarters.
"For RoFintech, this protocol marks a milestone. The already cordial dialogue with the National Bank of Romania is entering a new stage of institutional cooperation. Fintech companies gain daily experience regarding how digital financial services function and the obstacles limiting their adoption. We now have a structured framework in which we can bring this experience into our dialogue with BNR. We want our expertise to contribute to the stability and progress of the local financial market through services that are more accessible, efficient and secure for Romanian individuals and companies," Cosma said in the statement.
According to the association, the cooperation will focus on exchanging expertise, analysing market developments and strengthening knowledge in the field of financial innovation.
Topics covered by the protocol include open banking, access to payment services and the practical implementation of regulations, with the goal of developing modern and efficient payment solutions while improving awareness of associated risks.
RoFintech will contribute to the partnership through the expertise of its member companies, documenting challenges encountered in the market and formulating technical proposals.
The association said it aims to ensure that issues identified in the development and use of fintech solutions are taken into account in discussions concerning the evolution of Romania's financial ecosystem.
The joint activities will be non-commercial in nature and will be conducted according to the principles of neutrality, technical rigour, accessibility and practical relevance, the statement noted.
Representing RoFintech at the meeting hosted by BNR were Cosmin Cosma and Adrian Drinceanu, while the central bank delegation included Claudiu Negrea, Agathe Blaga, Ionut Horatau, Giorgiana Ene, Rodica Ivanciuc, Mihai Radu and Radu Stancu.
The Romanian Fintech Association supports the development of Romania's fintech ecosystem through partnerships with the financial industry, dialogue on regulatory frameworks and internationalisation initiatives. Its activities also include facilitating connections with investors, providing information on funding opportunities and promoting fintech education.
