The National Bank of Moldova has launched the NBM Governor’s Gala – an initiative that recognises and promotes excellence, professionalism and decisive contributions in the financial and banking sector towards transforming national objectives into tangible results for citizens, businesses and the economy.

The first edition was dedicated to the “Moldova in SEPA” project – one of the most significant achievements to date in the Republic of Moldova’s process of European financial integration. The choice of this theme carries particular significance, as 6 October 2026 marks the one-year anniversary of the Republic of Moldova’s operational connection to the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA).

At the Gala, the NBM Governor Ms Anca Dragu presented the “Moldova in SEPA” trophy to the nine banks in the Republic of Moldova authorised to process transactions through SEPA: MOLDOVA-AGROINDBANK; Moldindconbank; VICTORIABANK; OTP Bank; ProCredit Bank; FinComBank; EXIMBANK; ENERGBANK; and Euro Credit Bank, which recently joined the initiative.

The “Moldova in SEPA” trophy was also presented to the Moldovan Banks Association, for its role in facilitating dialogue, coordinating the institutions involved, and preparing the banking sector for accession to and operational connection with SEPA.

“Integration into SEPA was a complex technical objective, but the value of this integration is visible in the lives of families who receive money faster and at lower cost, in the support parents provide to young people studying abroad, in the work of entrepreneurs who can engage more easily with European partners, and in the development of a more connected and competitive economy. Through SEPA, European integration is no longer just a goal we are striving toward. It is already a functioning reality in the Republic of Moldova – benefiting both people and the economy,” said NBM Governor Ms Anca Dragu.

The Republic of Moldova became operationally part of SEPA on 6 October 2025. During the first 11 months following the connection, approximately 1.1 million transfers, worth around EUR 7.6 billion, were carried out through the system. The use of SEPA enabled citizens and businesses to save approximately EUR 14.7 million, with the average cost of a transfer standing at around EUR 1 – more than 14 times lower than the previous SWIFT fees. During this period, SEPA processed more than 80% of the number of cross-border euro transfers to and from the SEPA area, while in August 2026 the share reached 87%, confirming its consolidation as the main channel for these payments.

The event was held as part of a series of activities organised by the National Bank to mark 35 years of activity in 2026. The programme also included a numismatic exhibition organised by the NBM in partnership with the State Mint of Romania, which showcased the history, symbols, and monetary heritage of both countries, as well as their strategic bilateral partnership.