Romania’s FinTech Legal Voice in Chambers Guides 2025

Authored by VD Law Group EU, this publication in Chambers FinTech 2025 highlights Romania’s evolving legal and technological landscape and its growing relevance in the Eastern European market.

Authors:

Sergiu Vasilescu
Luca Dejan
Bogdan Rotaru
Ana Maria Bută

Industry Overview

In recent years, Romania’s fintech sector has undergone significant transformation, driven by technological innovation, regulatory reforms, and strategic cooperation between financial institutions, technology providers, and regulators.

The market has expanded across multiple emerging technologies, including crypto exchanges, stablecoins, NFTs, wallets, payment processors, mining operations, crowdfunding platforms, and blockchain-based services.

Regulatory Framework

Romania is aligning its national legislation with key European regulations, including MiCA, PSD2, and DORA. These frameworks introduce strict compliance standards focused on consumer protection, anti-money laundering, cybersecurity, and operational resilience.

Regulatory authorities, including the National Bank of Romania and the Financial Supervisory Authority, play a central role in balancing innovation with financial stability.

Government Involvement and Regulation

Vasilescu also noted strong governmental participation at Token2049, with official representatives from multiple countries exploring blockchain adoption and the formal recognition of cryptocurrencies as alternative payment methods.

Such developments reflect growing institutional confidence and regulatory engagement within the sector.

Crowdfunding and Alternative Finance

Romania is emerging as a strong market for crowdfunding platforms, supported by EU regulations and increasing investor interest. Both equity and debt crowdfunding have seen sustained growth, with multiple projects in development.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning are increasingly integrated into banking and financial services to improve risk management, customer experience, fraud detection, and credit assessment. These technologies contribute to financial inclusion and operational efficiency.

Blockchain and DeFi Expansion

Blockchain and decentralised finance continue to gain momentum, enabling faster settlements, reduced costs, automated smart contracts, and improved transparency. MiCAR regulation is shaping a more stable and compliant crypto ecosystem.

Mergers and Acquisitions

The Romanian fintech sector is experiencing growing M&A activity, driven by regulatory pressure and market competition. Companies are consolidating to strengthen capabilities in digital banking, payments, blockchain, and AI services.

Embedded finance and open banking solutions represent key areas of acquisition interest.

Partnerships and Modernisation

Banks and fintech companies are forming strategic partnerships to modernise legacy systems and accelerate digital transformation, improving efficiency, security, and service quality.

Opportunities

Key growth drivers include:

• Increased demand for digital banking
• Expansion of electronic payments
• Growth of blockchain-based services

Innovation and Diversification

Opportunities are emerging in digital lending, insurtech, and wealth management. Robo-advisory services and digital asset platforms are attracting younger and tech-oriented investors.

Regional Expansion

Romania is consolidating its position as a regional fintech hub, enabling companies to expand into neighbouring markets and develop scalable financial solutions.

Emerging Technologies

The rapid adoption of AI, ML, and blockchain creates new opportunities for personalised services, advanced analytics, and decentralised finance solutions.

Government Support

Public policies and EU funding continue to support fintech innovation, investment, and digital transformation.

Regulatory Complexity

Navigating evolving EU regulations requires significant investment in legal expertise and compliance systems, particularly in data protection, cybersecurity, and consumer rights.

Cybersecurity Risks

Growing digitalisation increases exposure to cyber threats, including phishing and ransomware. Continuous investment in security infrastructure remains essential.

Market Competition

Intensifying competition in payments, lending, and investments is putting pressure on margins and accelerating the need for innovation and differentiation.

Consumer Awareness

Limited digital financial literacy, especially among older and rural populations, remains a barrier. Education and transparency are critical for adoption.

Conclusion

Romania’s fintech ecosystem presents strong growth potential, supported by regulatory alignment, technological innovation, and regional expansion opportunities.

While challenges remain in compliance, cybersecurity, and market competition, collaboration between financial institutions, technology providers, and public authorities continues to strengthen the sector.

Sustained investment in innovation, governance, and security will be essential to ensuring long-term competitiveness and resilience in Romania’s evolving digital finance landscape.

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