The partnership with American institutions and dialogue with the business community can help attract investments and strengthen the competitiveness of the Romanian financial sector, stated Alexandru Petrescu, president of the Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF), following a meeting with the U.S. ambassador to Romania, Darryl Nirenberg.

“Together with my colleagues on the Council of the Financial Supervisory Authority, I welcomed His Excellency Darryl Nirenberg, ambassador of the United States of America to Romania, to the ASF headquarters today. The discussions focused on cooperation with American institutions and dialogue with the business community, as well as the contribution of these relationships to strengthening a competitive financial sector – one capable of attracting investment and supporting the economy,” stated Alexandru Petrescu.

The ASF head insisted on cooperation with American financial supervisory authorities.

“I highlighted the ASF’s cooperation with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as well as its contacts with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), with a view to expanding the exchange of experience and expertise. In an environment where capital and risks move across borders, direct communication between authorities and access to international best practices contribute to more effective supervision and the protection of investors,” he said.

The meeting also addressed the prevention of money laundering and the regulation of digital assets.

“One of the topics discussed was anti-money laundering – an area where the exchange of information and cooperation among authorities are essential for safeguarding the integrity of the markets. We also addressed the regulation of digital assets, emphasizing the importance of a framework that supports innovation, with clear rules regarding transparency, the conduct of participants, and investor protection,” explained the ASF president.

The discussions also addressed the presence of American financial groups in Romania.

“We also discussed the presence of American financial groups in Romania and the dialogue we maintain with the American Chamber of Commerce in Romania (AmCham Romania). Consulting with business community representatives brings the perspective of companies and investors into the debate surrounding regulatory initiatives and the development paths for the capital market. This dialogue is significant for the quality of regulations and for market confidence,” Petrescu pointed out.

At the same time, he highlighted the importance of developing the capital market through new stock exchange listings.

“In this same vein, I highlighted the importance of encouraging new listings and expanding companies’ access to financing via the stock exchange. A broader and more diversified base of issuers offers investors new opportunities and can strengthen the Romanian market’s capacity to mobilize capital for business development,” the ASF head went on to say.

Alexandru Petrescu reaffirmed the institution’s openness to expanding collaboration with American partners.

“I emphasized the ASF’s openness to deepening relations with American partners and identifying new areas for collaboration. We aim for these ties to support professional exchanges and initiatives of common interest, ultimately benefiting the quality of supervision and the development of financial markets in Romania,” the ASF president concluded.