The National Bank of Moldova (BNM) has celebrated its 34th anniversary since its establishment, a period in which it has become one of the key institutions for the economic stability of the country. On the occasion of the anniversary, the governor Anca Dragu sent a message emphasizing the role of the BNM in the modernization of the banking system and in the European path of the Republic of Moldova, as reported by IPN.

“If the economy is the organism of a country, then the banking system is the heart that keeps it alive. And the Moldovan National Bank has been, for 34 years, this heart that has continued to beat for the good of the country,” stated Anca Dragu.

According to the governor, the institution has gone through difficult periods, but has demonstrated resilience through its ability to rebuild and adapt. Dragu mentioned that the BNM is a modern, independent and transparent institution, with an active role in the process of joining the European Union.

Anca Dragu mentioned the recent reforms: the introduction of the instant MIA payment system, Moldova’s acceptance into the SEPA area, the fight against illicit financing, and the digitalization of banking processes. In her opinion, these changes are not just technical steps, but signs of a profound transformation towards a healthy and citizen-oriented banking system.

The BNM boss emphasized that the most important partner of the National Bank remains the citizen, who is increasingly interested in financial education and understanding economic mechanisms.

In its 34 years of activity, BNM has collaborated with institutions such as the National Bank of Romania, the European Union, the IMF, and the World Bank.

The National Bank of Moldova is the central bank of the Republic of Moldova and has the status of an autonomous public legal entity, being accountable to the Parliament. Its main objective is to ensure and maintain price stability, in a context where it played an essential role in the country’s transition to a market economy. Since 1991, the institution has implemented measures to stabilize the monetary and credit environment, and a key moment in this process was the introduction of the Moldovan leu on November 29, 1993. Through this change and an anti-inflation policy, the rampant inflation of the 1990s was successfully stopped. The National Bank has the exclusive right to issue and withdraw banknotes and coins, including commemorative issues. The first coin of this type was put into circulation in 1996, five years after the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Moldova.