On November 22, 2024, Chisinau became the epicenter of digital transformation in banking as Fintech Moldova and Finshape hosted the exclusive Digital Banking Club meetup. Held at the Radisson Leogrand Hotel, the event brought together top bankers, ecosystem builders, regulators, and innovators for a roundtable that went deep into shaping the future of digital banking in Moldova.
The gathering featured key voices in the banking industry, including Levon Khanikyan, CEO of Victoriabank; Andrei Stamatian, CEO of Energbank; Raul Alexandru Risnita, Director of IT at Banca Transilvania; Aliona Stratan, Deputy CEO at maib; Sorin Mirea, Sales Director at Finshape; and moderator Radu Soviani, Finance Journalist. Adding even more depth to the discussions were ecosystem leaders like Tatiana Ivanicichina, Deputy Governor representing the National Bank, and Stefan Nistor from Fintech Moldova. Their insights provided a comprehensive view of Moldova’s path toward a digitally-driven financial ecosystem.
Highlights from the Roundtable
The discussions were not only inspiring but also packed with actionable insights and industry wisdom. Among the standout points were:
- People Pay for the Experience, Not the Products: As the financial landscape evolves, the focus is shifting from selling products to delivering seamless and meaningful customer experiences.
- Customer Expectations Are Plural: Banks must adapt to diverse customer expectations, recognizing that one-size-fits-all solutions no longer suffice in today’s dynamic market.
- Go Fully Digital: Abandoning paper-based processes should also mean abandoning the printers. Digital transformation must be all-encompassing.
- Stop Predicting, Start Building: Instead of speculating about the future, banks need to actively shape it through innovation and bold strategies.
- Empower Talents to Drive Technology: Success in digital transformation hinges on enabling the right people to lead and innovate.
- Balance Buy-and-Build Strategies: To accelerate progress, banks should strike the right balance between purchasing solutions and developing them in-house.
- Culture is Key: A thriving organizational culture—complete with small but impactful touches like a great canteen—is vital for fostering collaboration and innovation.
A Collective Effort Driving Innovation
The event underscored the collaborative spirit driving digital transformation in Moldova. Leaders from key banks and institutions shared their experiences, challenges, and strategies, creating a space for mutual learning and growth. It was a testament to the power of collective effort in building a sustainable and innovative financial future.
As Moldova continues its journey towards digital excellence, events like the Digital Banking Club roundtable serve as crucial platforms for dialogue, idea exchange, and inspiration. The insights and connections forged here will undoubtedly ripple across the industry, fueling further innovation and progress.
