The partnership between the National Bank of Romania (BNR) and the Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE) has delivered visible results, central bank governor Mugur Isarescu said on Thursday, noting that achievements so far are shaping the framework for launching new initiatives aimed at increasing both the attractiveness of the field and the theoretical and practical training of students.

'After nearly five years of collaboration within the BNR-ASE partnership, we have visible results. Last summer, the third generation of students from the master's programme 'Central Banks and Financial Institutions - BANCAS', reorganised under the cooperation protocol between the two institutions, completed their studies. It is encouraging that some of these graduates are already working in key departments of the domestic financial-banking sector, including at the central bank, putting into practice the skills acquired during the programme. The achievements so far outline the necessary framework for launching new initiatives meant to enhance both the appeal of the field and the students' theoretical and practical training. During 2026, several important projects are planned at the Faculty of Finance, Insurance, Banking and Stock Exchange, with the BNR-ASE partnership forming the foundation that made these initiatives possible,' Isarescu said at the conference 'Risks and opportunities in the Romanian financial system.'

The BNR governor noted that the first of these initiatives is the 'Innovative Finance Laboratory,' now in its second edition. The programme is aimed at students interested in the future of finance in the digital age and offers an interactive learning experience where theory is complemented by practical applications. Under the guidance of guest lecturers and business experts, participants analyse current topics such as cybersecurity, crypto-assets, digital currencies and the use of artificial intelligence models for financial risk management.

'Promoting excellence is also an important objective of this protocol, which led to the creation of the ‘Performance Club', launched in March 2025. It addresses advanced topics in macroeconomics and finance, presented by distinguished lecturers from Romania and abroad. At the same time, the club creates a collaborative environment for high-performing students, offering them opportunities for professional development and deeper knowledge in finance. A balanced combination of theory and practice is essential for the solid training of future graduates and professionals in the financial sector. In this regard, another important initiative is the 'FinHack Hackathon', whose next edition is scheduled for May 2026. The competition brings together students passionate about finance, who apply the theory learned in university to develop solutions based on advanced techniques such as machine learning, using real financial datasets. Through this initiative, we aim to promote the use and integration of innovative technologies in finance, encouraging future generations to contribute to the transformation of the financial sector,' Isarescu said.

He added that interest in the financial field can be stimulated as early as pre-university education. In this regard, a particularly important project targets high school students interested in a career in finance, titled 'Investing in the Future - from High School to Finance and Banking.' The initiative aims to attract talented young people to the field and provide them with a realistic perspective on the financial sector. Through the project, students can discover how financial concepts are applied in practice and interact directly with professors and students from the Faculty of Finance, Insurance, Banking and Stock Exchange.

'In the same spirit of competition and performance, the 'BANCAS Banking Challenge' competition is set to be launched in May, targeting undergraduate students from Romania and the Republic of Moldova. Participants will have the opportunity to test their knowledge by solving a case study inspired by real banking industry challenges, with the aim of developing or optimising a financial product or service. Throughout the competition, teams will benefit from academic and professional mentoring provided by university professors and banking specialists. Last but not least, I would like to highlight an important project launched in the context of the BNR-ASE partnership, designed to respond to market challenges - the BANCAS master's programme 'Central Banks and Financial Institutions'. BANCAS combines academic rigour with practical experience in banking, equipping students with the skills needed for careers within the National Bank of Romania, consulting firms, core banking departments or non-bank financial institutions, as well as fintech companies. I would like to thank all my colleagues at BNR, as well as the leadership of ASE and the Faculty of Finance, Insurance, Banking and Stock Exchange, who made this project possible,' the BNR governor said.

According to Mugut Isarescu, such initiatives would not have been possible without the support of partners who share the same belief in the importance of education, performance and preparing new generations for the challenges of a constantly evolving economy.

'Collaboration between academia and key players in the financial-banking market offers students not only access to solid theoretical knowledge, but also the opportunity to understand concretely the requirements, dynamics and responsibilities of a career in this field. In an increasingly complex economy, marked by rapid change, technological innovation and recurring uncertainties, investment in financial education, in building strong skills and in bridging the gap between academia and the professional environment is essential for strengthening the future of Romania's financial system. We have a responsibility to create together a framework in which today's students can become tomorrow's professionals and leaders, capable of understanding risks, capitalising on opportunities and contributing to the development of a modern and resilient economy. We also invite other financial institutions to join existing initiatives or contribute to the development of new projects,' Isarescu added.

The conference 'Risks and opportunities in the Romanian financial system' was organised by the National Bank of Romania and the Bucharest University of Economic Studies. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: George Banciulea; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob)