Moldova will improve its legislation to promote sustainable finance in the banking sector
In particular, the National Bank of Moldova (NBM), in collaboration with the Moldovan Banks Association and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, organized an online seminar “Amendments to Moldova’s Banking Legislation Regarding Environmental, Social, and Governance Risks—Aspects of Practical Implementation.” More than 60 people participated in the event, including representatives of the National Bank of Moldova, licensed banks, and other participants in the financial system. The seminar’s objective was to strengthen the banking sector’s capacity to identify, assess, manage, and monitor environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks in banking operations. The seminar was organized in the context of amendments to banking legislation concerning environmental, social, and governance risks, in accordance with the commitments Moldova has undertaken as part of its European Union accession process, as well as with the objectives of the “Sustainable Finance Roadmap” approved by the National Bank of Moldova in 2024. During the seminar, IFC experts presented the main amendments related to ESG risks proposed for the Law on Banking Activities and the NBM Regulation on the Management of Banking Activities, which are currently under public consultations. The seminar also examined key provisions of the draft regulation on ESG risk management, as well as practical aspects related to the organization of governance structures, the integration of ESG risks into banks’ internal processes, and the application of new requirements in day-to-day operations. Discussions also focused on ways to prepare banks for the gradual and effective implementation of the new regulatory framework. The interactive portion of the seminar provided participants with the opportunity to analyze, in working groups, the main practical challenges and courses of action for strengthening internal mechanisms for managing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks. By promoting a modern regulatory framework for ESG risks, the National Bank of Moldova aims to strengthen the resilience of the banking sector, increase transparency, improve risk management practices, and gradually align its activities with European and international standards in the field of sustainable finance. The seminar represents an important step in preparing the banking sector to integrate ESG risks into its operations and contributes to the development of a more sustainable, responsible financial system that is better aligned with Moldova’s sustainable development goals. // 06.07.2026 — InfoMarket
