Governor of the National Bank of Moldova (BNM) Anca Dragu advocated on Friday for increasing the number of women holding leadership positions in the international banking system.
She stated within the international conference called „New Technology for Old Markets,” organized in Chisinau, that women’s presence in leadership positions in financial institutions „is not just a matter of equity, but an economic imperative.”
„As we discuss the technological transformation, we also should address one of the least used growth ‘technologies’ – the full economic potential of women in finance. Recent data show that, at global level, financial institutions report only 16 percent female representation in leadership positions. This is not just a matter of equity – but an economic imperative. The intersection between gender inclusion and technological progress shapes not only the future of finances – but the manner in which we can capitalize on the full potential of the sector. Digital transformation creates new ways for inclusion, offering flexible working arrangements and removing traditional barriers which have historically limited women’s advancement,” Anca Dragu stated.
On the other hand, the BNM Governor also mentioned the role of innovation and new technologies in the banking system. The former President of Romania’s Senate, former Finance Minister in Bucharest and expert within the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission, Anca Dragu showed that the development of new technologies allows emerging countries such as the Republic of Moldova to integrate more easily in the international financial systems.
The BNM official mentioned the MIA Instant Payments platform as an example of innovation in the banking system, that was recently launched by the BNM through which bank clients in the Republic of Moldova can send or receive money transfers using only a mobile phone number, in just a few seconds.
The „New Technology for Old Markets” conference brought together 25 international financial experts, including the Governor of the Bank of France, Francois Villeroy de Galhau, the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Romania (BNR), Cosmin Marinescu, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jasmina Selimovic. AGERPRES
