Do I need a license to offer payment services in Romania?

Yes. Payment services require NBR authorization as a Payment Institution (PI) or Electronic Money Institution (EMI). Minimum capital: €20,000 (limited PI), €125,000 (full PI), €350,000 (EMI). We handle the full application.

What is MiCA and how does it affect my crypto business?

MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) is the EU's comprehensive crypto regulatory framework. From 2024, all CASPs must be authorized. License categories include: trading platforms, custody, exchange, advisory, and asset-referenced tokens.

How long does payment license approval take?

NBR typically processes PI/EMI applications in 3-6 months. Key factors: completeness of application, AML program quality, governance structure, and capital adequacy. We prepare the full package to minimize delays.

What AML obligations apply to FinTech companies?

All payment/crypto firms must: register with ONPCSB, implement KYC/CDD procedures, establish transaction monitoring, file Suspicious Activity Reports, train employees, appoint an AML compliance officer. We design the complete program.

Can I passport my Romanian license to other EU countries?

Yes. PSD2 passporting allows Romanian-licensed PIs/EMIs to operate across all 27 EU countries. We handle the passporting notifications to host country regulators. Timeline: 3-6 months after initial license.

What about crowdfunding and lending platforms?

Crowdfunding platforms must comply with the EU Crowdfunding Service Providers Regulation (ECSP). Lending activities may require NBR authorization. We assess your specific model and determine the correct regulatory path.

NBR Licensed Advisor • PSD2/3 Expert • MiCA Compliant

Legal Services for FinTech Companies

Romania's FinTech ecosystem is booming. Payment licensing, crypto regulation, AML compliance — navigate the regulatory maze with legal counsel.

Consultation +40 740 011 411

MiCA

Ready compliance

FinTech Legal Expertise

Payment Services Licensing

EMI and PI authorization with National Bank of Romania (NBR). PSD2/3 compliance, passporting to EU markets.

AML/KYC Compliance

Anti-money laundering program design, KYC/CDD procedures, transaction monitoring, SAR reporting, ONPCSB registration.

Crypto & Digital Assets

MiCA regulation compliance, CASP licensing, token classification (utility vs security), DeFi legal frameworks.

Open Banking

PSD2 API compliance, AISP/PISP registration, data sharing agreements, Strong Customer Authentication (SCA).

Regulatory Sandbox

ASF and NBR regulatory sandbox applications, innovation hub engagement, regulatory dialogue management.

Fund Structuring

VC/PE fund formation, AIFM registration, crowdfunding platform licensing (ECSP regulation), investor documentation.

Our Process — Step by Step

Regulatory Assessment

We classify your FinTech activity and determine licensing requirements (EMI, PI, CASP, e-money).

1-2 weeks

Compliance Architecture

AML program, internal policies, governance structure, capital requirements analysis.

2-4 weeks

License Application

Full documentation package, NBR/ASF submission, regulatory dialogue management.

3-6 months

Post-License Compliance

Ongoing regulatory reporting, AML updates, EU passporting, annual compliance audit.

Ongoing

FinTech Regulation Romania & EU Framework

Romania's FinTech sector operates under a dual regulatory framework: National Bank of Romania (NBR) for payment services and electronic money, and Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF) for capital markets and investment services. The EU regulatory layer adds PSD2/3, MiCA, DORA, and the ECSP Regulation.

The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), fully applicable from December 2024, creates a comprehensive EU licensing framework for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs). Romanian companies must obtain authorization under MiCA to offer crypto trading, custody, or advisory services across the EU.

Pantilimon Avocat has guided 50+ FinTech companies through Romanian and EU regulatory processes,. We combine deep financial regulation expertise with practical tech industry understanding.