Another 13 foreign financial groups interested in Romania

Another 13 foreign financial groups have notified the NBR (National Bank of Romania) in November about their intention to provide services directly on the Romanian market, based on the European Financial Passport. The total number of financial groups offering direct services has climbed to 105 at present. In November, banks, as well as leasing and factoring players have announced their entry onto the local market. The French group BNP Paribas has submitted a notification for its leasing division – BNP Paribas Leasing Group. Market sources told ZF in October that the French were interested in the Romanian leasing market, and were expected to establish a company here. BNP Paribas also operates an insurance company (Cardif) in Romania, and a consumer credit company (Cetelem IFN). Its rival group Soci?t? G?n?rale, which has a strong position in Romania, through the group developed around BRD – the second largest bank in the system in terms of assets, has also submitted a notification for its asset management division SGAM Banque.