Romania\’s parliament passed Law 93/2026 on 8 February 2026, modernising the legal framework for non-bank financial institutions. Key changes affecting microfinance providers:
1. The lending cap for the General Registry (NBFI Tier 1) increases from €5,000 to €25,000 per borrower.
2. A new “Microfinance Specialist” tier is created with simplified prudential requirements for institutions exclusively serving microenterprises and vulnerable groups.
3. Reporting obligations to BNR (central bank) are streamlined and aligned with the EU Crowdfunding Regulation.
The law enters into force on 1 September 2026. EMN member Patria Credit has welcomed the changes as “a long-awaited recognition of microfinance as a distinct sector”.