The National Bank of Moldova (NBM) is considering several requests to give the preliminary consent for the purchase of a qualifying holding in banks. The persons who made the requests intend to acquire controlling interests in particular banks, NBM governor Octavian Armașu stated in an interview conducted based on questions put by the press following a relevant request made by the central bank, IPN reports.

“As a result of the significant reforms done during the past few years in the banking system, particular interest in investing in the capital of banks of the Republic of Moldova has been expressed. The intention to purchase bank shares in the amount that reach and exceed a qualifying holding (of 1% of the share capital of banks) was announced by a number of investors, private individuals and legal entities, both financial investors (with investments in different areas) and strategic investors (whose main businesses are in the financial sector), including banks,” stated Octavian Armașu.

According to the governor, the National Bank received requests to be allowed to purchase qualifying holdings of 1%, 5%, 20%, including to acquire controlling interests in banks.