Romanian banks contest Competition Council's preliminary ROBOR report

Business Forum
Several of Romania's largest financial institutions have issued official statements to the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) following the receipt of a preliminary report from the Competition Council.   

The investigation, which began in October 2022, concerns an alleged agreement or concerted practice among 10 banks to coordinate the setting of the ROBOR reference rate during "fixing" procedures.

Banca Transilvania (BT), BCR, BRD, Raiffeisen Bank, CEC Bank, Libra Internet Bank, and UniCredit Bank confirmed they received the documentation on 6 and 7 April 2026. The banks emphasised that the report is an intermediate procedural step and does not constitute a final legal decision or a confirmed sanction.

The institutions have collectively maintained that their market conduct has remained fully compliant with national and European regulations. According to the BVB filings, the banks now have the opportunity to submit observations and solid arguments before a final hearing.

The Competition Council's final decision could involve rejecting the report, returning it for completion, or imposing individualised sanctions. Any potential fine can be appealed at the Bucharest Court of Appeal within 30 days of issuance.

RECOMMENDED
Romania raises €367 million through Fidelis bond sale
Finance

Romania raises €367 million through Fidelis bond sale

Romania's Ministry of Finance attracted RON 1.86 billion (€367.3 million) through seven government bond issues for retail investors in January, marking the first Fidelis offering of 2025. The bonds began trading on Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) on Thursday.

Electro-Alfa plans IPO on BVB
Finance

Electro-Alfa plans IPO on BVB

Electro-Alfa International, a Romanian electrical equipment manufacturer, has announced plans for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB).

Finance takes the lead in Bucharest office demand
Real estate

Finance takes the lead in Bucharest office demand

The Bucharest office market saw last year a shift in hierarchy regarding the sectors generating the most transactions, according to a study by Crosspoint Real Estate. Companies in the banking and financial sector accounted for 25% of the gross leasing volume in Bucharest, surpassing the IT sector (23%) for the first time.

RECOMMENDED FROM THE HOME PAGE
Industry

Sphera Franchise Group posts sales growth in Q1 2026

Sphera Franchise Group, Romania's largest food service group, reported consolidated sales of €75.6 million in Q1 2026, up 4.2% compared to the same period last year. Growth was driven by the return to positive performance of KFC Romania and the strong evolution of Taco Bell.

Finance

BT posts 30% profit jump in Q1 2026

Banca Transilvania (BT) said its consolidated net profit reached RON 1.14 billion lei (€228 million) in Q1, representing a 30.1% increase compared to the same period last year. Total assets for the group expanded to RON 227 billion lei (€45.4 billion) as the institution neared the milestone of five million active customers.

Real estate

Arcadis signs major lease at Business Garden Bucharest

Vastint Romania has announced a new leasing contract with Arcadis Romania, which will occupy 1,183 sqm in building A of Business Garden Bucharest. The global design, engineering and consultancy company joins a growing community of international tenants at the development.

READ MORE
Business Forum  |  22 May, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Business Forum  |  22 May, 2026 at 1:20 PM