iBanFirst, a leading provider of forex exchange and international payments for businesses, present in 10 European countries, achieved remarkable growth in Romania during 2024, as Romanian businesses increasingly turned to digital solutions to power their international operations. The company’s Bucharest office recorded €1.38 billion in international transaction volume, representing a 75% year-over-year increase. International payments through the platform rose by 42%, while foreign exchange deals increased by 57% during 2024. "Our exceptional growth in Romania over the past year has surpassed our expectations," said Alin Latu, Country Manager iBanFirst Romania. "Romania is one of our most dynamic growth markets across all key metrics, reflecting the strong appreciation for our blend of cutting-edge technology and local expertise. We remain committed to empowering Romanian businesses in their growth journeys, offering them the financial tools and tailored expertise they need to thrive internationally." iBanFirst's success in the Romanian market stems from its unique combination of state-of-the-art technology and local expertise. Through iBanFirst's digital platform, businesses can conduct fast and secure international transactions in over 30 currencies at lower costs, while tracking payments in real-time. Complementing this advanced platform, companies benefit from a team of Romanian-speaking forex specialists, deeply familiar with regional market conditions, business practices, and client needs. These experts work closely with SMEs to develop tailored hedging strategies and provide business advice, enabling them to protect profit margins and maintain competitive pricing in global markets. This powerful blend of digital innovation and personalized expertise has proven especially valuable for Romanian businesses navigating the challenges of international trade. iBanFirst Romania’s revenue growth in 2024 was driven by a balanced mix of services, with international spot payments representing 65% of total revenue, while hedging solutions accounting for 35%. International spot payments, used for immediate foreign exchange transactions, reflected businesses’ need for operational flexibility. SMEs relied on this service to seize trade opportunities in dynamic markets, meet urgent payment deadlines, maintain supply chain efficiency, and adapt quickly to market changes. Hedging services highlight a strategic shift among local businesses toward proactive risk management. These solutions allowed companies to protect themselves from FX fluctuations, plan costs and revenues with greater precision, secure stability in long-term contracts, and focus on sustainable growth. This dual approach empowered Romanian businesses to remain competitive, resilient, and ready to capitalize on opportunities in a challenging global market. In 2024, iBanFirst Romania onboarded nearly 300 new business clients, increasing its total client portfolio by 47% to over 500 SMEs. These new partnerships generated €2.18 million in annual recurring revenue, underscoring the rising demand for digital financial services in Romania’s international trade sector. Last year, iBanFirst Group generated €65 million in revenue, representing a 30% increase from the previous year. In 2025, the fintech plans to expand its operations by opening offices in two new countries.
In the context in which agri-food systems are responsible for almost one third of global greenhouse gas emissions, Auchan Romania assumes an active role in the transition of its supply chain toward a more sustainable model. At the second edition of the Climate Supplier Event, organized under the aegis of the Climate Change Summit, the […]
Janiva Magness, the winner of seven Blues Music Awards following 26 nominations, and nominated for a Grammy for a career spanning 17 albums, is set to perform at the 14th edition of the Brașov Jazz & Blues Festival, which will take place between August 14–16, 2026. Magness is one of the most valuable and influential […]
Auction house Artmark announced a major auction for this winter featuring an engraving created by Francisco Goya, the most important Spanish artist of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Romania's late communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu received this gift from King Juan Carlos I as a gesture of diplomacy. The engraving entitled “The Engagement – Capricho […]
Authorities managing Romania's Bicaz Gorges–Hășmaș National Park has built a fish ladder system on the Bicaz River, which will allow protected species to migrate and reproduce. There are several bridges and small bridge structures in the Bicaz River that have a “bottom sill,” meaning small waterfalls. Fish that do not jump like the trout cannot […]
The far-right opposition parties in the Romanian Parliament are set to file a motion of no confidence against the government headed by prime minister Ilie Bolojan. The motion, authored by senator Ninel Peia of the Peace – Romania First group, is specifically aimed at the reformist party Save Romania Union (USR), and is entitled “Romania […]
Romania's iconic rock singer Adrian Pleșca, known as “Artan,” died on Tuesday, December 2, after a fatal stroke, at the age of 64. The artist founded the well-known band “Timpuri Noi” in 1982 and “Partizan” in 2001, and was popular on the Romanian rock scene. Over the years, he left and returned to the two bands. Several […]
