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.
President Nicușor Dan has signed a decree awarding Major General Matthew J. Van Wagenen one of Romania’s highest military honors, the “Military Virtue” Order, Knight rank, the Presidency announced on Wednesday, November 19. The decoration recognizes the US General’s career in senior command and staff positions...
The City Hall of Brașov, a popular mountain resort in central Romania, announced that the narrow Strada Sforii (Rope Street), one of the city's best-known tourist attractions, will be temporarily closed. The authorities cited urgent public safety concerns after experts warned that crumbling plaster from nearby buildings poses a risk to visitors. Mayor George Scripcaru […]
The incoming US ambassador to Romania, Darryl Nirenberg, appeared before the Foreign Affairs Committee in the US Congress on Thursday, November 19, as part of the process of confirming his nomination. During his statements, Nirenberg said that “America’s relationship with Romania has grown into a stable and strategic alliance with cooperation across a range of […]
Train ticket prices will rise by nearly 10% starting December 14, when the new 2025–2026 railway timetable comes into effect in Romania, officials confirmed on Wednesday, as reported by Agerpres. The increase of 9.88% reflects the annual inflation index published by the National Institute of Statistics (INS), in line with...
The Romanian IT sector recorded the largest salary increases in 2025, of approximately 11% compared to last year, although the beginning of the year came with the elimination of the tax facilities, according to Salario data, the comparison tool used by recruitment website eJobs. As such, IT remains the sector that pays best at the […]
Deputy prime minister Oana Gheorghiu will lead a working group tasked with reforming Romania's loss-making state-owned companies, prime minister Ilie Bolojan said in an interview with ProTV, as reported by G4media.ro. Her predecessor, Dragos Anastasiu,
