Amid rising uncertainties and challenges in resource management, financial education has become a critical priority for ensuring the financial stability of romanians. The Debt Barometer 2024, an extensive study conducted by IRES in collaboration with KRUK Romania, highlights the pressing need to improve financial literacy across the population. The study underscores the significant challenges Romanians face in managing personal budgets and debts, revealing that only 42% of respondents consistently plan their income. Financial vulnerability is particularly concerning: a third of participants report having financial reserves sufficient to cover expenses for just one month, while another third can only manage for 2-3 months. These findings highlight an urgent need for improved financial literacy and access to educational resources. In response, KRUK Romania, a market leader in debt management, has taken an active role in addressing this issue by promoting financial balance and providing essential tools for better personal finance management. With 17 years of experience and over 2 million customers in Romania, the company offers personalized payment solutions and incentives to foster financial responsibility. KRUK’s innovative initiatives and digitalization strategies aim to transform how Romanians perceive and manage debts. The company’s approach has resulted in tailored solutions, facilitating the repayment of over 650,000 debts and the registration of more than 60,000 accounts on the eKRUK platform. Through these efforts, KRUK Romania demonstrates its commitment to empowering individuals with the financial skills needed for stability and growth. KRUK Romania has bolstered its reputation not only through its comprehensive services but also by embracing innovation and digitalization. The company has redefined debt management, making it more transparent, accessible, and efficient. Among its standout initiatives is the eKRUK digital platform, a cutting-edge tool that enables customers to manage their debts seamlessly online, without fees or interest during the Amicable Stage. This platform offers features such as debt monitoring, quick payment options, and access to essential budgeting resources. Additionally, KRUK has introduced virtual assistant KARINA, which provides personalised, 24/7 financial support, further enhancing the customer experience. By simplifying processes and empowering users with financial autonomy, KRUK Romania ensures that debt management becomes a straightforward and user-friendly experience. A defining aspect of KRUK Romania’s approach is its innovative communication strategy, exemplified by the “Well done! You manage your debts responsibly and on time.”campaign. With a fresh and creative perspective, this initiative embodies the company’s core values and commitment to fostering financial balance. The campaign aimed to shift perceptions around debt by celebrating those who responsibly manage their financial obligations. “At KRUK Romania, we firmly believe that financial education is the foundation of a safer and more stable future for everyone. Through dedicated programmes and digital solutions, we aim to provide people with the tools needed to make better, more informed financial decisions,” says Liviu Costica, COO KRUK ROMANIA. Through positive messaging and educational tools, the campaign redefined debt as an opportunity for growth and learning, rather than a source of stigma. By promoting a proactive and solution-oriented attitude, KRUK Romania encourages clients to take control of their financial health. As a leader in debt management, the company normalises the act of repayment, helping individuals regain balance and stability. This initiative raises awareness of the importance of responsible debt management while providing practical resources to support Romanians in achieving long-term financial well-being. KRUK Romania goes beyond traditional debt management by actively promoting financial education to empower consumers in managing their financial obligations. A standout initiative is Debt-Free Day, celebrated annually on November 17th. This symbolic day not only raises awareness but also includes tangible actions like offering educational resources, personalised counselling, and flexible solutions to help clients achieve financial balance. Another impactful programme, “Bursele KRUK” (KRUK Grants), provides educational support to young people, reinforcing the company’s dedication to fostering a financially responsible culture. By addressing immediate challenges while also promoting long-term financial literacy, KRUK Romania aims to cultivate a society where transparency, responsibility, and strategic planning become integral values. KRUK Romania incorporates ESG values into its core strategy by actively participating in projects that promote education, social inclusion, and community development. The company collaborates with The Social Incubator Association to help at-risk youth achieve financial independence and with Junior Achievement Romania on the “Smart Credits” initiative, which has provided financial education to over 12,000 beneficiaries. Additionally, in partnership with Salva?i Copiii, KRUK supports programmes aimed at ensuring education access and social inclusion for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The company’s commitment to education and innovation extends to backing modern educational initiatives like the RUBIK Festival, which promotes interactive and creative learning, and the Merito project, which celebrates and supports excellence in teaching. These efforts underline KRUK Romania’s dedication to inspiring future generations through forward-thinking educational approaches. Furthermore, KRUK Romania works closely with the VSFA organisation, supporting the social and financial integration of vulnerable youth by providing financial education and tools for independent living. KRUK Romania’s strategy highlights its unwavering commitment to social responsibility, balancing profitability with community impact. In 2024, the company invested EUR 400,000 in digitalization programmes, enabling customised solutions that facilitated the full repayment of over 650,000 debts. By promoting responsible financial practices and forging strong partnerships, KRUK positions itself as a visionary in the debt management industry. Digital process optimisation, investments in advanced technologies, and fostering a collaborative work environment are just some of the practices supporting this goal. In an economic climate marked by rapid transformations and significant challenges, debt management has become a strategic priority for the financial sector. KRUK Romania stands out as a benchmark for innovation and adaptability, reshaping how Romanians perceive and manage financial obligations. Through its emphasis on financial balance and digitalization, the company offers actionable solutions that transform debt into a manageable aspect of financial life, driving sustainable financial practices. Looking ahead to 2025, KRUK Romania’s plans revolve around (further) consolidating its transformative approach to debt management. The company aims to redefine clients’ relationships with financial responsibility, normalising the concept of debt as a manageable and normal part of financial health. With a continued focus on advanced digital tools and impactful educational programmes, KRUK Romania remains committed to helping clients achieve and maintain long-term financial stability.