Number of active accounts of SSIF clients increases over 9.4 times since 2019

The number of active accounts of financial investment services companies (SSIFs)'s clients increased from 15,726 in March 2019 to 148,491 in March 2026, almost 9.4 times, says Alexandru Petrescu, president of the Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF)."The Romanian capital market is broadening its base and consolidating its relevance. In just seven years, the number of active accounts of clients of financial investment services companies has increased from 15,726 in March 2019 to 148,491 in March 2026. This is a multiplication of almost 9.4 times, which speaks of a profound change in the way Romanians relate to saving and investing. The capital market is no longer a territory reserved for a small circle of connoisseurs. It is gradually becoming a real option for an increasing number of citizens," Petrescu wrote on Facebook.During the same period, the value of assets under the custody of financial investment services companies (SSIFs) rose from 8.73 billion lei to 63.75 billion lei.The ASF president believes that the evolution reflects both the entry of new investors, as well as the appreciation of portfolios and the increase in exposure of those already present in the market. Even in 2023, when the number of active accounts decreased slightly, assets under custody continued to grow, a sign that the market has acquired a greater capacity to absorb and retain capital.In Alexandru Petrescu's opinion, the strongest jump occurred after 2023, in a favorable context for the Bucharest Stock Exchange, marked by important listings, increased capitalization and remarkable performances of stock market indices. In 2025, the BET index advanced by approximately 46%, and the BET-TR, which includes reinvested dividends, by over 55%."These figures must be viewed with balance, because the value of assets is also influenced by price developments, not just by new capital inflows. The general trend, however, remains clear. Romania today has a larger, more visible and more relevant capital market than it did just a few years ago," says the ASF president.He believes that the next stage must transform this quantitative growth into sustainable maturation."More investors also mean greater responsibility for institutions, intermediaries and issuers. Financial education, transparency, investor protection and quality of services must advance at the same pace as the market. A strong economy needs citizens who understand investments, companies that can attract capital and a market in which trust is not only declared, but built every day", concludes Alexandru Petrescu.