On April 9th, 2025, Leaders in Tech and Women in Tech joined forces to host an inspiring and insightful event in Bucharest, focused on one of the most dynamic intersections in today’s digital world: Finance and Technology. The event brought together leaders, founders, investors, and changemakers to explore Romania’s evolving role in shaping the future of fintech—locally and globally.

🇷🇴 From Support Teams to a Nation of Innovators

Kicking off the day, Marion Hegarty spoke about the remarkable evolution of Romania’s tech landscape—from a destination for outsourcing and support roles to a breeding ground for leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This transformation wasn’t just technical—it was deeply human, influencing mindsets and building a strong, collaborative ecosystem.

📊 The Power of Insight: EBRD Study Preview

Alina Marchiş offered a sneak peek into an upcoming EBRD study, which aims to support decision-makers in IT with actionable insights. This research, to be made available free of charge, will serve as a valuable compass for Romania’s digital direction.

💬 Panel 1: Trends, Challenges & What’s Next in Fintech

Panelists: Ana Maria Georgescu, Cosmin Ochisor, Horia Coman

Moderated by seasoned professionals and founders, the first panel tackled the current trends, challenges, and future outlook of fintech in Romania:

• AI is evolving, not disrupting overnight, said Horia (Stripe), emphasizing that improvements will be steady and long-term.

   

• AI as an enabler is what excites investors, added Cosmin, highlighting its power to drive efficiency and education.

   

• Ana Maria raised key concerns about data privacy and noted the early-stage use of AI in automating unstructured data.

   

Challenges and Risks

Panelists spoke candidly about the regulatory complexity, talent costs, and the fragmentation of global payment systems, all of which hinder Romanian fintechs from scaling. Still, they agreed: having the right mindset is the most critical factor for growth.

Startups: Think Global, Build Trust

Advice for startups included staying globally aware, investing in talent, and focusing on trust-building. When asked what single factor could drive a leap forward, the panel agreed: understanding the market and customer needs is paramount.

🔥 Fireside Chat: Navigating Uncertainty with Sergiu & Marion

In a heartfelt and honest conversation, Sergiu Negut shared his personal journey from leading in the corporate world to investing in innovation. His message was clear:

“If you’re not earning or learning, it’s time to reassess.”

He encouraged professionals to adopt a “portfolio life” mindset—blending learning, income, and purpose across multiple roles. For startups, he demystified the idea of constant innovation, highlighting the reality of ambiguity, limited resources, and the power of influence even outside the CEO seat.

His reflections on Romania were both hopeful and grounded: the country’s most valuable resource is its people—ambitious, adaptable, and capable of global impact, if they continue to collaborate and learn.

🧭 Panel 2: Romania’s Value Proposition in Finance & Tech

Panelists: Radu Postolache, Ana Florea, Roxana Vasile

The second panel explored what sets Romania apart—and what still holds it back:

• Radu noted that while outsourcing built the foundation, future growth depends on developing business and domain expertise, not just technical skills.

   

• Ana  emphasized confidence: Romanian professionals have the knowledge—they need to believe in their capabilities.

   

• Roxana called for continuous learning and adaptability, especially as AI shifts the industry from “writing code” to “understanding data.”

   

Looking Ahead

Romania must evolve from being seen as a provider to a partner. The country’s next leap lies in:

• Catching the AI wave

   

• Building cross-functional talent

   

• Taking advantage of the digital transformation and the remote work opportunities

   

• Deepening customer insight

   

A powerful message resonated across the panels: soft skills, adaptability, and the ability to bridge IT with business will define the jobs of the future.

🌍 A Historic Opportunity

As the event concluded, one message rang clear: Romania is at a pivotal point. The foundations are strong, the talent is here, and the global stage is within reach. But mindset, collaboration, and a bold, visionary approach will determine whether we rise as builders of a better digital future.

At Leaders in Tech, we’re proud to be part of this journey.