Retail payments in Romania in the context of digitalization

Abstract

This research paper addresses the need to achieve functionality integration and mentions some further developments of instant payments in Romania that can be made in order to meet consumers’ needs and expectations, in order to ensure higher penetration of online payment services nationwide. We conducted a descriptive research, using quantitative and qualitative analysis of secondary data to emphasize the existing limitations and benefits in adopting instant payments in Romania. The paper identifies existing barriers to adopting instant payments, the stakeholders involved in developing, adopting or promoting innovative payment services and their motivations, analyzing the national factors and opportunities that can lead to the complete implementation of instant payments, related to the involvement of the authorities, market structure, IT and telecommunications infrastructure, transaction speed, fees, complementary services. The study also highlights the need to ensure that innovation in the provision of financial services are backed by measures to address all relevant risks and to ensure that proper consumer protection is in place. The conclusions of this research could be used by authorities, in developing Romania's national digitalization strategy in the field of payments, by the banking sector and by FinTech companies, to promote fast and secure payment services through both public intervention and private initiative.