Cristina Lungu: Today, a company can find out its pre-approved credit amount at maib in just one minute

Interview with Cristina Lungu, Senior Business Analyst in Business Banking Lending Orchestra, maib. 

Cristina, I know you're involved in developing the bank's internal software products, but you're not a programmer. 

That's right. I'm a Senior Business Analyst in the Business Banking Lending Orchestra, and our area of focus is lending to legal entities — specifically micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. My role is to automate and streamline internal processes. I don't write code, but I design the product architecture: I define how it should function, what data is used, and what business requirements must be taken into account. We develop detailed technical documentation for developers, so the business receives exactly the tool it needs.    

One of these tools is the pre-approved lending system. What is its essence? 

Its core value lies in speed and transparency. We've created a system that allows a company to find out, in just one minute, the amount it can access through any lending product. There's no need to submit a loan application or wait for a lengthy approval process. It's an important step toward automating the relationship between the bank and the business sector. 

So, the system provides an immediate result? 

Yes. The bank employee only needs the company's IDNO, clicks a single button, and a complex calculation mechanism is launched. The system automatically analyzes financial reports, account turnover, credit repayment history, internal and external watchlists, as well as compliance with the bank risk policies. After just a few seconds, the result appears: the maximum credit limit available to the company at that moment. 

Is this information available only at the branch? 

No, not just at the branch. Today, this information can also be checked online at maib.md. You simply enter the company's IDNO and phone number, receive an SMS code, and confirm access. In the coming months, this feature will also be available in the maib business mobile app, allowing clients to check their credit limit and access financing directly from the app — anytime, even on weekends. 

Is it really possible to access a loan at night or on a Sunday? 

Yes. The credit limit calculation system works 24/7 and is not tied to the bank’s operating hours. If we're talking about an active maib client, then—if the result is positive—the funds are transferred to the account regardless of the time, day or night. 

Is one of the main lending criteria the absence of debts to the bank? What if the company already has loans with other institutions? 

First of all, if the existing debt is lower than the pre-approved limit, you’ll simply see an adjusted amount. Having a loan is not an issue as long as there are no payment irregularities. As for loans from other banks, we have a mechanism that allows refinancing. For example, if the system calculates a limit of MDL 5 million and the client has an active loan of MDL 3 million with another bank, we can offer up to MDL 8 million: 3 million for refinancing and 5 million as a new available limit. This solution opens up more opportunities for companies looking to optimize their cash flow. 

How do you take into account the size or structure of a business? 

We apply different scenarios and calculation models depending on the client's category, size, turnover, reporting structure, and the availability of data from public sources. Some companies don’t have complete reporting — in those cases, we apply alternative methods. Others may have guarantees, collateral, or stable turnover, which allows for a higher credit limit. It all depends on the client’s profile. The system is designed to adapt to these differences and use the appropriate algorithm. 

Are pre-approved loans always unsecured? 

No, it’s more nuanced. When the system displays the limit, it is automatically split into two parts: a secured amount and an unsecured amount. This helps simplify decision-making. Yes, the unsecured amount is smaller, but the loan can be obtained faster. If the client chooses a secured product, the process involves registering the collateral, but the amount accessed can be significantly higher. 

Can this limit be used as working capital — for example, to draw, repay, and then reuse the amount? 

Exactly — this is the logic behind the limit-based approach. The company receives a credit limit that it can use partially or fully across the entire range of maib lending products, including investment projects (373), a business card, or an overdraft on the current account. If part of the credit is repaid, the released amount can be reused. This is extremely convenient for companies that temporarily face liquidity shortages and need quick access to funds. 

How many clients can already use such a pre-approved credit limit? 

Over 20,000 companies currently have a credit limit calculated at maib. Each of them can check and use this limit either online or through their branch manager. We continue to expand coverage so that the system will include nearly all enterprises in Moldova. Limits are calculated for both maib clients and clients of other banks. 

How do you evaluate the market? Do other banks offer something similar? 

Maib is currently the only bank in Moldova offering this option in real-time and online. Other banks still follow the classic process: submitting an application, manual verification, waiting time, and approval. We aim to save the client’s time right from the start and provide a simple credit solution. 

What do you consider the key advantage you offer entrepreneurs through this option? 

The ability to receive a clear answer anytime — whether the bank is ready to grant a loan and for what amount. This is the foundation for good planning. Businesses need to make decisions fast, and we provide exactly that tool — reliable, simple, and accessible.