maib at 35: Interview with the chairman of the supervisory board Vytautas Plunksnis

Interview with the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Vytautas Plunksnis

Moldova's largest bank, one of the country’s most innovative institutions, known for its customer-centric approach and agile way of working – maib – marks 35 years since its founding. Established in the same year as the Moldovan state itself, the bank has evolved into a key pillar of the country’s financial system and a driver of its economic transformation.

About this 35th anniversary, the bank’s strategic role, including in preparing Moldova’s economy for European Union accession, capital market development, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence integration, we spoke with Vytautas PLUNKSNIS, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of maib.

BC: Maib celebrates this year its 35th anniversary. In a country with a rapidly accelerating EU accession process, what role does maib see for itself in supporting Moldova's economic development in the years ahead?

Vytautas Plunksnis: This is a historic moment for Moldova. We're not just marking 35 years – we're marking the same number of years as the Moldovan state itself. That's significant. We've grown together.

The EU accession path opens doors, but it also demands transformation for everyone involved. Businesses need to compete differently. The financial system needs to be stronger, more transparent, more modern – even families need new skills.

Maib's role is clear: we're the bridge. We help Moldovan companies meet European standards. We finance the investments they need to grow. We help people understand new opportunities. We make sure nobody is left behind in this transition.

For the next 3-5 years, our focus is simple: help Moldova's real economy prepare for Europe. That means more business financing, better access to capital markets, and tools that make it easier to do business in Moldova.

BC: In an increasingly competitive banking landscape, what would you say are maib's key competitive advantages?

Vytautas Plunksnis: We have three real advantages, and none of them are theoretical.

First: we understand Moldova. We've been here 35 years. We know how Moldovan businesses think, how families save, what keeps people up at night. Foreign banks can enter, but understanding takes time and commitment. We don't need to learn – we already know.

Second: we're agile. We make decisions fast. Our teams are organized around customers and problems, not around bureaucracy. When a business owner comes to us with an idea, we can move in weeks, not months. This matters in a competitive market.

Third: our people genuinely care. We're not just processing transactions. We're invested in our customers' success. This shows up in every interaction – from opening an account to handling a crisis. People feel it, and they stay with us.

And yes, we have good technology. But technology without purpose is just expensive. Our advantage is that we use technology to solve real problems, not to look modern.

BC: Business financing in Moldova has been intensifying. How does maib see its role in supporting the real economy?

Vytautas Plunksnis: Business financing is the heartbeat of economic growth. You cannot have a strong economy without strong businesses, and you cannot have strong businesses without access to capital.

Maib has financed thousands of Moldovan businesses – small shops that became chains, farms that upgraded equipment, factories that hired more people. We've learned what works and what doesn't.

Going forward, we're doing three things:

• We're making financing faster and more transparent;
• We're financing not just the loan, but the growth;
• We're financing the transition to Europe.

The result: maib will remain the bank that finances real Moldova. Not just theory, not just big corporations, but the actual businesses and entrepreneurs that create jobs.

BC: Digital adoption in Moldova has grown significantly. What are the next major milestones for maib in terms of digital transformation and customer experience?

Vytautas Plunksnis: Digital transformation at maib isn't about technology for its own sake. It's about removing friction. Making life easier.

Our mobile app is already used by hundreds of thousands of people because it works. You open it, you understand immediately what to do. That's the standard we set.

The next milestones are clear:

• Business owners will be able to apply for a loan completely online;
• We're building an integrated financial life;
• We're connecting to the Moldova International Exchange directly through the app;
• We're automating routine work.

The goal is simple: by 2028, maib should be the easiest bank to use in Moldova.

BC: Many banks talk about AI, but few turn it into a real competitive advantage. Where does maib stand today on this journey?

Vytautas Plunksnis: You're right – many banks talk about AI and deliver nothing. AI is a tool, not magic.

Today we're using AI in:

• Fraud detection;
• Customer service;
• Lending decisions.

In the next 2-3 years, we'll deepen AI integration in advisory services and train AI specifically on Moldovan data and language patterns.

The difference: other banks will have AI. We'll have AI that actually helps Moldova.

BC: Maib has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, including the adoption of agile at scale. How would you describe today's maib culture?

Vytautas Plunksnis: At 35 years, maib's culture has become one of our strongest competitive advantages.

We have three fundamental pillars:

• Delivering simple and intelligent financial solutions;
• Continuously developing our people;
• Actively contributing to the economy.

Our values include customer centricity, innovation, agility, transparency, empowerment, and teamwork.

Agile is not a label – it's how we work. Decisions are made closer to the customer, experimentation is part of the process, and people genuinely care about clients' success.

BC: How prepared is maib for Moldova's European integration?

Vytautas Plunksnis: We're prepared because we're already running ahead of this curve.

On regulation: maib is already compliant with most EU banking standards.

On competition: bigger European banks may enter, but local agility and customer understanding remain our strengths.

On standards: we're already building the digital tools, transparency, and service quality European customers expect.

BC: Maib is a co-founder of the Moldova International Exchange. Why was this important?

Vytautas Plunksnis: Moldova's economy cannot grow on bank credit alone.

Businesses need equity, people need investment opportunities, and the state needs capital market financing.

A securities market complements banking rather than competing with it.

By co-founding the Exchange, maib demonstrates confidence in Moldova's long-term economic potential.

BC: Will clients be able to invest in international stocks directly through maibank?

Vytautas Plunksnis: Yes. This is coming soon.

The first phase – trading stocks on the Moldova International Exchange – will be live by September 2026.

The second phase – access to international stocks – is realistic for Q2 2027.

We want Moldovans to invest globally directly from the maibank application.

BC: How is maib integrating ESG principles?

Vytautas Plunksnis: ESG is not a marketing slogan at maib. It's how we make decisions.

• Environmental: financing clean energy and green technology;
• Social: supporting financial inclusion and local entrepreneurship;
• Governance: maintaining high standards of transparency and ethics.

We finance sustainable businesses and long-term economic resilience.

BC: What would success look like for maib over the next 3-5 years?

Vytautas Plunksnis: Success has five measurable parts:

1. Market leadership;
2. Digital excellence;
3. Capital market development;
4. EU readiness;
5. People and culture.

If we achieve these five things, maib is not just the largest bank – we're the best bank. The one that grows Moldova.

BC: Finally, what message would you like to share with maib's clients?

Vytautas Plunksnis: We're building a future where Moldova is stronger, and you're part of it.

Whether you're a business owner, a farmer, a young person saving for the future, or a family planning for your children – maib is here to help you move forward.

The next 35 years won't be easy. But we've learned something in 35 years: Moldovan people are resilient, ambitious, and smart.

Maib will be with you. We'll finance your ambitions, digitize your banking, help you invest in your future, and continue contributing to Moldova's growth.

The best is ahead. Let's build it together.