Sorin Mierlea , President of InfoCons Consumer Protection , attends the Financial Education Symposium
Sorin Mierlea, President of InfoCons Consumer Protection, is participating today, May 7, 2026, starting at 09:00, in the Financial Education Symposium themed: “Financial education in support of safety, independence, and inclusion.”
The event is organized by the Financial Supervisory Authority, the National Bank of Romania, and the Romanian Banks Association, in partnership with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and will take place at the National Museum of Art of Romania.
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The event agenda can be found below:
09:00 – 10:00 – Registration
- Cosmin Marinescu, Vice Governor, National Bank of Romania
- Nicușor Dan (video message)
- Mircea Abrudean
- Message from the Prime Minister of Romania, delivered by Mihai Jurca
- Natalia Intotero
- Alexandru Nazare
- Luminița Odobescu
- Alexandru Petrescu
- Sorin Ion
- Yasushi Masaki (video message)
- Magda Bianco; Chair of the OECD International Network on Financial Education
11:00 – 12:30 – Panel 1 – Empowering consumers against financial scams and fraud
As the financial landscape evolves rapidly with the increasing adoption of digital financial products and services, countries and economies around the world have experienced a significant rise in the frequency and complexity of financial scams and fraud targeting consumers. While any consumer may become a victim of financial scams or fraud, consumers with lower levels of digital and financial literacy may face greater risks. This session will discuss financial education approaches currently being implemented to raise awareness and empower consumers to protect themselves against financial scams and fraud.
Moderator:
Miles Larbey
(including a short presentation of the OECD report “Protecting consumers from financial scams and fraud”)
Speakers:
- Gabriela Folcuț
- Claudiu Negrea
- Viktorija Dičpinigaitienė, Lithuania
- Lyndwill Clarke, South Africa
- Stefan Humer, Austria
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13:30 – 14:45 – Panel 2 – Building long-term financial security in an age of uncertainty
As highlighted in the OECD Consumer Financial Risk Monitor 2026, many consumers worldwide are facing economic uncertainty and other short-term challenges. Issues such as the increasing incidence of financial scams and fraud (explored in the previous panel), high debt levels, conduct and product risks, high interest and inflation rates compared to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, financial market volatility, and low financial and digital literacy increase risks to individual and household financial well-being. This session will discuss how financial education can support effective long-term saving, investment, and insurance behaviors to build long-term financial security.
Moderator:
Chiara Monticone
Speakers:
- Mariela Zaldivar
- Cătălin Câmpeanu, Romania
- Dörthe Kunkel
- Jerry Buckland (remote speaker)
- Sébastien de Brouwer
15:00 – 16:15 – Panel 3 – Supporting financial inclusion through financial education: focus on rural and remote populations
Although digital financial services have expanded access in many countries and economies, gaps in financial inclusion still exist across a variety of dimensions, including between urban and rural areas. Furthermore, the shift toward digital payments and reduced cash usage may create barriers and risks for consumers. This session will explore how financial education can help increase inclusion within financial systems, especially for rural and remote populations, and ensure that they can contribute to improved individual financial well-being.
Moderator:
Jessica Serrano
Speakers:
- Florian Neagu
- Davit Kharatyan
- Nisha Nambiar
- Patrick Leavey
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16:15 – 16:30 – Closing Remarks
- Luca Niculescu, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Miles Larbey
- Bogdan Neacșu
- Gabriel Avrămescu
Signature: InfoCons Communication Department
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