Tapping the Potential of Romania’s Capital Market

Vienna Investment Trust, Romania’s first investment trust, plays a crucial role in helping the country develop a thriving capital market. Serving both institutional and individual investors, Vienna Investment Trust focuses on long-term investors rather than speculators. President and General Manager Adrian Simionescu points out, “Many foreign investors in Romania are short-term, so we want to encourage more locals as well as foreigners to make long-term investments here.” Romania is currently engaged in a package of capital market reforms designed to increase clients’ protection and confidence in local investments and will end up leading to an effective European legislative framework. The modern capital market in Romania is a relatively young market, beginning with the re-establishment of Bucharest Stock Exchange in 1995, initially established in 1864.

One of the company’s goals is to foster greater understanding of financial markets in Romania. Adrian Simionescu says, “We want to train people about capital markets and we want to see more actions taken by the government in supporting a strong financial sector. Many potential Romanian investors do not understand financial indicators and are afraid to invest, but we can help them.” It is intended to grow both the investors’ and the professionals’ understanding of ways to create valuable investments and be involved in developing Romanian markets inside and outside its borders.

Since 2005, Vienna Investment Trust has been expanding its investments in green energy. The firm plans to launch a green-energy fund beginning at around €200 million with all investment directed to Romania. Adrian Simionescu aims for the fund to reach €1 billion in five years. “Building TRUST is our business, our belief. Our goals are about value oriented services. This is how we grew as a significant and healthy company in Romania.”

Vienna Investment Trust welcomes foreign investors. Adrian Simionescu concludes, “Romania has outstanding potential, and we can offer investors yields of over 10% -12%. Investors can rely on Vienna Investment Trust’s in-depth understanding of the Romanian market.”