Listed companies, members of the Romanian Investor Relations Association (ARIR), welcome the decision of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to introduce in COR (Classification of Occupations in Romania) two new occupations: Investor Relations Specialist and Investor Relations Director.
Marian Năstase, Chairman of the Board of Directors, ALRO:
“We congratulate ARIR for this initiative and welcome the decision of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to introduce the two occupations in COR. This decision is a recognition of the importance of this function for the companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange and, implicitly, for the capital market, representing also a positive signal of the authorities showing the determination to contribute to the development of the Romanian business environment. We need professionals in this field and, by creating an adequate legal framework, the attraction and training of specialists in this area is encouraged. This means also aligning with international best practices, placing Romania on the radar of global investors and attracting capital, thus bringing new opportunities and benefits for the Romanian economy. ”
Liviu Vătavu, Executive Director – Human Resources & Legal Affairs, Antibiotice:
“As a result of the evolution of the Romanian society and the appearance of the legislation regarding the capital market, the necessity of the existence of the Investor Relations activity and function became imperative. Thus, ARIR’s initiative to introduce the professions of Investor Relations Specialist and Investor Relations Director in the Classification of Occupations in Romania (COR) can only be welcomed. We are happy with the favorable approval of the Ministry of Labor regarding this initiative as it solves the problem that many Romanian companies have faced.”
Mihaela Nădăşan, Deputy CEO FI & Financial Markets, Banca Transilvania:
“We are glad to contribute to the appearance of a new ocupation in Romania which raises the standards in the relation of companies with investors and opens career opportunities for those passionate about capital markets. In addition to the financial performance, the trust that is built through transparency and communication is the most important asset for listed companies, investor relations playing a key role.”
Alexandru Stânean, CEO TeraPlast:
“Good results are nothing if a company does not know how to communicate them to its shareholders and potential investors. Activities related to corporate governance, like any other activity, must be done by professionals. Through this process, a new category of professionals is created, those in IR, who will help listed companies comply with the standards imposed by the presence in an emerging market.”
Daniela Șerban, ARIR President & Co-Founder:
“ARIR initiated this process in 2019 and conducted a detailed analysis regarding the need to introduce the two professions in COR. More than 2,500 companies would need a person in the organisation to manage the relation with its shareholders, the financial results reporting and the communication with the stakeholders.
We are proud by the result of this action. It is a success and a step forward for the entire capital market. Two years after the set-up of ARIR, we confirm the importance of the investor relations professionals and the potential for professional development in the local capital market.”
This step was possible with the support of the Financial Supervisory Authority, the Bucharest Stock Exchange, ALRO, Antibiotice, Biofarm, Franklin Templeton Management – Bucharest Branch, OMV Petrom, TeraPlast and other ARIR members. The need to introduce the profession of Investor Relations Specialist became even more important once Romania was promoted in September 2020 in the category of emerging capital markets, from the category of frontier markets, by the international evaluation agency FTSE Russell. Thus, the Romanian capital market entered a new stage of development as this promotion represents an international recognition of the progress and shows the attractiveness of the local market for international investors. Therefore, the investor relations activity gets an essential role in this process as the attention of sophisticated institutional investors will be directed more towards companies with good corporate governance and recognized abilities in the investor relations area.
ARIR was founded at the initiative of Daniela Șerban in November 2018 together with the founding members: Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB), ALRO, Electromagnetica, Franklin Templeton Management – Bucharest office, Hidroelectrica, Nuclearelectrica, Teraplast, Transelectrica, Cosmin Răduță and Tony Romani. Electrica, OMV Petrom, Antibiotice, Purcari, Idea Bank, BRK Financial Group, Banca Transilvania, Transgaz and Biofarm and Medlife joined the community as Associate Members. INNOVA Project Consulting, ENVISIA, RTPR, Intercapital Invest and eVote became Affiliate Members.
ARIR members have access to exclusive content for the implementation of best practices in Investor Relations and Corporate Governance, and trainings tailored to their needs and IR objectives, participate at projects aimed to develop the capital market. In ARIR are invited to join: as Associate Members – listed companies, pre-IPO or bond issuers, as Affiliate Members – other companies than the listed ones, pre-IPO or bond issuers, and as Professional Members – individuals with experience in investor relations.