The ongoing digital transformation of the banking sector in Romania is a focus for the banking and finance group at Popescu & Asociatii, whose clients include a number of key players establishing Romanian operations in this space. Contentious work born of financing matters is also a standout strength of the practice group. A trio of lawyers coordinate the team: Octavian Popescu, managing partner of the firm, who is well versed in acting for Romanian and international banks, financial institutions, investment funds and large corporate borrowers, covering recovery procedures, compliance matters and regulatory disputes; Anca Simeria, who is known as a reliable counsel across transactional matters; and capital markets expert Loredana Popescu.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Dana Bivol - excellent for regulatory work. She knows all the regulations, but more important, she knows how to work with authorities. Very organised, very precise. When Dana handles something, I don't worry.'
- 'What makes them unique? They work together very well. Compared to others? Big international firms have more resources, yes, but Popescu & Asociatii is more... practical. They understand Romanian market, they know the regulators personally, they get things done. When I need something urgent, they respond. And they don't overcomplicate things just to show how smart they are.’
- ‘Over the years, I've worked with different law firms, and I truly appreciate the approach that Popescu & Asociatii has. These people understand business, not just law papers. When I have a banking issue, they don't tell me only what the law says - they find solutions that works for my business.'
- ‘Popescu & Asociații’s banking and finance team stands out for its strong regulatory expertise, strategic thinking, and litigation capabilities. The team combines deep legal knowledge with a practical understanding of financial markets, offering tailored solutions across lending, compliance, and financial restructuring.'
- ‘Octavian Popescu is the big picture guy. When we have complicated financing, he sees everything, makes sure nothing is missed. Very experienced, knows everybody in the market. What I like - he doesn't waste time on small details, he focuses on what matters for the business. Anca Simeria is a very smart lawyer. She handles complex structures like nobody else. I remember a few deals where other firms said impossible, but Anca found the way. Very patient also - explains things until I understand. No arrogance, very professional.'
- 'We appreciate their responsiveness, clarity, and ability to navigate complex regulatory frameworks. Compared to other firms, they offer a rare blend of advisory and dispute resolution strength. Innovations include a proactive approach to compliance, integration of legal tech tools, and a collaborative, inclusive team culture that enhances service delivery.’
Key clients
- BANCA TRANSILVANIA SALT (IDEA) BANK DVI PRODUCTION INDUSTRIAL PARKS MARAMURES ROMANIAN GUARANTEE FUND FOR PRIVATE ENTREPRENEURS FIRST BANK BT PENSII REVOLUT LTD ING BANK NV AMSTERDAM – BUCHAREST BRANCH GENERALI SAFPP METLEN Energy & Metals (formerly MYTILINEOS HOLDING) SOMETRA SA ELECTRICA FURNIZARE BCR LEASING (PART OF BCR GROUP) KUKULLO MEZO CAMP
Work highlights
Advising Salt Bank, launched in April 2024 as the first 100% digital fully cloud-based bank in Romania, on the procedure of incorporating the bank in front of the Romanian authorities and of assimilating the legal and technical solutions for the introduction of the concept of a full digital banking services in Romania.
Assisting Banca Transilvania in relation to financing agreements negotiated and concluded with the World Bank and/or other international credit institutions to ensure compliance with regulatory technical standards and standards on minimum requirements for own funds and eligible liabilities, regulated at the level of the European Banking Authority.
Advising Parcuri Industriale Maramures SA on obtaining finance, under the North-West Regional Programme 2021-2027, co-financed by the European Union, in order to support the development of smart specialisation parks.
Practice head
Octavian Popescu; Anca Simeria; Loredana Popescu
Other key lawyers
Dana Bivol