At the special invitation of Mr. Alexey Lazarov, Editor-in-Chief of Capital newspaper, spoke about the main challenges in the fintech sector. These include ensuring clarity on the operation and application of innovations, balancing the risks of innovations against their benefits for consumers, maintaining a balance between encouraging innovation and preserving the level of protection for clients and businesses against potential negative events, as well as assessing and adjusting the regulatory framework to accommodate changes or entirely new business models and the potential risks they bring.
The FSC Chairman raised key questions such as why innovative fintech products are needed and how to create a regulatory framework that fosters development rather than restrictions, encourages progress rather than maintaining the status quo, and promotes creative thinking rather than seeking legal obstacles to growth. “My belief is that laws and regulations change precisely because of new products, services, and technologies. I am convinced that the administration must support businesses and remain highly visible and responsive to both new products and emerging trends,” Mr. Atanasov emphasized.
Europe’s Digital Future and Regulatory Synchronization
Mr. Atanasov also discussed Europe’s digital future and the alignment of regulations with EU standards. Initiatives such as the European Blockchain Sandbox, the proposed Regulation on Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA), and the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)—as part of the Digital Finance Package—aim to enhance the quality of financial services by fostering financial innovation while ensuring security and consumer protection. For the Bulgarian capital market, these developments could increase its attractiveness for both local and foreign investors.
Commitment to Consumer Protection and Digital Transformation
The FSC Chairman assured the participants that the Commission remains committed to its core functions—protecting financial services consumers, ensuring a stable non-banking financial sector, and creating a business-friendly environment. In this context, he highlighted that FSC evaluates financial innovations through the lens of these key responsibilities across the capital markets, insurance, and pension sectors.
Since 2020, FSC has positioned itself as a driver of innovation with initiatives such as the Innovation Hub, the recently introduced FSC Mobile application, and the development of a Unified Information System (UIS). This system aims to reduce administrative burdens, achieve full digitalization of administrative services, and establish connectivity with European regulators at a modern digital level—all with the ultimate goal of saving time for both businesses and individuals.
Currently, consumers and supervised entities benefit from improved access to information through FSC Mobile, the Commission’s own mobile application. This app offers additional convenience by providing participants in the non-banking financial sector with real-time updates, an event calendar, and access to relevant inquiries.
“Over the past three years, FSC has been a stabilizing force in the non-banking financial sector as well as a reliable partner to businesses. I believe that the fintech industry and regulators are part of the same system, working together to ensure that customers are protected when using the most innovative fintech financial products. Together, we will continue building the digital future,” concluded Mr. Atanasov.
Източник: Комисия за финансов надзор