Nicu-Marian Rusu

Financial Operations & Compliance Leader | Web3 Strategist
Cluj-Napoca, RO.

About

Highly accomplished financial operations and compliance leader with over 15 years of experience across traditional banking, digital payments, and Web3 sectors. Proven ability to drive strategic growth, ensure stringent regulatory adherence, and optimize operational efficiencies, evidenced by successful licensing of digital payment institutions and robust AML frameworks. Leverages deep expertise in finance, compliance, and business development to bridge traditional financial systems with innovative digital infrastructures.

Work

Tradesilvania
|

Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO)

Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania

Summary

Leads Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and compliance functions for a prominent digital asset exchange, ensuring robust regulatory adherence and operational integrity.

Highlights

Directed comprehensive monitoring and investigation of suspicious transactions, contributing to the prevention of financial crime and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Reported suspicious activities to relevant regulatory authorities, ensuring full adherence to national and international AML frameworks.

Developed and implemented updated AML policies and procedures, enhancing the company's compliance posture and operational effectiveness.

Conducted regular AML training for employees, increasing organizational awareness and adherence to compliance protocols.

Served as the primary liaison for regulatory bodies on AML issues, facilitating seamless communication and demonstrating commitment to regulatory standards.

Tradesilvania
|

Chief Operating Officer

Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania

Summary

Oversaw daily financial and human operations, driving strategic growth and ensuring stringent legal and regulatory conformity within a dynamic digital asset environment.

Highlights

Managed comprehensive financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, to optimize resource allocation and support business expansion.

Directed human resources functions, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring compliance with labor laws and internal policies.

Implemented operational efficiencies and streamlined workflows, enhancing overall productivity and reducing administrative overhead.

Ensured strict adherence to legal and regulatory frameworks across all operational aspects, mitigating risks and safeguarding organizational integrity.

Collaborated cross-functionally to align operational strategies with business objectives, contributing to sustained growth and market positioning.

Paysilvania
|

Chief Executive Officer

Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania

Summary

Led a FinTech startup as CEO, successfully navigating complex regulatory landscapes to secure critical licenses for a digital payment institution.

Highlights

Orchestrated the development of a comprehensive payment documentation framework, securing approval for a digital payment institution from the National Bank of Romania and Bank of Lithuania.

Collaborated extensively with multiple legal, compliance, and finance teams, ensuring all regulatory requirements were met for multi-jurisdictional licensing.

Drove strategic initiatives as CEO, establishing the foundational regulatory and operational infrastructure for a new digital payment venture.

Managed stakeholder relationships with key regulatory bodies, facilitating transparent communication and successful license acquisition.

Alpha Bank
|

Deputy Branch Manager - Regional branch

Cluj County, Cluj County, Romania

Summary

Managed regional branch operations and client relations, driving business growth and ensuring operational excellence within a leading financial institution.

Highlights

Oversaw daily branch operations, ensuring efficient service delivery and adherence to banking procedures and compliance standards.

Supported the Branch Manager in achieving sales targets and expanding the client portfolio, contributing to regional revenue growth.

Managed and mentored a team of banking professionals, enhancing their performance and fostering a customer-centric service approach.

Implemented customer service initiatives that improved client satisfaction and retention within the regional branch.

BRD - Groupe Societe Generale
|

Regional Marketing Manager

Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania

Summary

Directed regional marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and drive customer acquisition for a major banking group.

Highlights

Developed and executed regional marketing campaigns, increasing brand awareness and customer engagement across key markets.

Analyzed market trends and competitor activities to inform strategic marketing decisions, optimizing campaign effectiveness.

Collaborated with sales teams to align marketing initiatives with business development goals, contributing to customer acquisition targets.

BRD - Groupe Societe Generale
|

Pay Agreements Manager

Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania

Summary

Managed payment agreements and partnerships, optimizing financial transactions and enhancing operational efficiency.

Highlights

Oversaw the negotiation and management of payment agreements, ensuring favorable terms and compliance with financial regulations.

Streamlined payment processing workflows, improving efficiency and reducing processing times for various transactions.

Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to resolve payment-related issues, maintaining strong business relationships.

BRD - Groupe Societe Generale
|

Relationship Manager

Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania

Summary

Cultivated and managed client relationships, providing tailored financial solutions and driving portfolio growth.

Highlights

Managed a portfolio of key client accounts, developing strong relationships and delivering personalized financial advice.

Identified client needs and cross-sold banking products and services, contributing to increased revenue and client satisfaction.

Acted as a trusted advisor to clients, resolving complex financial inquiries and ensuring high levels of service delivery.

BRD - Groupe Societe Generale
|

Universal Desk Operator

Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania

Summary

Provided comprehensive front-line banking services, ensuring efficient transaction processing and excellent customer support.

Highlights

Handled a high volume of diverse customer inquiries and transactions, maintaining accuracy and efficiency in all operations.

Provided frontline support for various banking products and services, ensuring a positive customer experience.

Resolved customer issues and escalated complex problems as needed, contributing to overall customer satisfaction.

Education

Universitatea „Babeş-Bolyai” din Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania

Bachelor's degree

Business Computer Science

Universitatea „Babeş-Bolyai” din Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania

Master's degree

Business Administration and Management, General

Universitatea „Babeş-Bolyai” din Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania

Bachelor's degree

Banking and Financial Support Services

Awards

Mathematics Olympiad

Awarded By

Academic Recognition

Recognized for exceptional performance in mathematics during academic studies.

Electronics and Telecommunications Olympiad

Awarded By

Academic Recognition

Awarded for outstanding achievement in the field of electronics and telecommunications.

Languages

English
Romanian

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Strategy, Business Development, Operational Management, Executive Leadership, Market Expansion.

Financial Compliance

AML, Anti-Money Laundering, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management, Financial Regulations, Legal Conformity.

Operations Management

Operational Efficiency, Process Improvement, Financial Operations, Human Resources Management, Workflow Optimization.

Digital Payments & Web3

Digital Payment Institutions, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, FinTech, Payment Documentation Frameworks.

Stakeholder Engagement

Communication, Regulatory Liaison, Cross-functional Collaboration, Client Relationship Management, Negotiation.

Business Development

Market Analysis, Sales Strategy, Client Acquisition, Portfolio Management, Marketing Strategy.