The single Central Securities Depository was launched in Moldova after two years of preparatory work, with the new institution to be responsible for the registration, safekeeping and settlement of securities issued by Moldovan entities.

The single CSD, set up with the support of the U.S. Agency for International Development and not-for-profit organization Financial Services Volunteer Corps, is designed to support investments in the local capital market and develop new financial instruments, Banca Naţională a Moldovei said May 21.

The launch of the single CSD also strengthens and consolidates the oversight of post-trade infrastructures, allowing Moldova to comply with international standards, including the Principles for Financial Market Infrastructures and the EU's Central Securities Depositories Regulation, the Moldovan central bank noted.