Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Mainfin Bank –
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Image: mainfin.ru
What is the reason for the growing popularity of brokerage accounts?
Brokerage accounts are becoming increasingly attractive to Russian investors who want their savings to work and generate a stable income. The main reasons for this growing popularity include:
reduction of interest rates deposits against the backdrop of the easing of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation's policy, the average maximum yield will be reached in May 2025 deposits The annual interest rate exceeded 19.5%, falling below 14.5% in February 2026. The possibility of receiving tax deductions when opening and adding funds to an individual investment account (IIS), which increases the profitability of such investments. Increased interest in long-term savings – interest rates on long-term deposits are extremely unfavorable, forcing conservative investors to seek alternatives. The ease of opening brokerage accounts – many banks offer this service, including online, and the effort is comparable to opening a traditional deposit.
While investment accounts were previously aimed at experienced market participants, the product is now suitable for beginners as well. The Central Bank of the Russian Federation is implementing a public literacy project called "Financial Navigator," and the Moscow Exchange and a number of banks also offer similar investment courses.
How has the Russian investment market changed in 2025?
Last year, money steadily flowed from deposits to brokerage accounts. Analysts estimate that by the end of 2025:
The net inflow of funds from individuals into brokerage accounts exceeded ₽2.5 trillion; the total volume of funds held by Russians in such accounts increased by 16% over the year, reaching ₽12.3 trillion; more than 70% of the capital was contributed by qualified investors, i.e., market participants with large assets or a relevant education; investment portfolios worth between 1 and 100 million rubles increased by 20%; in the small portfolio segment (from 10,000 to 1 million rubles), the annual growth was 12%; the average account balance remained unchanged at 2.2 million rubles.
"OFZs account for about 40% of portfolios. At the beginning of the year, investors were also interested in stocks, but given the complex geopolitical situation, such investments would have been considered excessively risky," the expert stated.
Investment accounts will remain popular in 2026, especially if the key rate continues to decline. Bonds remain the focus, but the trend could shift: funds will begin to flow into stocks if there are prospects for improved international conditions, sanctions easing, and the end of the IMF.
15:25 03/17/2026
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