Category: Mainfin Bank

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What budget payments will be made using the electronic ruble?

The government has published a list of expenses for which transactions can be made using the digital ruble. The list includes the following federal budget expenditures:

Social payments to citizens; salaries of civil servants; financing of construction services; repair work at government facilities.

Starting in 2026, payments to the budget and government agencies can be made in digital rubles. The Ministry of Finance clarified that using the new form of national currency is only possible at the citizen's discretion; authorities will not force Russians to open accounts. Social benefits and wages will continue to be received in the usual format—via bank accounts and MIR cards.

How is the digital ruble being launched in Russia?

An experiment with a digital ruble was launched in Russia in the summer of 2023. This new form of payment was intended to be an alternative to cash and non-cash payments. By 2025, over 9,000 individuals and over 1,000 companies had joined the project, and approximately 100,000 transactions had been conducted using the currency. Large-scale implementation has been repeatedly delayed due to banks' reluctance to lose profits, as well as the lack of technical and legislative readiness.

"In mid-2025, the law on the digital ruble was signed by the president. Large companies will be required to use the new payment method starting in September 2026, while other market participants were granted a deferment until 2028," the expert recalled.

The first budget payments using the digital ruble were made this fall – the federal budget then transferred the salaries of a parliamentarian and several students, as well as payments for government contracts. The project is continuing to expand, and the Central Bank plans to raise public awareness of the new payment method.

12:00 12/30/2025

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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Source: Mainfin Bank –

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Image: mainfin.ru

What was the growth rate of consumer prices in Russia in mid-December?

Inflation in the country began to slow in December – prices rose by 0.05% in the first week of the month, and by 0.06% in the second. Since the beginning of the year, the increase has been approximately 5.4%. Compared to last year, inflation has slowed. According to the Central Bank, in December 2024, the price growth rate was 6.12%, and now it is 5.8%.

The Ministry of Economic Development also confirms this trend: in the first ten days of December, inflation slowed to 6.08% (compared to 6.34% a year earlier). However, experts agree that the slowdown in price growth is only temporary, driven by seasonal factors; it's too early to talk about the sustainability of this trend.

What will happen to inflation in Russia at the beginning of 2026?

The slowdown in price growth in December is a positive development, but inflation expectations remain high in the country. Price growth for goods and services is projected to accelerate in the first months of 2026, driven by several factors:

An increase in the VAT rate from 20 to 22%; the abolition of certain business benefits that reduce the tax burden; high borrowing activity among Russians; and a worsening budget deficit.

"The state budget for next year includes a key rate of 12-13% per annum, but the Central Bank of the Russian Federation believes the actual rate will exceed the forecast level: this contradiction calls into question the ability to fulfill budget plans," the pessimistic expert believes.

Moreover, at its most recent key rate meeting, the Central Bank of Russia noted that monetary policy in Russia will remain tight. The regulator is signaling the end of the rate cut cycle, and if inflation accelerates, the rate may even be revised upward. The next key rate decision will be made on February 13, 2026. The Central Bank expects inflation to fall below 5% next year.

15:30 12/23/2025

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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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How has the number of OSAGO payments changed in 2025?

A significant increase in OSAGO payments was recorded regardless of the compensation amount – over the first 9 months of this year, the changes were significant:

The number of large payments (from ₽350 to ₽400 thousand) increased by 37%; the number of payments in the range of ₽300 to ₽350 thousand increased by 14%; insurers began to pay out 27% more often for damages in the amount of ₽250 to ₽300 thousand; an 18% increase was recorded in the group from ₽200 to ₽250 thousand; the number of claims for damages from ₽150 to ₽200 thousand increased by 24%.

The requirement to obtain compulsory motor third-party liability insurance (OSAGO) is stipulated by Russian law. Driving without it is prohibited, and violators face a fine (Article 12.37 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). Furthermore, in the event of an accident, the uninsured party responsible for the damage is responsible for their own compensation, which, given the constantly rising prices of auto parts, entails significant financial costs.

What's happening to MTPL rates amid rising payout volumes?

The Central Bank of the Russian Federation has revised the terms of compulsory motor third-party liability insurance (CMTPL) policies. The rate corridor for car owners has been expanded by 15% in both directions, while the limits for motorcyclists have been adjusted by 40%. These changes are intended to ensure that Russians receive the fairest possible prices for their policies. However, the new approach has sparked outrage. For example, in Novosibirsk and several districts of Ingushetia, the territorial coefficient has doubled, citing unscrupulous driver behavior as the reason.

"In Novosibirsk and Ingushetia, the level of fraud in the compulsory motor insurance (OSAGO) sector has remained high for the past five years, and the average payout is 1.5 times higher than the national average," the expert notes.

Conscientious drivers will be held accountable for the actions of unscrupulous policyholders, as the territorial coefficient in the aforementioned regions will increase for every policy buyer. Experts fear that the consequences of these changes for residents of Novosibirsk and Ingushetia will be dire: purchasing compulsory motor third-party liability insurance will become an impossible task, and insurers will simply shift their risks onto drivers.

10:00 12/16/2025

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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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How will QR code payments work in China?

The launch of payments via QR codes in China is expected to take place in 2026 – the management has not specified the exact dates. VTB It hasn't been announced yet. However, we already know how the technology will work:

Russian and Chinese QR codes will be matched. The customer will need to open the VTB app in the store and scan the QR code from the terminal. The system will send a request to the bank for a secure payment. A successful transaction message will appear on the terminal, completing the purchase.

The service is essential for Russian tourists in China, as traditional bank card payments are restricted abroad: Visa and MasterCard have left due to Russian sanctions, and UnionPay has been suspended. banks from Russia operates in other countries with significant restrictions.

In which other countries is VTB Bank's service available?

China isn't the only country where VTB Bank offers QR code payments to Russians. The financial institution previously launched a similar service in Vietnam. The service operates through the Russian-Vietnamese Bank and is available in 3,000 stores across the country (primarily in tourist areas).

"We continue to develop payment infrastructure in countries popular with Russian tourists: in Vietnam, we plan to expand the coverage area for QR code payments," said VTB CEO Andrey Kostin.

The technology has already been implemented in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan; the list of countries where VTB provides the service may expand in the future. Sberbank, which previously launched payments via Sber Online in Belarus, Azerbaijan, Vietnam, China, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan. However, the availability of QR code payments depends on the merchant.

09:00 09.12.2025

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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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What risks of economic slowdown has the Bank of Russia identified?

The Central Bank of the Russian Federation published a financial stability review for the period from April to September of this year. The Russian economy is slowing under the influence of monetary easing. Several financial sector issues remain pressing:

The imbalance in the Russian currency market has stabilized, with the dollar-to-ruble exchange rate volatility not exceeding 4.4% over the past month, compared to 9.7% just six months ago. Commercial banks' interest rate risks are also declining, as financial institutions have increasingly begun offering depositors products with floating rates tied to the key rate. Credit risk is the most influential factor, with the regulator seeing potential for an increase in problem debt.

The Bank of Russia has noted an economic slowdown; by September, GDP growth had fallen to 0.6% year-on-year, compared to over 1.1% mid-year. Experts are calling the current economic stage "technical stagnation."

How will credit risks for businesses and individuals change in 2025?

The easing of monetary policy has led to improved terms for credit products, and borrowers' demand for funds has begun to recover. However, the increase in debt is associated with credit risks:

The share of corporate borrowers with problematic obligations in October amounted to 8%, which is slightly less than the level of April; the share of corporate borrowers that are in the yellow zone, i.e. have a high level of risk, increased by 4% (among large companies – 18%, medium – 28%); the share of overdue loans of large companies increased by 0.2% (to 4%) – this mainly affected the portfolio of the construction and oil and gas industries; in the portfolio of loans to private clients, the share of problematic agreements amounted to almost 13%, an increase of 2.1 percentage points over the six months; the highest level of delinquency is among clients with a debt burden above 50%, such borrowers account for 19% of issued loans.

"In the fall, Russians began to more actively seek loan restructuring—the share of applications increased by 79%, which may indicate difficulties with servicing contracts," the Bank of Russia noted.

At the same time, experts don't expect a boom in the credit sector – companies maintain sufficient financial strength, and their debt burdens will continue to decline. It's possible that the regulator will have to further tighten lending requirements for clients with high DTIs. In retail, the share of non-performing loans is expected to increase in 2026, but a surge in defaults is not expected amid low unemployment.

16:32 02.12.2025

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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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How to pay for a purchase with a QR code in Vietnam via Sberbank?

Customers pay for purchases in Vietnam Sberbank They can use a QR code—the service isn't available at all retail outlets, but the bank's geographic reach is constantly expanding. The transaction is carried out as follows:

The client opens the Sber app and scans the QR code on the terminal. The bank automatically converts rubles to Vietnamese dong. The debit amount is displayed on the smartphone screen. The client confirms the payment.

This option will be useful for Russian tourists, as Vietnam has become a favorite among domestic travelers this year – from January to September, over 430,000 citizens visited the country's resorts, which is almost the second highest number compared to the same period last year.

In which other countries do QR code payments work for Russians?

VTB Bank previously introduced QR code payment in Vietnam. The transaction process is similar, conversion is automatic, there are no transaction fees, and the per-payment limit is up to 350,000 rubles. VTB also provides this service to Russian citizens in other countries, including Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkey, and its presence is constantly expanding.

"The problem with paying abroad is gradually being resolved – friendly countries and destinations popular with Russian tourists are being prioritized," the expert notes.

Russian banks are also actively implementing QR code payments via the Fast Payment System (FPS) in other countries, including the UAE and the Maldives. However, the service is available in a limited number of stores, primarily in popular tourist areas. The launch requires the consent of not only the retailers but also local banks, which are reluctant to sign contracts with Russians due to the risk of secondary sanctions from the US and Europe.

10:00 11/25/2025

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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Mainfin Bank –

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When will a transfer via the SBP raise suspicions with the bank?

Transferring a large amount via the SBP, even between accounts of one client, may raise suspicions jarIf, on the same day, a person attempts to send money to a third party to whom payments have not been made for more than six months, the person will be subject to a new scam: the scammers convince the victim to accumulate all their savings in a single account to which they have gained access.

"Banks will tighten controls over transfers – transactions over 200,000 rubles, including those made through the Fast Payment System (FPS), will come under close scrutiny," the regulator noted.

The introduction of new fraud indicators will help banks protect honest Russians from fraudulent activities. However, this change will have virtually no impact on ordinary citizens—money transfers between their own accounts via the Fast Payment System (FPS) will still be possible without restrictions or fees; suspicion will only arise if you attempt to send funds to a third party.

What other signs of fraudulent transactions are there?

Transferring funds between your own accounts and then sending the savings to another person isn't the only sign of fraud identified by the Central Bank. Financial institutions are required to suspend transactions if they detect any of the following:

The recipient's account is included in the fraudulent list according to the Central Bank of the Russian Federation's basic rules or the bank's own rules; the transaction is unusual for this particular client; the device used to access online banking was previously used by fraudsters; the client changed the phone number used to access their personal account; information was received about the use of an unusual internet provider.

However, it's not just banks that should be making efforts to protect their funds. Russians should adhere to financial security rules: don't share codes and passwords with third parties, no matter who they claim to be, don't enter card details on dubious websites, and don't transfer funds to accounts if you're unsure of the recipient. Fraudsters are constantly refining their methods, but most schemes rely on social engineering—they mislead the victim, who then helps the scammer steal their savings.

10:00 11/18/2025

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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Source: Mainfin Bank –

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Why is the demand for gold growing rapidly in the world?

The increased desire of central banks to shift from dollar-denominated reserves to gold and foreign exchange reserves is a result of the unstable international situation. Factors driving the increased demand for gold include:

the presence of geopolitical uncertainty; economic instability in the world; the desire of banks to diversify assets; the aggressive trade policy of the US President; the increase in the number of military conflicts.

Gold remains the safest and most reliable means of preserving capital during periods of instability. As a result, amid high demand, prices for the precious metal are rising, and central banks are increasing purchases despite the increased cost.

Which countries contribute the most to their gold and foreign exchange reserves?

In September, gold purchases were 79% higher than the previous month – central banks purchased 39 tons of the metal, 27 tons more than the annual average. Among the largest buyers were:

Brazil, which purchased 15 tons for the first time since the beginning of the year; Kazakhstan, which purchased 8 tons; Guatemala – 6 tons; Russia purchased 3 tons of gold in September.

"Banks will continue to increase their gold purchases, which will lead to an even greater increase in prices – precious metals are in demand worldwide amid economic uncertainty," the expert noted.

Even greater demand for gold is expected if the US and China fail to reach a trade agreement: the imposition of tariffs and import bans on certain goods will lead market participants to seek to protect their assets. Factors driving up gold prices include the crises in Japan and France, as well as the US shutdown. This year alone, gold prices have increased by more than 50%, and are expected to rise by 27% in 2024.

09:00 11.11.2025

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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Source: Mainfin Bank –

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How will the Federal Tax Service collect debts from Russians without a court order?

Tax authorities no longer need to obtain a court ruling on individuals' debts – a simplified (automated) procedure for collecting tax arrears has come into effect in Russia. Debt write-off occurs in several steps:

The tax authority that has recorded the arrears sends the citizen a notice—via the taxpayer's account, Gosuslugi, or by mail. Russian citizens have 30 business days to dispute the assessment. If they agree with the debt, no action is required; the amount will be forcibly debited from their accounts within the specified period. If there is a dispute, the taxpayer submits a recalculation request or complaint—either online or by mail. The Federal Tax Service makes a decision on the request within one month; this period may be extended by an additional 30 days. During the review period, the disputed amount will be removed from the Unified Tax System (UTS), allowing the citizen to pay other taxes, and no collection will be carried out.

Based on the appeal, the Federal Tax Service will decide whether to grant the citizen's claim or deny it. If the debt is not recalculated, the taxpayer can file a complaint with a higher-level tax authority.

What are the benefits of writing off tax debts without going to court?

It would seem that the new procedure benefits only tax authorities, as the Federal Tax Service now has more opportunities to collect debts from Russians. However, the simplified debt write-off procedure also has advantages for individuals:

The deadline for filing a complaint against assessed taxes has been increased from 20 (with a court order) to 30 business days; the procedure for assessing and appealing tax arrears has become more transparent; and debtors will no longer have to pay legal fees, which previously increased expenses.

"The interests of debtors will now be protected—automatic debits will be suspended during the proceedings, and the disputed charge will be excluded from the unified account," the Federal Tax Service stated.

Russians will not be able to file a dispute with assessed taxes for all types of payments. For example, it will not be possible to appeal taxes related to business and professional activities, as well as personal income tax declared by the individual (i.e., declared independently).

10:00 04.11.2025

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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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How have scammers modernized their scheme to extort money from Russians?

This sophisticated scam, like most others, relies on social engineering, whereby the victim is misled and forced to transfer money to the scammers. The scheme involves several stages:

The scammer contacts the victim, posing as an employee of a bank, law enforcement agency, the State Services portal, investment platforms, etc. The victim is offered the chance to "save money" from theft or increase their capital—the cover story can vary. To implement the plan, the victim must transfer their savings to an acquaintance, friend, or relative—ideally, if the two people have previously conducted banking transactions. The acquaintance will then personally transfer the funds to the scammers, without attracting the attention of the bank's security services.

IN T-bank Reports indicate that the number of cases of fraud using victims' friends has increased by 60%. A complex chain of stolen funds helps fraudsters bypass credit institutions' anti-fraud systems.

What should bank clients do to avoid becoming victims of fraud?

Financial security and literacy are talked about literally everywhere – representatives banksThe media, law enforcement agencies, and independent experts are warning Russians about the risks of fraud. However, no preventative measures have yet produced the desired results—people of all ages, social status, and education are falling for scammers. To avoid becoming a victim, experts urge:

Avoid entering payment information on dubious websites; use a separate card with a minimum balance for online purchases; filter calls using software to immediately see who is calling from an unknown number; do not disclose personal information to third parties or share codes from SMS; if you receive a call "from the bank's security service," contact the organization using the official number or visit a branch in person.

"It's important to monitor the payment transactions of children and elderly relatives—these individuals are at the highest risk. It's advisable to enable transaction notifications on your phone and set acceptable spending limits," the expert recommends.

Cyberpolice urges Russians to critically evaluate offers of high incomes, as scammers often disguise themselves as investment platforms. These scams may involve famous people (actors, athletes, politicians), as well as the victims' relatives.

12:00 10/28/2025

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Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.