Category: Russian Economy

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Central Bank of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

In 2025, motorists purchased almost 40 million electronic MTPL policies (including approximately 9.4 million for terms ranging from 1 day to 3 months) compared to 14.5 million paper insurance policies, among which there were virtually no short-term contracts.

The average cost of a compulsory motor third-party liability insurance policy has fallen again, in part due to competition between insurers. As a result, the total premium for compulsory motor third-party liability insurance (CMTPLI) has decreased slightly to approximately 330 billion rubles.

Overall, the insurance market grew by 6.9% in 2025, reaching 4 trillion rubles, largely driven by life insurance. Claims volume increased by 18.6%, reaching 2.5 trillion rubles.

Read more about the market situation by the end of 2025 in"Review of key performance indicators of insurers."

Preview photo: Arsenii Palivoda / Shutterstock / Fotodom

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: Central Bank of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Bank lending to companies (including bonds) increased by 5% in the fourth quarter of 2025, with loans taken out by companies across a wide range of industries. This figure increased by 11.8% for the year, and the forecast for 2026 remains in the 7–12% range: this trend is expected to be balanced amid a gradual easing of interest rates.

The growth of household mortgage debt accelerated to 5% in the quarter, primarily due to borrowers seeking preferential loans before the tightening of Family Mortgage terms in February 2026. The annual growth of mortgages on banks' balance sheets amounted to approximately 11%, and the forecast for 2026 remained in the range of 6–11%, taking into account the reduction in preferential lending volumes following the change in terms.

The consumer loan portfolio decreased by 1.4% in the fourth quarter and by 4.6% for the year as a whole. The consumer loan market is expected to revive in 2026, with the portfolio potentially growing by 4–9%.

Client funds increased by 11.9% year-over-year. Growth may slow to 5-10% in 2026, as investors are likely to be more interested in securities, which offer higher yields than deposit rates.

In 2025, banks earned 3.5 trillion rubles, and in 2026, profits are expected to be 3.3–3.8 trillion rubles, while maintaining increased deductions to reserves for corporate loans.

More detailed information is provided in the quarterly review. Banking sector.

Preview photo: Kirill Skorobogatko / Shutterstock / Fotodom

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: Central Bank of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

OFZ yields declined over the month amid a key rate cut and a softening signal about future regulatory actions. Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Finance increased the volume of OFZ placements at auctions to 701 billion rubles, while households continued to actively purchase them on the secondary market. As a result, OFZ purchases by individuals reached their highest level since June of last year, reaching 64.1 billion rubles.

Sectoral stock market indices moved in different directions, and the Moscow Exchange Index rose slightly by the end of February (0.6% m/m).

The ruble weakened slightly during this period, reaching 77.27 rubles per US dollar. Corporate currency sales generally increased, despite a decline in sales by major exporters. Demand for currency remained low compared to previous years. However, demand for swaps with the Bank of Russia temporarily increased in the money market.

Read more in the next issue. Review of Financial Market Risks.

Preview photo: Andrianaa Hoshko / Shutterstock / Fotodom

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: Central Bank of Russia

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Pass internship Full-time students starting in their second year of undergraduate, specialist, and master's degrees are eligible. Applications can be submitted until May 3, 2026, in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk, and 30 other cities. The internship will begin in September.

The selection process will consist of several stages: questionnaires, online testing, video interviews, and a final interview with a future supervisor. This will allow the professional skills of candidates to be assessed and future internship opportunities determined.

Applicants who pass all competitive tests will become Bank of Russia interns for up to six months. They will be able to work at least 20 hours per week and will receive a salary. In consultation with their supervisor, each intern will be assigned an individual schedule to facilitate the balance of work and study. Remote work is also possible. The most talented interns will have the opportunity to continue their careers at the Bank of Russia.

In the fall of 2025, more than 210 students completed internships at the regulator's offices across Russia.

Preview photo: Studio Romantic / Shutterstock / Fotodom

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.