Russian bank profitability is healthy, but there are fears around asset quality in consumer banking, and the regulator is taking a tougher line on money laundering and liquidity problems.
Central & eastern Europe
Latest articles from Russia
Russian consumer lenders maintain outperformance
December 20, 2013
Competition and non-performing loans are rising among Russia's consumer lenders, but their profit performance is still well ahead of the rest of the Russian banking sector
Moscow Exchange reaps harmony dividends
December 2, 2013The merger of the Micex and RTS groups to form the Moscow Exchange has proven harmonious and, so far, successful, with plenty of big names attracted to the bourse. Indeed, as Moscow looks to prove its credentials as an international finance hub, the exchange appears to be setting the standards for the rest of the city's financial institutions to follow.
Russia overcomes emerging market jitters
November 1, 2013The Russian sovereign dispensed with a pre-deal roadshow for the first time to speed up the issuance process during heightened market uncertainty and still managed a heavily oversubscribed deal that included a debut euro tranche.
Challenges and opportunities for Russia's evolving central bank
October 1, 2013A new inflation targeting framework, efforts to improve the supply of credit and the implementation of Basel III all pose challenges for the Bank of Russia, as well as opportunities to modernise the country's financial system.
New regime loosens grip on Russian banks
August 27, 2013The Central Bank of Russia’s new governor has overseen a relaxation in the capital requirements proposed to implement the country’s version of Basel III.
Russian leader seeks out new frontiers
August 1, 2013VTB Capital is already established as Russia’s largest investment bank. Bulgarian national Atanas Bostandjiev explains the state-owned bank's plans to expand its activities into new markets.
Highest Movers table shows story after China
July 1, 2013The Highest Movers table of the Top 1000 has had a distinctly Chinese feel to it in recent years, but 2013's ranking shows rapid growth among financial institutions the world over, including in Europe's crisis economies.
Technology drives Russian retail banking revolution
May 1, 2013Growth rates and returns on consumer lending in Russia are remarkable, but the market demands increasing levels of sophistication to ensure success.
Foreign banks outperform locals in Russia
April 5, 2013
A number of foreign banks scaled back operations in Russia after the financial crisis, but those that remain are generating very high returns in many cases.