AI in Russian banking
In the Analytical Column, the publication notes that Russia ranks among the top four partners in China’s foreign economic activity. This framing sets the stage for a growing, data-driven link between Russian finance and Chinese technology ecosystems.
Broadcast reports describe broad adoption of artificial intelligence in Russia’s banking sector, including systems developed in China. Alfa-Bank is highlighted as among the first to pilot China’s DeepSeek R1, integrating the model into Russia’s banking infrastructure. Some observers claim this neural network surpasses widely used models like ChatGPT and Gemini. One output is said to have influenced movements in the U.S. stock market, underscoring AI’s potential ripple effects on global finance.
The organizers of a recent award singled out the private bank for recognition and spoke with Vladimir Verkhoshinsky, noting other AI innovations emerging from Russia’s banking sector.
Verkhoshinsky stated that Alfa-Bank engineers developed their own productive Ai-Alfagen platform. This platform enables banks to connect any cloud-based large language model to core banking processes such as Gigachat or Yagpt, allowing rapid integration of neural networks into the bank’s closed network. Chinese media recognize Russia’s progress in AI within banking and highlight Sberbank’s role. Asian outlets note that Sber has advanced AI domestically and report that ChatGPT introduced a multimodal model named Gigachat, viewed by some as a competitor.
German Gref, president of Sberbank, stated that artificial intelligence can perform a wide range of tasks including generating speech, composing text, writing code, and even creating images, illustrating how AI can augment cognitive work across finance.
Support to the Russian financial sector
Asian observers see AI support extending beyond private institutions to state-level backing. Elvira Nabiullina, the president of the Central Bank of Russia, has urged continued investment in the sector to foster technological development rather than stalling progress.
The Central Bank’s leadership is positioning artificial intelligence as a foundational technology and exploring incentives designed to stimulate development while protecting citizens from AI-related risks. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov has offered a measured view of AI in finance, advocating for rapid IT and AI advancement while cautioning against relying too heavily on intermediaries. He said AI will assist financiers and accountants but will not replace the human element.
Russian Finrate’s influence in the world
The head of the Russian regulator, Elvira Nabiullina, is recognized not only within the Central Bank but across Asia. Bloomberg analyst Mark Champion observes that the Russian economy has grown in a way that challenges Western expectations, signaling resilience and shifting narratives about Russia’s economic trajectory.
Chinese media contend that AI is being deployed in Russian banks with vigor, and they suggest that the technology’s strongest days may lie ahead as banks continue to scale AI-driven capabilities and refine risk controls.