The Bank of Russia remains focused on freeing up the assets held by Russian investors, a task officials say will continue into the current year with the potential to stretch into 2025. This stance was articulated by Olga Shishlyannikova, who heads the investment financial intermediaries department at the central bank, and was summarized by TASS. The message underscores the central bank’s ongoing efforts to address asset blocks and ease access for holders of investments tied to Russia’s financial system.
According to a senior central bank representative, asset unblocking is a core responsibility. The official noted that work in this area began in 2023 and carried over into 2024, with the expectation that 2025 could mark a resolution of the issues surrounding blocked assets. The remarks were delivered at the Financial Markets conference, where the speaker highlighted the evolving regulatory landscape and the need to adapt to a world of new rules. The emphasis remains on steady progress and practical outcomes for investors, even amid changing conditions (Source: TASS).
Recent developments show ruble-denominated coupon payments being issued to Russian investors from previously frozen foreign corporate bonds. The process relies on unclaimed income that is currently held in the accounts of the Russian Ministry of Finance to ensure these payments reach eligible recipients. This step illustrates a concrete mechanism by which blocked assets are being gradually liberated and redirected toward rightful holders (Source: ministry disclosures reported via TASS).
Earlier, discussions in Germany outlined the value and scope of Russia’s frozen assets, reflecting ongoing international dimensions of the asset recovery process. The international side of asset unfreezing remains a key element of any broader strategy that seeks to restore liquidity and investment opportunities for Russian market participants (Source: various official briefings, reported by TASS).