The Central Bank has kept the ban on exchange trading for blocked securities in place, extending the restriction through October 1. A separate register of clients’ rights to blocked assets will continue to be maintained by Russian custodians from April 1, ensuring clear tracking of who holds what during the constraint period.
Previously, authorities indicated that traffic to Russia’s SWIFT-like service grew more than threefold in 2022, underscoring a shift toward alternative payment channels as market conditions evolved. This trend reflects broader adjustments in financial infrastructure as institutions adapt to sanctions and regulatory measures.
In its March 2023 report, the Central Bank noted that 57% of Russians chose saving over spending on high-priced goods, marking a notable preference for liquidity amid uncertain economic signals. This share rose by one percentage point from February, while the proportion of citizens prioritizing purchases of expensive items declined from 28% to 25% in the same period, signaling a cautious consumer mindset.
Meanwhile, 18% of respondents in March found it difficult to answer whether saving or spending was the better choice, up from 17% in February. The central bank explains this hesitation through inflation expectations and shifting consumer sentiment during March 2023, highlighting how price outlooks influence household behavior even when economic conditions are mixed.
Overall, the bank’s recent disclosures illustrate how inflation expectations, access to alternative payment networks, and regulatory controls on blocked assets interact to shape the financial decisions of households and institutions alike. The extension of restrictions and the continued maintenance of client registers point to a cautious stance aimed at preserving financial stability while monitoring evolving market dynamics in the Russian economy.