Vladimir Chistyukhin, the first deputy governor of the Central Bank of Russia, noted that the regulator did not observe any willingness from counterparties from hostile nations to discuss exchanging blocked assets. This was reported by TASS. The central bank sees a sizable and growing volume of assets in type C accounts, including payments of coupons and dividends, and it continues to rise as markets move forward.
Chistyukhin emphasized that the Central Bank stands ready to review, on a case by case basis, plans to directly exchange assets with institutional investors from hostile countries. The bank wants to ensure that any such steps are justified by specific circumstances and assessed for potential risks to stability in each instance. This stance reflects a cautious approach to asset exchanges in a challenging international environment.
Earlier, Elvira Nabiullina, president of the Central Bank, indicated that the regulator has tools to influence the ruble exchange rate if necessary to safeguard financial stability. She highlighted that the central bank can accept a wide range of exchange rate outcomes if they serve the broader goal of stability and sustainable monetary policy. The bank would intervene in the foreign exchange market only when clear risks to financial stability are identified.
In recent days, Nabiullina noted that the risk to the exchange rate has diminished as part of the stability picture, suggesting a more favorable outlook for currency dynamics while the monetary authority maintains its readiness to respond if new threats emerge. The focus remains on maintaining orderly markets and protecting the financial system from shocks, even as external conditions evolve.
Observers have pointed to prior discussions about the policy stance and potential adjustments to the key rate, with the central bank staying firm on its long-term objective of price stability and financial resilience. The authorities have reaffirmed that any changes would be guided by data, risk assessments, and the overarching goal of preserving confidence in the ruble and the banking sector.
As markets continue to monitor developments, officials continue to stress that the central bank will act in the interest of accumulated financial stability and the well-being of the economy. The conversation around reserve management, liquidity, and exchange rate dynamics remains central to policy considerations and risk management strategies for the years ahead.