Effective January 1, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation will tighten caps on consumer loans and microloans for Russians whose debt burden has risen from 50 percent to 80 percent in order to manage overdue obligations. This update was reported by RIA News. The new rules specify that individuals with a debt load in the 50 percent to 80 percent range may obtain only 25 percent of the total value of consumer loans, down from 30 percent, and 10 percent of credit cards, down from 20 percent. For borrowers with a debt burden of 80 percent or more, the limit remains at 5 percent of the loan volume issued in the quarter for both consumer loans and credit cards. These adjustments aim to curb risk in lending markets and protect borrowers from overextension, while preserving a safety margin for financial institutions in a controlled manner. The policy change reflects central bank efforts to ensure sustainable credit growth and reduce the likelihood of default in an environment of rising indebtedness. The information source notes that the altered limits will apply to new lending in the upcoming quarter and will be monitored for effectiveness by financial regulators. [Source: RIA News]
Earlier, the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the region reported a distressing fraud case involving a 50-year-old woman from Chita who lost 13 million rubles in a span of two weeks through a sham scheme. The perpetrators posed as the president of a company where the victim had prior employment, subsequently contacting her with assurances and purported verification steps. In this sequence, representatives from the Federal Security Service and the Central Bank allegedly made contact, claiming that the victim had already been extended a large number of loans. The incident underscores the vulnerability of individuals to social engineering, the importance of verifying identities, and the need for vigilance against fraudulent outreach that masquerades as legitimate authority. [Source: Regional Police Report and corroborating agency communications]
In related developments, members of the State Duma discussed measures to tighten oversight on lending to foreign entities. Debates touched on banning certain loan arrangements with non-domestic agencies and ensuring that lending practices align with national regulatory standards. These discussions reflect ongoing efforts to strengthen financial governance, defend consumer interests, and clarify the responsibilities of lenders operating within the national market. The focus remains on creating a stable credit environment while minimizing exposure to potential cross-border risks. [Legislative Briefing]