Alexander Vedyakhin, First Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sberbank, underscored the bank’s commitment to fostering responsible financial behavior across the population. He highlighted that empowering people with practical money-management skills is a core objective for Sber as it serves a vast customer base.
Vedyakhin noted that Sber serves 108 million customers, a substantial share of the country’s adult population. He explained that the goal is to teach individuals how to manage personal finances effectively, navigate a diverse array of financial products, take initial steps in investing, and work toward greater financial well‑being. This emphasis on education aligns with the bank’s broader social responsibility initiatives and aims to support citizens in making informed financial decisions.
As part of this initiative, Sber announced plans to inaugurate the first Financial Literacy Center in Nizhny Novgorod on March 20. The center will host lectures, seminars, and interactive activities focused on financial planning, investing, insurance for different age groups, retirement savings, and related topics. The program is designed to be accessible to a wide audience and to provide practical guidance for everyday financial management.
Vedyakhin stressed that educational outreach cannot rely solely on online channels. While Sber offers well‑known resources such as SberSova, Kibrarium, Let’s Save Together, and Active Age through SberBank Online, live engagement often yields stronger understanding and engagement. The face‑to‑face format facilitates questions, discussion, and a more personalized learning experience.
He reiterated that the plan involves creating financial literacy centers within Sber facilities in major Russian cities. A comprehensive event schedule is being developed to ensure the centers are not only informative but also engaging for diverse audiences. The goal is to make learning about money an attractive and relevant activity for people from different walks of life, helping them apply practical steps in their own circumstances.
Recognizing that not every community will have a center nearby, Sber will also train volunteers to extend the reach of financial literacy efforts. These volunteers will carry on-site lectures and seminars for schoolchildren, university students, and working professionals, thereby broadening the impact of the program. The emphasis is on sustainability and long‑term benefits for individuals and for the country’s economic resilience as a whole.
Vedyakhin concluded by highlighting the importance of the initiative for society at large. He noted that a large group of Sber employees has already expressed willingness to contribute as mentors and instructors, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to social improvement. The initiative reflects a belief that education in personal finance should be widely available, practical, and capable of empowering people to secure their own futures.
The emphasis on financial literacy as a public good is underscored by the involvement of volunteers who will extend the program beyond traditional bank locations. This approach aims to create a distributed network of learning opportunities, enabling more citizens to access essential financial knowledge and skills across various settings and communities.