Among Russian youth, defined as residents under 35, there is a growing hesitation about bank deposits as a savings option. This trend has been reported by RBC, referencing data from the Russian Public Opinion Research Center, VTsIOM. The broader mood among young people reveals a shift away from traditional deposit accounts toward other forms of saving that feel more tangible and secure in a volatile financial landscape. The data point to a concerted skepticism about the long term value of putting money into a bank account.
Dmitry Markov, who heads the social research department at VTsIOM, highlighted that 58 percent of Russian youth express distrust toward bank deposits. This finding comes from two surveys conducted during a window from mid February to early March in 2022, and it points to a persistent unease that has persisted beyond a single snapshot moment. The research team notes that uncertainty is a defining feature of young respondents’ attitudes toward deposits. Among the 58 percent who voiced negative opinions, 41 percent described deposits as unattractive yet not completely ruled out, while 17 percent held a strongly negative view, signaling a robust lack of faith in deposit products.
When young people imagine savings that will work best for them, real estate tops the list at 67 percent, followed closely by investments in precious metals at 35 percent. The data show a clear preference for assets that are perceived as possessing intrinsic value or social meaning, rather than money parked in a bank. In this mindset, deposits in banks with state backing and those in private, non state institutions both register as the least reliable saving channels in the eyes of the youth. This perception reflects a broader set of concerns about deposit risk, inflation eroding purchasing power, and the uncertain future of financial protections in different market environments.
The conversation around deposits is also shaped by regulatory signals and the broader macro context. Earlier remarks from the Central Bank of the Russian Federation touched on scenarios in which the regulator might adjust indicators that influence the behavior of savers, including the desire to encourage or discourage shifting money into or out of deposits. These policy signals contribute to a climate in which young people weigh the costs and benefits of keeping funds in traditional bank accounts versus diversifying into other asset classes.
On the international stage, some observers have linked the overall sentiment about deposits to global economic trends and the experiences of different economies in the year 2023. Analysts in the United States and other leading markets noted moments where policy shifts and economic forecasts shaped how savers viewed risk, inflation, and the role of banks. In Russia, this global context intersects with local conditions such as wage dynamics, housing markets, and the reliability of financial institutions, all of which feed into a growing appetite for real assets and gold or property as safer stores of value.
Experts emphasize that a generational shift is underway in how young Russians conceptualize security for their money. The preference for tangible assets and metals, along with a cautious stance toward deposits, suggests a broader move toward asset diversification. Savers are increasingly asking practical questions about liquidity, fees, and access to funds when needed. They also seek clarity about how different savings instruments perform during periods of economic volatility, and whether banks can guarantee steady returns without exposing depositors to excessive risk.
From a policy perspective, this evolving attitude invites dialogue among financial authorities, banks, and consumer protection advocates about how to design savings products that align with the needs of younger customers. This includes transparent information about risk, clearer terms around insurance guarantees, and options that blend convenience with real value preservation. As the landscape continues to change, the focus remains on giving savers reliable choices that preserve purchasing power while offering sufficient flexibility to respond to unexpected shifts in income or expenses.
In sum, the recent findings across surveys indicate that a considerable portion of Russian youth questions the value proposition of traditional bank deposits. Real estate and precious metals emerge as favored stores of value, while deposits, especially those in state or private banks, are viewed with caution. The evolving stance may influence how financial institutions market their products, how regulators supervise savings options, and how households allocate resources in the years ahead. The conversation is ongoing, with researchers from VTsIOM and financial commentators continuing to assess how attitudes shift in response to policy changes, market performance, and the broader economic environment. The ultimate outcome will hinge on delivering clarity, security, and accessible pathways for younger savers to protect and grow their money in ways that align with their expectations for stability and value.