Russian lawmakers are moving to streamline how citizens can voluntarily back away from loans. The draft version of the bill envisions that a consumer can request a personal loan ban not only through the State Services portal or at multifunctional centers, but also directly via banks and microfinance organizations. This broadens access to self-imposed restrictions and aims to make the process more convenient for borrowers who want to reduce their debt exposure.
These proposed revisions to the laws governing “Consumer Credit” and “Credit Histories” could take effect in January 2026. The primary goal of the changes is to lower the risk of fraud when applying for credit. By expanding where and how individuals can place a hold on new lending, the government and supervisory bodies hope to create a more transparent and safer lending environment for everyday borrowers.
Under the new rules, lenders and credit history bureaus will verify the validity of a lending ban using not only passport data but also a taxpayer identification number (TIN). The ban would take effect the day after the application is submitted, and a maximum waiting period of 48 hours would be required before the restriction is lifted if it is later rescinded. This timeline creates a clear, predictable process for those who decide to curb their borrowing.
Support for the legislative changes has come from the Bank of Russia and the government, signaling strong state backing for tighter controls on consumer lending and enhanced borrower protection. The coordination between the central bank and state authorities reflects a broader drive to stabilize consumer credit dynamics and curb excessive indebtedness among households.
In late January, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation released new data showing an ongoing rise in the share of Russians carrying three or more loans. The update followed inflation expectations released the day prior, which showed December figures easing to 12.7 percent from a previous projection of 14.2 percent. These trends highlight ongoing pressure on household finances and the timely relevance of stricter borrowing safeguards.
Historically, there has been debate within the State Duma about prohibiting lending to foreign entities. While that proposal has influenced policy discussions, the current focus remains on strengthening domestic lending controls and protecting borrowers from taking on unsustainable debt.