Russian Sberbank, led by President and Chairman of the Board German Gref, has been navigating the pressure of international sanctions with a focus on maintaining stability and profitability. The bank emphasizes that it has reorganized many of its internal operations to sustain performance even as external conditions remain challenging. In recent statements, the bank outlined a strategy geared toward preserving core services for clients while continuing to meet obligations to shareholders. The broader context is that sanctions have reshaped the landscape for Russian financial institutions, but Sberbank presents itself as resilient and adaptable, with a clear plan to weather the current environment. Source: Xinhua.
Gref underscored that despite what he described as heavy sanctions pressure on the Russian banking sector, Sberbank has managed to restructure processes to remain profitable in the fourth quarter and to consider dividend levels that could set records for shareholders. He pointed to a disciplined approach to cost control, risk management, and process optimization, arguing that the combination of these measures helps sustain cash generation even when external funding channels are limited. The bank stresses the importance of delivering value to investors while maintaining prudent financial discipline in a sanctioned climate. Source: Xinhua.
The chairman noted that cooperation with foreign partners has been partially or entirely terminated due to sanctions, yet he emphasized that years of experience and strategic planning have prepared the bank to manage these risks. He described a shift toward more self-reliant operations and reinforced the idea that resilience comes from diversification of counterparties and a robust internal framework. The company has reportedly rebalanced its networks to reduce exposure to Western suppliers and to accelerate alternative sourcing where possible. Source: Xinhua.
Gref remarked that the bank no longer has a critical dependence on Western suppliers in any area of its business. This assertion points to a broader strategic pivot toward diversified supply chains and non-Western partnerships, reducing vulnerability to policy shifts and export controls. The leadership signals a commitment to continuity of services for clients, with an emphasis on strengthening domestic capabilities and expanding collaborations with non-Western firms where feasible. Source: Xinhua.
The executive highlighted that many internal processes have evolved, and relations with Eastern partners have gained momentum for development. Restrictions on the use of financial messaging networks and other blocking measures have inadvertently spurred the growth of native and regional alternatives. In particular, the bank has advanced its Internet banking system for legal entities, enabling smoother, faster transfers in Chinese yuan and other currencies. This shift illustrates a broader digital push to empower clients with more flexible access to cross-border settlement mechanisms. Source: Xinhua.
Alongside these structural changes, Sberbank has placed significant emphasis on modern information technology and the deployment of artificial intelligence technologies. The institution views AI as a driver of efficiency, risk control, and customer experience, supporting a wide range of back-office tasks and front-line services. The bank’s strategic plan includes ongoing investments in data analytics, automation, and smart decision-making tools designed to support rapid responses to market changes and regulatory developments. Source: Xinhua.
In another notable development, Sberbank and the Havana Science and Technology Park are advancing collaboration in the field of AI. This partnership signals an interest in cross-border innovation ecosystems, seeking to blend Russia’s financial expertise with Cuban research and development capabilities. The joint efforts are described as a platform for shared learning, technology transfer, and the exploration of new AI-driven financial services, potentially expanding the bank’s technological repertoire while opening doors to regional experimentation. Source: Xinhua.