The Central Bank of the Russian Federation has published the roster of 13 systemically important credit institutions for 2023, confirming continuity with the banks that held this status in the two preceding years. This confirmation was communicated by the regulator through the organizer’s website, underscoring the ongoing concentration of financial strength within a relatively small group of lenders. The central bank’s designation signals heightened oversight and a recognition that these institutions play a pivotal role in the stability of the broader banking system.
On the approved list, the major players include Sberbank, VTB, Gazprombank, Otkritie, Rosselkhozbank, Promsvyazbank, Alfa-Bank, MKB, Sovcombank, Tinkoff Bank, UniCredit Bank, Raiffeisenbank, and Rosbank. Collectively, these 13 institutions account for roughly 78% of the assets managed by the entire Russian banking sector, highlighting how the health of the system is closely tied to the performance and risk management posture of a relatively small number of lenders. The central bank emphasizes that the designation of systemically important banks is intended to preserve financial stability, ensure resilience in the face of shocks, and maintain confidence among depositors and investors. These banks are subject to heightened capital requirements, closer supervision, and more stringent risk controls, reinforcing the safeguards that support everyday payments, credit, and financial intermediation across the economy.
Historically, the list saw a modest expansion in 2021 when Tinkoff Bank was added to the ranks, reflecting evolving market structures and the strategic importance institutions ascribed to growth trajectories and client base diversification. The central bank has signaled its intention to further clarify the criteria used to classify banks as systemically important, aiming for greater transparency and predictability in how institutions are evaluated. This ongoing refinement underscores a commitment to aligning supervisory frameworks with shifting market dynamics while maintaining a stable regulatory environment that supports sustainable lending, liquidity management, and orderly resolution planning if ever needed.
In parallel with supervisory designations, the Central Bank of Russia has, as of late September, provided updates on the broader integrity of the financial system by reporting on the extent of illegal withdrawal of funds from the country. The regulator noted that, in 2023, the level of unauthorized capital outflow remained at a historical minimum when measured against the previous year’s benchmark, roughly comparable to the period spanning January to June 2022, during which about 12 billion rubles were recorded as lost to improper transfers. This finding carries important implications for both the perception of financial security and the practical effectiveness of anti-fraud measures in a period of economic uncertainty and regulatory tightening. It reflects ongoing efforts to monitor and curb illicit financial activity, reinforce controls around fund flows, and protect the integrity of the banking sector for everyday customers and businesses alike.
Alongside these developments, a separate stream of regulator communications has focused on fraud schemes that evolve with market conditions. The Central Bank has cautioned stakeholders about new patterns of fraud and the need for prudent oversight as criminals adapt to digital channels, instant transfers, and increasingly sophisticated misrepresentations. In light of these advisories, banks and regulatory bodies are urged to maintain robust customer verification practices, strengthen transaction monitoring, and promote awareness initiatives that help the public recognize suspicious activity. The overarching message remains clear: preserving trust in the financial system requires vigilance, proactive risk management, and a cooperative approach between banks, the central bank, and customers who rely on safe, reliable access to banking services every day.