The amount of corporate loans provided by banks in Russia, including bonds, increased by 1.9% in April, following a 0.4% rise in March, according to a May 27 update. Banks were actively issuing ruble-denominated loans to companies across various industries during this period. On an annualized basis, the corporate loan portfolio grew by ₽12.1 trillion or 12.8%, compared to a ₽11.5 trillion or 12.4% increase in March.
Preliminary data show that households’ outstanding mortgages gained 0.4% in April, slightly up from the previous month’s 0.3%. The proportion of subsidised mortgages remained steady at about 60% of total new mortgages and increased by ₽2.3 trillion or 10.5% annually, consistent with the previous month’s figures.
The consumer loan portfolio was virtually unchanged for the month (+0.1%), compared to a +0.4% change in March, and decreased by ₽0.3 trillion or 2.3% on an annualized basis (down ₽0.4 trillion or −3.1% in March). Households’ bank deposits rose significantly by 1.7%, reversing a marginal decline of -0.01% seen in March; this was partly attributed to early pension payments and social benefit indexation.
Corporate funds held with banks saw a modest gain of 0.3%, after having dropped by 3.3% during March when companies made substantial tax payments.
The Russian banking sector reported profits totaling ₽348 billion for April, representing a decrease of 22% from March levels; however, the total financial result reached ₽369 billion due to positive revaluation of debt securities recognized directly in equity.
According to the official website, the Bank of Russia serves as the sole issuer and manager of national cash circulation—including cash reaching approximately 18.6 trillion rubles—operates independently under federal property status, with leadership comprising a governor and deputy governors alongside specialized departments, aims for financial stability, and publishes official documents such as annual reports for public access.
