The Central Bank of Russia announced that, from 1 September 2025, individuals will be able to connect a “helping hand” service that allows a relative or friend to confirm or reject fund transfers that appear suspicious. The appointed helper will not receive access to the account or the ability to carry out transactions independently. The measure is positioned as protection for vulnerable customers, especially older people, and as a way to strengthen parental oversight of teenagers’ transfers, which may be exploited in “dropper” schemes. After notification, the helper will have 12 hours to confirm or reject a transaction. Only the customer can initiate connection of the service, with each bank determining its own connection process; if the customer rejects the service, the bank must disconnect it within 24 hours. The procedure applies to fund transfers, including card-based transfers, transfers via the Faster Payments System, and cash withdrawals.
Central Bank of Russia 2025-08-25
Central Bank of Russia enables customers to appoint a trusted helper to approve or block suspicious transactions
Starting 1 September 2025, the Central Bank of Russia will launch a "helping hand" service, enabling a designated relative or friend to confirm or reject suspicious fund transfers. This aims to protect vulnerable customers, especially the elderly, and enhance parental oversight of teenagers' transactions. The service covers various fund transfers, including card-based and Faster Payments System transactions, with banks managing the connection process.