Central Bank of Russia proposes phased increase in minimum bank capital to RUB 3 billion for universal licences and RUB 1 billion for basic licences

The Central Bank of Russia has published a consultation paper proposing higher minimum capital requirements for banks. The minimum for banks with a universal licence would rise from RUB 1 billion to RUB 3 billion and for banks with a basic licence from RUB 0.3 billion to RUB 1 billion, reflecting the growth and complexity of banking activity since the current thresholds were introduced in 2018 and the need for larger investment in information technology. For existing banks, the new minima would be phased in from 1 January 2028 to 1 January 2030. Universal-licence banks would move to RUB 1.5 billion, RUB 2 billion and RUB 3 billion over those three years, while basic-licence banks would move to RUB 0.5 billion, RUB 0.7 billion and RUB 1 billion. Banks licensed after 1 January 2028 would have to meet the full 2030 thresholds immediately. The paper also considers whether, within banking groups, the RUB 3 billion minimum should apply only to the parent credit institution and not to other group members, and notes that a special approach could be discussed for banks forming associations based on the Alliance model if the legal framework is prepared. The Central Bank of Russia plans to prepare amendments to the Law On Banks and Banking Activities in the first half of 2027 so the new requirements can take effect from 1 January 2028. Feedback on the consultation paper is invited until 3 July 2026.