The Central Bank of Russia published an overview of microfinance organisations (MFOs) specialising in business financing, reporting that business microloans increased by 29% year on year in 2025 H1, with growth mainly driven by lending to sellers on marketplaces. Marketplace sellers accounted for 44% of microloans issued by this MFO segment and typically use short-term borrowing to bridge cash flow gaps. These loans are repaid quickly, boosting disbursements but contributing less to portfolio growth because average loan sizes are significantly smaller than in other business segments. The portfolio remains dominated by larger microloans supporting socially important projects under government SME support programmes, and the report notes a planned increase in the maximum business microloan amount from RUB 5 million to RUB 15 million. Collateralisation remains high, with 70% of the business microloan portfolio secured by property, sureties, or bank guarantees.
Central Bank of Russia 2025-10-16
Central Bank of Russia reports 29% rise in business microloans from MFOs driven by marketplace sellers
The Central Bank of Russia reported a 29% increase in business microloans by microfinance organisations (MFOs) in H1 2025, driven by lending to marketplace sellers. Marketplace sellers accounted for 44% of these loans, which are typically short-term and quickly repaid. The report highlights a planned increase in the maximum business microloan amount from RUB 5 million to RUB 15 million, with 70% of the portfolio secured by collateral.