THE CENTRAL BANK OF RUSSIA (CBR) sparked a mini banking crisis last month after it used new anti-money laundering laws for the first time to strip a bank of its licence.

Jules Stewart reports on the main points raised at The Banker’s Banking on Russia conference.
Three leading market participants addressed a conference on Russian banking organised by The Banker on May 24 to review progress made in reforming the sector and assess the outlook for future progress.

The Ukrainian and Russian parliaments ratified an agreement, at the end of April, to create a free-trade Unified Economic Area (UEA). The pact, tying the two fast-growing economies more closely together, has forged the European Union of the east.

With a new presidential term for Vladimir Putin and crucial administrative reforms underway, Ben Aris considers the future shape of Russia’s over-banked financial system.

As the economic good times roll in Russia, foreign banks are either bolstering their current operations or looking for a way in, says Geraldine Lambe.

Despite concerns over the wisdom of letting a state bank manage Russia’s pension fund, profits so far have been promising. Ben Aris reports from Moscow.

Despite its shortcomings, Russia’s banking sector appears to be stable enough to avoid a systemic crisis, even when faced with a worsening foreign economic environment. Andrey Kostin, CEO of Vneshtorgbank, explains.

Ben Aris reports on the expected repercussions of President Putin’s re-election.

A flourishing economy is allowing the average Russian to enjoy a hitherto-unknown lifestyle, a fact which hasn’t escaped the notice of the bank and loan men. Ben Aris reports.

Russian banks that used to primarily focus on large corporate customers are now looking at the retail business as a key element of their market strategies.