The Central Bank is developing an experimental legal regime (ELR) that will allow banks to conclude service agreements via video link. Three sources close to financial organizations and IT companies told Vedomosti about this. The development of the mechanism was confirmed by Aleksandr Naumov, deputy chairman of the National Council of the Financial Market.
A representative of the Central Bank declined to comment, the journalists said. However, as Naumov explained, the parameters of the ELR are currently being coordinated with relevant agencies, including Rosfinmonitoring, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Digital Development. The NSFR expects to complete the coordination in the first half of 2026. It is expected that this will allow banks to begin testing the new format before the end of the year.
According to the publication, market participants have worked out standard scenarios for opening accounts via video link, as well as requirements for the use of domestic video conferencing systems. Particular attention is being paid to security: the draft describes possible risks and anti-fraud measures, including the use of existing banking anti-fraud technologies.
Restrictions within the ELR are also being discussed. For example, access to video identification may be granted only to certain categories of clients, and limits on transactions and balances may be set for accounts. At the same time, market participants propose easing requirements for low-risk operations, such as opening accounts for individual entrepreneurs.
Major banks have already shown interest in the experiment — VTB, Alfa-Bank, Rosselkhozbank, and other players. The Ministry of Economic Development believes that such initiatives could reduce banks' costs and expand their geographic reach, although no official proposal has yet been submitted to the ministry. The Ministry of Digital Development also said that it is ready to consider the document after receiving it.
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