Artificial intelligence may get a new role in banking operations. For example, not just answering customer questions, but independently performing actions related to payments. The Bank of Russia is exploring the possibility of using AI agents in this area, said Anton Stepanov, Head of the Artificial Intelligence Expertise Center of the Financial Technologies Department of the Central Bank.

The Bank of Russia previously explained that the development of such systems requires consideration of the associated risks, including due to their greater autonomy.

AI itself is already being used by Russian financial organizations. According to a Bank of Russia survey of 252 organizations conducted in 2025, approximately one in five uses the technology on an ongoing basis, and another 15% are testing pilot projects. About a third of participants plan to implement AI into their business processes within three years.

The regulator, however, adheres to a risk-oriented and technologically neutral approach. Among the conditions for the further development of AI in the financial market, the Central Bank names trust in the technology and data availability. Discussed measures include the development of trusted intermediaries for voluntary data exchange and joint development of AI models, as well as technologies for enhancing information confidentiality.

AI agents are also being implemented in practice. For example, in September 2026, T-Investitsii allowed external AI agents to connect to brokerage accounts. They can receive quotes, analyze portfolios, and prepare or execute user orders. However, fully independent trading is not allowed — operations are only possible during an active session, and the final decision on a transaction remains with the human.