Russian banking sector profits should be slightly over 3 trln rubles in 2025 - Central Bank Governor Nabiullina

MOSCOW. Oct 29 (Interfax) - Russian banking sector profits will be lower in 2025 than in 2024, totaling just over 3 trillion rubles, Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina said.

"We believe profits will be somewhere around maybe 3 trillion plus, perhaps slightly lower than last year. It is difficult to say exactly how much right now," Nabiullina said in the Federation Council.

Nabiullina said that despite the decline in profits, this source is sufficient to maintain capital. "This is the main way they [banks] should direct their profits," she emphasized.

She said that of the 2.7 trillion rubles earned in the first nine months of 2025, banks have directed 1 trillion rubles into capital.

"Directing [banks' profits] into capital is like investing in machine tools and so on for industries in the real sector. This is what allows for credit growth," Nabiullina said.

"In our view, all banks remain stable and can meet all the necessary standards for this stability while simultaneously increasing lending. This profit is sufficient," Nabiullina said.