Russia’s financial sector is changing as new infrastructure and development projects materialise, overseas funding is provided to friendly nations, and the landscape changes as regards use of currencies into addition to shifts in the way in which capital is used, from QR codes to Crypto all driving new regulatory and Central Bank guidelines. Navigate Russia’s financial landscape. Get analysis on the banking sector, investment mechanisms, currency exchange, and capital markets for businesses operating and investing in Russia.
Russia’s VTB bank has launched its QR code payment service to Indonesia and the Philippines. Both are increasingly popular with Russian tourists, with the system avoiding Western payment mechanisms with direct debit from Russian clients’ ruble bank accounts at the prevailing exchange rate from the relevant local store in rupiah or pesos. There is no commission on the transaction.
Aeroflot have purchased the 49% stake in Russia’s largest in-flight catering company, Aeromar, from Germany’s Lufthansa. The deal is noteworthy as Aeroflot is sanctioned, while Aeromar’s recent performance saw it make losses. Aeroflot will be expected to turn the business around and back into profitability under all Russian investment and management. Aeroflot’s international passenger flight capacity increased by 8.9% in Q1 this year.
The Russian and Turkish Presidents have met in Bishkek, with central discussions focussing on nuclear energy, tourism and the agricultural sectors. We examine these and look at the threat of secondary sanctions hanging over Ankara despite Turkiye being a member of NATO.
The Russian and Iranian Presidents have met in Bishkek to discuss issues concerning conflicts with the United States, security, rail connectivity, economic development, finance and trade. We examine the issues at hand and what potentially lies ahead in terms of diplomatic meetings to resolve issues.
The Russian President, Vladimir Putin has met with Indian Prime Minister Modi with both delegations holding substantial talks in Bishkek. Apart from the usual diplomacy, discussions included nuclear power, rail and aviation, military cooperation, finance and a free trade agreement. We details what was said and the likely results.
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The Russian and Chinese Presidents and their delegations have met in Bishkek. We discuss issues raised about nuclear energy and finance, along with a proposed Trilateral Summit between Presidents Trump, Xi and Putin potentially being held in November.
The Russian Finance Minister, Anton Siluanov, has been attending the G20 annual Finance Ministers meetings in North Carolina, the first time a Russian delegation has been present since 2022. We examine what was discussed, the global economic policy outcomes and Russia’s current status in global economic affairs.
Your Guide to Russia’s Eastern Economic Forum, which starts on September 1 in Vladivostok. This is the premier event showcasing Russia’s real engagement with the entire Asian region. We deep dive what is happening, who is attending, the main themes and investment drivers, and why this is one of the most important and influential events of the year as concerns Russia’s Pivot To Asia. This is essential reading for anyone involved in Russia’s growing Asian and Far Eastern presence.
The 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Heads of State summit commences on Tuesday, September 1 in Bishkek. With participants including Russia, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and host Kyrgyzstan, together with leaders from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Laos, Mongolia and Turkiye as well as the United Nations, the SCO is responsible for 36% of all global trade and 42% of the global population. We discuss the agenda and likely outcomes.
The Russian and Belarus Presidents have met this past weekend in Moscow, with Putin saying that 2026 bilateral trade has increased by 12.5%. We examine their trade and investment data and look at growth sectors and where the opportunities are.
The 2026 Russia-China “Sprouts” business forum has just concluded in Kazan with 21 major agreements and multiple investment MoUs signed. We detail the significance of this event, the deals agreed and how this sets a new path for the development of Russia-China bilateral investments.
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