Central Bank to Require Banks to Disclose Anonymized Data on Ownership Structure
The Bank of Russia has announced plans to introduce a new system for disclosing ownership data in the financial sector. Starting in 2027, institutions will be required to publish anonymised details about their structures. The move aims to improve market transparency while protecting individual identities.
Preparations for the system are already underway, with the central bank targeting completion by 31 December 2025. Implementation will then begin no earlier than 1 January 2026, though enforcement will not start until 1 April 2027. The necessary regulatory acts must first be drafted and approved.
Under the new rules, each financial institution will have a public profile containing anonymised ownership information. The Bank of Russia will generate these profiles using existing data and publish them on its website, updating them as changes occur. Companies will answer a standardised form with 12 fixed criteria, responding with 'yes', 'no', or 'not applicable'. Firms will still have a choice: they can either adopt the anonymised format or continue disclosing full details under the old system. The central bank has emphasised that the approach balances transparency with privacy, ensuring high-quality market information without revealing personal identities.
The system will roll out gradually, with full enforcement expected by April 2027. Financial institutions must prepare for the new disclosure requirements, which will apply alongside existing rules. The Bank of Russia will maintain and update the published data as ownership structures change over time.
