Russia’s VTB Bank Turns to Homegrown AI to Protect Customers

In Russia, VTB Bank is deploying unique artificial intelligence algorithms to protect clients from fraudsters. The in-house system analyzes user behavior in real time and can detect both hacking attempts and psychological manipulation when a customer is tricked into voluntarily transferring money.

The new security system, presented at the international Kazan Digital Week 2025 forum, marks a significant milestone for Russian fintech. Its relevance extends beyond Russia, as the world faces increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals. The adoption of such technologies sets a high standard for creating a safe digital environment for millions of users.

Vadim Kulik, deputy president and chairman of VTB’s management board, emphasized that the bank deliberately moved away from off-the-shelf foreign solutions in favor of proprietary technology. The bank’s AI works holistically: it assesses not only transactions and app operations but also a wide range of data—from socio-demographic information to financial profiles and personal habits. If the algorithm identifies unusual behavior—such as sudden large transfers to strangers or suspicious account activity—it reacts instantly. The case is immediately escalated to bank specialists, who contact the client to verify the transaction.

This capability is especially critical in combating social engineering, a tactic where criminals bypass systems and instead deceive people into making transactions themselves. Such attacks are notoriously difficult to detect using standard methods, but the AI system is learning to flag them.

Developing proprietary protection systems is not only about security but also about Russia’s technological sovereignty. The move toward domestic algorithms is becoming a defining trend, strengthening the country’s fintech presence on the global stage and showcasing its ability to create competitive, effective solutions.