12:23, 24 January 2026

A Russian Bank Puts Lending on a Digital Assembly Line

In 2025, Databank rolled out a fully digital credit pipeline and new anti-fraud systems, streamlining loans while tightening security against increasingly sophisticated scams.

In 2025, Russia’s Databank focused heavily on digital technologies designed to make everyday banking simpler and safer for customers. The bank introduced new anti-fraud rules and a so-called “credit conveyor,” a fully digital system for processing consumer loans. The changes were aimed at closing security gaps actively exploited by fraudsters and reducing friction in routine financial operations.

The most visible updates were those customers experienced directly. According to Databank CEO Andrey Ponomarev, the bank concentrated on services that simplify daily procedures while strengthening weak points in digital security.

Fighting Fraud With Smarter Systems

“In 2025, Databank made protecting customers from a growing wave of fraud a top priority by introducing new anti-fraud rules for remote services,” Ponomarev said.

The updated system analyzes transactions differently than before. It detects unusual customer behavior more quickly, correlates a larger set of signals, and can block suspicious actions before users suffer financial losses. As a result, the bank significantly reduced risks for its customers.

“Fraudsters constantly change their tactics and increasingly involve people in so-called ‘dropper’ schemes. This is no longer about isolated cases—it’s a continuous flow,” Ponomarev said. “That means banking technology has to evolve without pause. These upgrades helped us reduce risks and maintain customer trust in our digital services.”

Loans, Automated

One of the most practical projects launched in 2025 was Databank’s digital credit pipeline for individual customers.

Loan application reviews moved fully online and became significantly simpler. Customers no longer need to collect large document packages, and the process has largely eliminated paper. Credit decisions are made faster, and approvals no longer stretch on for weeks.

The bank also launched paperless mortgage processing that allows customers to use maternity capital, becoming the second bank in the Udmurt Republic to implement such a system.

“For families, this means less waiting and faster access to funds,” Ponomarev said. “For the bank, it means more transparent, technology-driven internal processes and far less manual work for employees.”

What Comes Next

Financial technology continues to evolve rapidly, and Databank plans to keep pace. In 2026, the bank intends to actively develop a unified biometric system to simplify user identification when logging into apps and accessing services. The challenge, Ponomarev noted, is balancing convenience with increasingly strict security requirements.

Databank also plans to expand services built on Russia’s Faster Payments System (SBP). In the near future, the bank will launch a new contactless payment technology called Volna, which enables payments via Bluetooth. At the same time, Databank plans to continue expanding its portfolio of remote services for both individual and business customers.

A Digital Bank for Younger Users

Another focus area is the mobile app My School Card, which is set to receive a major update. The redesign is based on ideas proposed by students during the Cyberformula hackathon. New features will include spending controls and support for different user roles within the app.

Over the past few years, Russia’s banking sector has undergone a rapid technological transformation. Digital financial—and especially payment—services have not only reshaped the domestic market but are increasingly positioning themselves for international expansion.

Digital economy