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Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Smaller Russian banks struggle for additional capital

Published: 09 December, 2011, 17:03

RIA Novosti / Alexey Kudenko RIA Novosti / Alexey Kudenko

TAGS: Russian economy, Banking, Finance

New Central Bank requirements for a minimum of capital could put dozens smaller Russian banks out of business. They have less than a month left to bring their capital up to mandatory 180 million rubles by January 1, 2012

­According to Bank of Russia’s data, 69 of 151 banks could have their licenses revoked if they fail to meet the requirement. Together they need about 3,5 billion roubles.

“If the banks fail to reach the required minimum of capital, they have to reorganize themselves intonon-bank credit companies or to shut down”, says Yury Kravchenko, analyst from the Veles Capital company.

But not all of these banks face serous risk. Smaller banks that feel a major lack of capital will have difficulties in reaching the required minimum, the analyst expects. “The owners have to use their own assets, because third part investors are usually not interested in them”, Mr Kravchenko added.

Banks who miss out the target by less than 10 million roubles, and those with deals in place to attract additional capital will be given 'mulligan' by the regulator.

Having survived this hurdle, the banks left operating after January 1, face an even bigger one. The Russian Government wants to almost double minimum capital to 300 million roubles by 2015.

Denis Sinyakov / Reuters Today: 14:03

While the EU struggles with the debt crisis which has almost spiralled out of control Russia is trying to distance itself by expanding export opportunities. Herbert Moos CFO of VTB says Russia will do well to learn from the EU experience.

RIA Novosti / Vitaly Belousov Today: 17:42

Russian mobile operator Megafon has bought Ugratel, the largest telecommunication company in the Ural region, for $80 million.


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