Lead

The Bank of Russia expects to complete an appraisal of the market value of the National System of Payment Cards (NSPC) by the end of this year, according to Alla Bakina, director of the Central Bank's department, speaking on the sidelines of the Financial Congress in St. Petersburg. The appraisal would precede any substantive negotiations on selling part of the central bank's stake in the payment system to the market.

Coverage Comparison

Two separate reports from TASS cover this story. In the first, Bakina detailed the timeline and process for the appraisal and potential sale. In the second, Sovcombank's press service confirmed the bank's readiness to participate in the privatization. Both reports attribute the central bank's plans to Bakina and the bank's interest to its press service.

Key Claims

  • The Bank of Russia plans to complete an appraisal of the NSPC's market value by the end of the year. Bakina said the bank is currently in communication with market players and expects to have the appraisal in hand before discussing specific proposals.
  • The central bank sees a sufficiently high level of interest in the potential sale, based on consultations with various market participants, including banks, platforms, and technology players. Bakina said she believes the deal could be completed next year.
  • There is currently a possibility for the Bank of Russia to sell 50% minus one share of its stake in NSPC to the market. Bakina noted that the method of selling is clear in terms of implementation and timing, and that legislation already provides for such an opportunity.
  • Sovcombank is ready to take part in the privatization of NSPC, according to its press service. The bank's statement was brief, confirming its willingness to participate without providing further details.
Bakina also emphasized the importance of increasing market participants' involvement in the further development of the payment system, including jointly determining key areas of NSPC evolution and making joint decisions on tariff policy. "Further business development is indeed very important to be carried out in closer interaction with market players," she said.