Banks have increased financing for small and medium-sized businesses against the backdrop of declining rates.

      September 1, 2026 16:52 Economy Lending to the small and medium-sized business segment in Russia continues to grow. For example, VTB reported a 70% year-on-year increase in loans issued to this segment in the first half of 2026, reaching 1.45 trillion rubles — data was provided at the Eastern Economic Forum by bank board member Ruslan Yeremenko. The bank's credit portfolio for clients in this segment increased by the end of the half-year, while the share of investment loans remained at 33% of the total volume of issuances. In the sectoral structure of the portfolio, construction, trade, industry, the agro-industrial complex, and services lead; the largest growth in share since the beginning of the year was shown by housing and utilities, education, insurance, IT, and logistics. According to Yeremenko, over the past year, the bank has gradually reduced interest rates on loans for small and medium-sized businesses against the backdrop of the easing of the monetary policy of the Bank of Russia. "The availability of borrowed financing directly affects the investment activity of entrepreneurs, and as the monetary policy is eased, this effect will become increasingly pronounced," noted Yeremenko. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+