Fresh limitations on withdrawing cash: no more than 50,000 rubles per day
Russia's Central Bank to Crack Down on Cash Withdrawals from September 2025
Starting September 1, 2025, Russian banks will impose stringent limits on cash withdrawals from ATMs. Certain clients will face daily limits of no more than 50,000 rubles.
This move is linked to the implementation of Law No 41-FZ, passed on April 1, 2025. The law mandates banks to scrutinize transactions for signs of fraud before dispensing cash.
So, how will this work? Before handing out cash, banks will verify if clients are under the influence of potential scammers. This will be achieved using a specialized checklist (details to be published on the Central Bank’s website).
If a system detects suspicious activity, the bank will:
- Limit cash dispensal to 50,000 rubles a day for 48 hours;
- Inform the client of the reasons for the blockage.
According to the regulator, this move will give fraud victims time to reconsider and avoid handing money over to scammers.
Additional Measures
For clients listed in the Central Bank's database of fraudulent transactions, a monthly limit will be implemented - up to 100,000 rubles. This should make it difficult for stolen funds to be cashed out.
All new rules are aimed at fighting financial fraud and protecting citizens’ assets.
Photo: DELA
Note: Contrary to some misconceptions, the Central Bank of Russia has clarified that no universal 50,000-ruble cap on ATM withdrawals will be enforced starting September 1, 2025. However, a series of anti-fraud measures are being implemented as part of new legislation, likely involving enhanced transaction monitoring and stricter identity verification protocols, though specific operational details are yet to be specified.
Additional financial challenges and protections include:- Sanctions-driven constraints: Western sanctions impose restrictions on dealing with certain Russian banks in transferable securities and limit access to international payment systems like SWIFT, indirectly impacting domestic banking operations. No direct connection to ATM withdrawal policies has been confirmed.- Foreign exchange volatility: Russian exporters' reliance on trade credits due to payment bottlenecks has contributed to rouble fluctuations, potentially necessitating stricter capital controls to stabilize currency markets.- Compliance pressures: Banks face increased scrutiny under sanctions, requiring rigorous partner vetting and restrictions on transactions with sanctioned entities. This scrutiny may influence the development of domestic fraud detection frameworks.
While the Central Bank's clarification refutes universal withdrawal limits, the focus remains on fraud mitigation through regulatory tightening amid a challenging financial environment, which includes sanctions and currency volatility.
- The Central Bank's new measures will enforce daily cash withdrawal limits of up to 50,000 rubles starting September 1, 2025, as part of a crackdown on financial fraud.
- For clients identified in the Central Bank's database of fraudulent transactions, a monthly cash withdrawal limit of up to 100,000 rubles will be implemented.
- The finance industry, including banking and insurance sectors, will be affected by these enhanced anti-fraud measures being implemented in Russia starting September 2025.
- Personal-finance management may also be impacted as banks will scrutinize transactions for signs of fraud before dispensing cash, following the passed Law No 41-FZ.
- These regulatory changes align with the Central Bank's mission to protect citizens' assets from financial fraud amidst challenges such as sanctions, currency volatility, and increased compliance pressures.
