Though several banks issue proprietary domestic debit cards, nearly all cards are internationally-branded. Visa predominates, with market share close to 80%.
Central bank figures show that only 49% of cards issued are classed as active.
The four largest banks account for two-thirds of banking sector assets. All needed government support as a result of the credit crunch.
Of the top 10 banks, ATF and Kaspi are foreign-controlled, by UniCredit and Baring Vostock respectively. The market share of foreign banks is only 15% of banking sector assets. From Russia, Sberbank and VTB are keen to expand. |