Kuzbass explained why cash is becoming more, and ATMs less

At the forum of the Association of Banks of Russia, the representative of Sberbank Alexei Ponomarenko said: the population has more cash, and ATMs and branches are less. Banks used to think cash would soon disappear, he said, but that didn't happen.

“The number of ATMs and offices is declining. At the same time, cash in circulation becomes more, but in stores they do not become more. So people keep money at home, Ponomarenko said.

He noted that Sberbank began to store more cash in its offices in the regions. Now the bank can work without delivery of money for 2-3 weeks. This is due to transportation difficulties, including fuel problems.

Ponomarenko proposed to think in advance who will help banks if they have problems with cash. In his opinion, we need a “plan B”: other banks, large regional organizations or carriers RosINKAS and Spetssvyaz. He believes that crises often occur in specific regions, and it is better to prepare for them in advance.

Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank Sergey Belov added: people want to keep cash on hand because they are afraid of interruptions with communication, electricity or non-cash payment. Small businesses also use cash more often. But the share of cash is now 15% - less than 20% in 2022. The Central Bank has launched a NDB program, through which banks help store and process cash. In 2026, it will have 215 participants.

For Kuzbass, this is important, because we have many remote villages. If there are fewer ATMs, it will be more difficult for people to withdraw money.