Russia banking innovator resigns
A key architect of Russia’s digital payment systems, Olga Skorobogatova, has stepped down as First Deputy Governor of the central bank after a decade of contributions.
Olga Skorobogatova, First Deputy Governor of Russia’s central bank and a driving force behind the country’s digital payments system, has resigned. Joining the central bank in 2014, Skorobogatova spearheaded major digital initiatives, including the development of the digital rouble and a domestic payment infrastructure that proved critical during Western sanctions after the Ukraine conflict began in 2022.
The central bank praised her strategic vision and technological expertise, which allowed Russia’s financial system to withstand global pressures. “Her contributions have built a payment infrastructure of significant national value,” the bank stated. Skorobogatova, who had previously worked for Societe Generale’s Russian division, will be replaced by her former deputy, Zulfia Kakhrumanova.
The resignation marks the end of a tenure for Skorobogatova, who played a key role in shielding Russia’s financial sector from international sanctions and modernising its banking capabilities. Despite her success, she remains under US sanctions for her role in managing the nation’s financial response to geopolitical challenges.