VTB Clients Can Now Set Personal Limits on Online Transactions

Expanding User Control as a Security Strategy

VTB customers can configure the feature directly in the VTB Online mobile application. Once the preset threshold is reached, additional authentication is required. Depending on the device’s technical capabilities, confirmation may involve biometric verification, an SMS code or NFC-based validation. The restriction does not apply to transfers between a customer’s own accounts or to scheduled automatic payments. As a result, the feature complements existing security limits within the mobile banking ecosystem rather than disrupting routine transactions.

The update targets VTB’s client base, which exceeded 25 million customers as of 2025. Research indicates that roughly 70 percent of Russian residents express interest in tools that provide personal control over financial transactions. Expanding such mechanisms strengthens the protection of retail payments and increases overall trust in digital banking platforms. Globally, similar capabilities reflect a broader shift toward giving users more granular control over the security of their assets in online environments.

Prioritizing Financial Integrity

Growing demand for personalized security controls creates potential for attracting new customers, particularly when combined with integration into anti-fraud systems. For individuals who prioritize safeguarding their savings, the ability to define transaction thresholds introduces an additional protective layer against unauthorized transfers.

For full implementation, banks must ensure strong customer engagement in configuring limits and guarantee uninterrupted operation of all authentication mechanisms, including biometric systems. Any disruption in verification processes could undermine the protective value of the feature.

In the future, VTB plans to extend the solution to the corporate segment and integrate it with state identification systems. Additional development may include expanding control across various transaction types and payment channels, reinforcing the digital security of Russia’s financial infrastructure.

Based on fourth-quarter results, we see a certain trend toward a decline in fraudulent activity. However, over the full year there has been growth, and we are focused on countering it. We have already piloted new mechanisms with several banks so they can receive risk indicators more effectively, incorporate them into their fraud monitoring systems and suspend suspicious transactions. We will keep advancing this effort

Georgy Dorofeev

Deputy Director of the Operations and Technology Department, National Payment Card System

Financial Crime and Systemic Response

According to the Central Bank of Russia, fraudsters are increasingly exploiting the System of Fast Payments, known as SBP, instead of traditional payment cards. In response, regulators and financial institutions are working to strengthen coordination between credit organizations and the National Payment Card System. The goal is to develop unified approaches to counter emerging fraud schemes.

The Central Bank permitted customers to voluntarily restrict online transactions as early as 2022, including setting maximum amounts for single transactions or cumulative limits over a defined period. Banks were required to provide such services free of charge upon customer request. At that time, institutions such as Sberbank, VTB and Gazprombank already offered options for independently setting transaction limits.

Banks in Europe and the United States have long provided comparable functionality in online banking platforms. For example, Swedbank clients can view and modify payment limits within a unified digital interface, including daily and monthly caps, instant payment thresholds and account-level restrictions. OCBC Singapore’s online banking includes a “Transaction Limit Management” feature that allows customers to adjust limits for local transfers, eNETS and other payment types.

Broad Adoption and Regulatory Outlook

The new feature in the VTB Online app addresses rising demand for deeper oversight of personal financial security. Introducing a customizable control mechanism within digital banking increases confidence in online transactions and contributes to lowering fraud risk, reinforcing the broader movement toward user-centric financial security tools.

Experts anticipate that leading Russian banks will introduce similar options, alongside upgrades to user interfaces for managing transaction limits. The next stage in risk automation is expected to involve integration with anti-fraud analytics and artificial intelligence systems. Over the long term, personal transaction security management could become an industry standard, potentially prompting updates to regulatory requirements for banks.