Russia’s Central Bank to Probe AI’s Market Impact by 2028

- Study to evaluate AI’s impact on finance and economy from 2026–2028. - Focus includes financial stability, labor markets, and regulatory shifts. On February 17, 2026, TASS reported that the Bank of Russia plans a three-year study from 2026 to 2028 to examine the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on financial markets and decision-making processes. This initiative will explore the challenges and opportunities that AI technologies pose to the Russian economy, with a focus on their macroeconomic implications. The study will evaluate how AI transforms the economic structure, fosters innovation, and boosts productivity, while also examining its potential to reshape labor market dynamics and worsen income inequality. In addition, a central part of the research will analyze AI's broader implications for financial stability as it revolutionizes decision-making across the financial sector. Consequently, policymakers expect the findings to reveal both the risks and benefits that will shape the future of integrating AI into the economy. This study is part of the Bank of Russia’s broader strategy to incorporate AI into the domestic economy, wherein the bank aims to strike a balance between government intervention and market-based self-regulation. Furthermore, the research will examine AI's transformative impact on regulatory approaches by investigating both the opportunities and limitations of using the technology to effectively oversee industries and services. The announcement aligns with recent statements from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who described AI as a double-edged sword and emphasized the need for domestic development to maintain technological sovereignty. This research follows earlier government initiatives to prioritize AI development, such as creating a national task force and collaborating with international partners. The project underscores the significant and growing influence of AI on global financial systems and reflects Russia’s strategic interest in harnessing the technology's potential while mitigating its associated risks. Ultimately, the study’s findings will guide policymakers on how to leverage AI to drive economic growth and address challenges related to financial stability and equity.