What the head of Sberbank German Gref did not agree with the Central Bank
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The head of Sberbank once again argued with representatives of the Central Bank: this time German Gref spoke out against the introduction of a single QR code for making payments. The regulator proposed creating such a system in the fall of 2023. In turn, the head of Sberbank believes that the widespread implementation of only one system will be “the most negative decision” that the Central Bank can take, and will lead to companies losing interest in innovation. How justified is this opinion? Vladislav Viktorov sorted it out.
The Central Bank first announced plans to create a single QR code in November last year. The first deputy chairman of the regulator, Olga Skorobogatova, stated that now people are getting lost at checkouts due to the fact that they are offered to pay for goods and services with dozens of different codes. A single service could fix this, the Central Bank believes. Moreover, the Mir card operator, NSPK, controlled by the regulator, planned to participate in its development.
But not all banks were ready for this. For example, Sberbank already stated that it was against everything “united”, since it was more reminiscent of a monopoly. And on February 28, the head of the organization, German Gref, said that if such a service appeared, it would be a “colossal mistake” of the Central Bank.
Executive Director of the National Payment Association Maria Mikhailova agrees with this: “The regulator should not offer one single technology, because this really kills any sense in innovation. We see this very well in the payment market. We have only one payment system left, and there is virtually no fintech in this area.
It’s like the Bank of Russia says: “Here is my mandatory service, but if you want, do something else.” But no one can compete with the regulator, except maybe Sberbank, and even then it’s already becoming a bit difficult for them.”
Sber’s concerns are understandable: the bank already has a similar “Pay QR” service. According to German Gref, other organizations are actively joining him. For example, of all the major players, only VTB is not connected to it. A, as noted by Kommersantalready in the summer of 2023, the indicators of the Fast Payment System from the Central Bank and “Pay QR” were comparable in terms of the number of transactions completed.
It is logical that Sber does not want investments in the project to be in vain, noted independent economic expert Semyon Novoprudsky: “Of course, this is due, first of all, to the fact that Sberbank established this service and invested significant money in it. Of course, he would like to preserve it in the form in which it was created or maybe even develop it.
That is, it is simply, in a good sense, some jealousy and reluctance to unify.
After all, the bank, which also remains the most advanced in terms of its range of payment methods, does not want everyone who did not create it to have the opportunity to compete with it.”
At the same time, some market players last year called the QR code payment system an outdated technology. In particular, PSB Senior Vice President Alexander Chernoshchekin noted that it loses, for example, to the application of a gadget. But in general, the variety of payment services has a positive effect on the market, noted Artem Genkin, general director of the Consulting and Analytical Union. According to him, the Central Bank should not compete with banks, but pay attention to another problem:
“The primary reason for the desire for unification is an attempt to avoid abuse by various banks that replace QR codes, that is, mislead the consumer. And as a result, he does not understand what solution he is using or he is left with no choice. It would be logical to fight against this root cause and establish meaningful punishment for players if they deceive consumers. And this would be a necessary and sufficient measure to make it better for the people.”
The head of Sberbank, German Gref, said that he sent his proposals to the Central Bank and really hopes that the regulator will approach this issue in a “balanced” manner. Probably, a reaction from the Central Bank should follow in the near future, since in November, First Deputy Chairman Olga Skorobogatova stated that they would need about three months to understand exactly how to create a unified QR code.
Everything is clear with us – Telegram channel “Kommersant FM”.
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