TITLE: Russia's Central Bank Clarifies Borrower Debt-to-Income Calculation Rules
BODY:
On March 25, 2026, the Bank of Russia announced updated rules for calculating borrower debt-to-income ratios, effective April 1, 2026, as outlined in Bank of Russia Directive No. 7286-U.
The directive implements stricter requirements for income verification when assessing borrower creditworthiness. Banks and microfinance organisations (MFOs) can now use account statements only to confirm salary, pensions, social benefits, and rental income. All other income sources must be supported by additional documentation, such as certificates for investment or securities income. Internal income assessment models previously approved by the Bank of Russia will no longer be accepted for new applications from April 1, 2026. Models approved before this date may continue to be used for one year from approval; thereafter, creditors must obtain supporting documentation from borrowers to account for alternative income sources.
For individual entrepreneurs, self-issued income documents are no longer acceptable from April 1, 2026. They may instead provide tax declarations and accounting records. The simplified approach—where borrowers declare income without documentation—remains available but will be progressively restricted. Currently, declared income is capped at the regional average income per capita according to Rosstat data. From July 1, 2026, an additional 10 percent discount will be applied to declared income. The Bank of Russia plans to completely eliminate the simplified approach by July 1, 2027, requiring only officially verified income for debt-to-income calculations.
Banks and MFOs retain access to a broad range of income documentation from state information systems or directly from borrowers, including tax certificates and salary account statements.
REFERENCES:
Bank of Russia. "С 1 апреля 2026 года уточняются правила расчета долговой нагрузки заемщика" [From April 1, 2026, Rules for Calculating Borrower Debt Load Are Clarified]. March 25, 2026. www.cbr.ru