CEO: Sberbank to connect to rapid payment sys, but after Oct 1

VLADIVOSTOK, Sep 5 (PRIME) -- Russia’s top lender Sberbank has decided to connect to the central bank’s rapid payment system, but will not be able to do this from October 1 due to the need for numerous improvements by both sides, CEO German Gref said on Thursday.

The central bank launched its rapid payment system for banks in February, it includes the possibility of transferring money knowing only the phone number of a recipient. Sberbank opposed joining the system for a long time and is developing own system of money transfers.

“A decision on joining has been made, we will start the process of connection. But we will certainly not be able to connect on October 1 physically, because this requires a big number of improvements both on our side and by the rapid payment system. That’s why dialogue is being held now, terms are being determined,” Gref said.

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