Russia does not expect to be cut off from SWIFT system, VTB CEO says By Reuters

© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: The logo of VTB bank is seen at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia, June 3, 2021. REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's financial system would be able to cope even if it was disconnected from the SWIFT global interbank payments system, the head of the country's second-largest lender VTB Bank said on Sunday, but added he did not think such a move was likely.

Washington and other Western capitals have warned Moscow of strong economic repercussions if Russia invades Ukraine and cutting Russia off from SWIFT, crucial for global money flows, is one idea that has been floated. Russia has rejected suggestions it is planning to invade.

"Of course we will survive, certainly, but I don't think it will come to that," VTB CEO Andrey Kostin told state television channel Rossiya 1.

"It would be a very serious measure, 'unfriendly' doesn't do it justice," he said.

Russia has set up its own banking messaging system, known as SPFS as an alternative to SWIFT in a move officials say should partially mitigate the blow should Russia be disconnected from SWIFT.

German Gref, chief executive of top Russian lender Sberbank, this month dismissed as nonsense reports that new U.S. sanctions could target Moscow's ability to convert roubles into dollars and other currencies.

Statement: The content of this article does not represent the views of FTI website. The content is for reference only and does not constitute investment suggestions. Investment is risky, so you should be careful in your choice! If it involves content, copyright and other issues, please contact us and we will make adjustments at the first time!