Vedomosti: banks in October gave Russians 8.7 percent less loans 
Banks in October gave out 1.8 million loans for 564.4 billion rubles, which is 8.7 and 10.64 percent, respectively, less than in September. This is reported by analysts at Frank RG, Vedomosti reports.
This is the largest decline since January this year. With the exception of the seasonal downturn characteristic of this winter month, there has not been such a sharp monthly decline in issuances since April last year, when the lockdown began in Russia. On an annualized basis, unsecured lending is still growing, but the pace has slowed – to 20.6 percent in October versus 30.2 percent in September.
The average check for a cash loan fell 2.12 percent MoM and 1 , 53 percent in annual terms, amounting to 314 thousand rubles (at least since May 2020). Such indicators may be associated with an increase in the incidence of coronavirus, as well as new restrictions on the part of the Central Bank.
Previously, the Central Bank limited the ability of Russians to buy goods in stores in installments. The regulator sent banks and microfinance organizations (MFOs) a letter advising them not to participate in such schemes without signing a consumer credit or loan agreement.
At the end of October, the State Duma adopted in the first reading a bill giving the Central Bank the right to restrict issuance consumer loans by banks and microfinance organizations.