The economist appreciated the initiative to ban fines on loans for parents on maternity leave

The initiative to ban the accrual of fines, penalties and penalties on consumer loans for parents on parental leave does not threaten the stability of banks. Maria Brodovskaya, First Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSC National Savings Bank, told Izvestia on November 25.

"For banks, such measures really mean an increase in credit risks, as fines and penalties serve as a compensation mechanism for payment schedule violations. If this tool is removed for some borrowers, lenders will face longer-term payment uncertainty and a potential increase in the share of restructured loans. However, the share of families on maternity leave in the total consumer loan portfolio is relatively small, so we are not talking about a systemic threat to the stability of banks, but about the need to adjust risk management and reassess projected losses," the economist emphasized.

According to her, banks will compensate for the risks through a stricter assessment of the debt burden, conservative limits on unsecured loans and the active use of insurance products related to loss of income. In some cases, lenders may try to redistribute the burden in terms of loans or fees, but such actions are limited by the requirements of the regulator. Brodovskaya added that an additional mechanism could be government involvement, for example, through interest rate subsidies or risk compensation programs for socially significant categories of borrowers.

In addition, she said that the introduction of benefits can moderately stimulate demand for loans, reducing families' concerns about temporary financial instability. However, a significant increase in lending activity should not be expected: high interest rates and debt requirements will continue to deter new loans. For many households, the debt burden itself will remain a key constraint.

"At the macroeconomic level, waiving fines and penalties for certain categories of borrowers will not create significant pressure on the banking system. Losses from lost fines for banks are limited, while preventing families from falling into chronic arrears reduces the volume of future write-offs and stabilizes consumer behavior. This measure supports households during a period of declining incomes and at the same time reduces the risk of debt burden formation, which will subsequently require tougher measures from creditors," the expert concluded.

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LDPR leader Leonid Slutsky said at an expanded meeting of the party's faction in the State Duma on the same day that young mothers should not fall into debt because of bank fines. The initiative applies to those who have given birth to their first child, as well as to those with many children. If the family is temporarily unable to pay the loan, the bank should not impose fines and penalties.

Before that, on November 18, the State Duma proposed giving large families the right to free parking throughout Russia for one car, regardless of the specifics of regional legislation.

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