Rosinkas, a subsidiary of the Bank of Russia, has launched a pilot project to create a network of neutral-branded ATMs – sometimes referred to as “white” ATMs in local parlance.
The machines will be owned by a single operator and will not carry any bank branding. Credit institutions will be able to join the network through a subscription model or by paying only for the transaction volume of their customers. These single-operator ATMs are designed to offer cash withdrawals and deposits free of charge for users of participating banks.
The Tambov Region is the first to host the experiment. Rosinkas hopes the model will help expand access to ATMs in small and remote communities while reducing banks’ servicing costs. The association estimates the approach could cut operating expenses by up to 30%. As of January 1, 2026, the number of ATMs in Russia fell to 138,000, the lowest level since 2010.
Experts believe the project is aimed primarily at centralizing cash infrastructure and increasing the transparency of cash transactions, rather than replacing cash with the digital ruble. Modern ATMs are capable of recording transactions, using video identification, and, in some cases, recognizing banknote serial numbers. This gives the central bank and market participants greater oversight of cash circulation and helps reduce processing costs.