Sberbank of Russia

04/07/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/07/2021 07:24

Sber and Rostelecom to develop digital identification technologies together

Sber and Rostelecom have agreed to co-develop digital identification technologies, including biometrics. In line with the arrangements between Herman Gref, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of Sberbank, and Mikhail Oseevskiy, President of Rostelecom, the parties have signed a preliminary agreement of intent covering the establishment of a joint venture, OOO Tsifroviye Tekhnologii Identifikatsii (Digital Identification Technologies), on a parity basis.

The new company will design, develop, and replicate identification technologies to promote digital transformation across financial sectors. The parties are joining hands and pooling their expertise in this area to accelerate the digitization of services.

We highly value the expertise and designs of our partner Rostelecom in the field of data and digital identification. Sber also has considerable experience and extensive expertise in data protection, computer vision, and knows how to work with biometric data. I'm sure that by combining our efforts and expertise with Rostelecom we will be able to accelerate the progress of services for the digital society. The JV we have established will develop systems for identification, electronic interaction, and protection against any type of fraud. This will improve people's confidence in digital services and will be vital for the development of the economy in general. Due to the instant and secure identification procedures, we'll be able to create a secure and convenient environment for individuals and businesses.

Herman Gref
CEO, Chairman of the Executive Board, Sberbank

Digital identification technologies are at the heart of electronic human-business-state interaction, including remote interaction. They allow us to quickly, conveniently, and securely receive services via the internet from anywhere in the country or the world, without paperwork or leaving the house. For over a decade, Rostelecom has been engaged in the development and practical application of digital user identification technologies, including the use of biometrics. Today such technologies are increasingly in demand thanks to the digital transformation of many sectors of the economy and public administration. I am certain that Rostelecom and Sber's joint venture will provide a basis for an efficient and secure digital society, ensure equal digital opportunities for citizens, and help businesses and the state successfully complete their digital transformation. Rostelecom and Sberbank's majority shareholder is the Russian government, and it has tasked us with developing digital identification technologies in the interests of all market participants. Our company, which has the largest digital infrastructure in the country, and Sberbank, the largest Russian bank, have all the necessary competencies and extensive experience needed to address this challenge.

Mikhail Oseevskiy
President, Rostelecom