Published on: 2026-07-14
Source: Central Bank of Russia – Central Bank of Russia –
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Bank of Russia suggests discussing the practice of incorporating gaming techniques and elements into mobile applications for financial market participants, assessing risks, and determining the prospects for the development of gamification in the interests of retail investors.
Recently, banks, brokers, and financial marketplaces have been using various gaming mechanics in the competition for customer loyalty.
The report notes that initially such techniques are intended to help people quickly master a complex investment product, develop useful habits, such as regularly setting aside savings, or simply make routine operations more engaging. However, games do not always meet consumer demands; the excessive number of marketing campaigns, contests, and giveaways distract them from investment activities. Moreover, an obsession with the game can lead people to financial losses: sometimes obtaining virtual bonuses requires buying company stocks, passing tests to acquire higher-risk instruments, topping up a brokerage account by a certain amount, and so on.
The focus of the Bank of Russia’s report is precisely on “dark patterns” – techniques that have a hidden influence on the client and push them towards excessive trading activity, making decisions that do not align with their financial goals and risk appetite. The regulator invites market participants to answer a series of questions to understand what requirements for gamification need to be established and which measures will protect investors from various types of nudging and unfair practices.
Questions, comments, and suggestions regarding the report can be sent to the Bank of Russia until August 31, 2026, inclusive.
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