Russian banks subject to U.S. sanctions operating as usual, BCS warns against foreign currency transfers

MOSCOW. Nov 22 (Interfax) - The large Russian banks that came under U.S. sanctions on Thursday have said that they would continue operating as usual, and BCS Bank has recommended that clients not transfer funds in foreign currency owing to the risk of their being blocked.

BCS Bank also recommends updating the mobile app to the latest version within 24 hours and not deleting it from mobile devices.

"The bank continues to operate as usual despite being included in the U.S. sanctions lists," the bank posted on social media, noting that all services, branches, and the mobile app are functioning as usual. Card transactions in Russia are also available without restrictions, the bank said.

"There is a high probability of rash actions in crisis situations. Therefore, use only official sources of information to make decisions," BCS Bank warned.

The U.S. Treasury Department added more than 50 Russian banks to the sanctions list on Thursday, including Gazprombank , DOM.RF Bank, BCS Bank, and Sinara Investment Bank.

Gazprombank has also said that all its systems and offices have been operating as usual.

"Operations to withdraw funds from and deposit funds into accounts in rubles and foreign currency are available in offices and ATMs, as well as in the Gazprombank mobile app and other service channels in accordance with current legislation. All cards of our bank, including foreign payment systems, will continue operating in trade and service enterprises, as well as in ATMs throughout Russia," Gazprombank said.

Sinara Bank has also said that all services, cards, apps, ATMs, and branches are operating as usual.

DOM.RF Bank has said that it has continued full operations accounting for the current restrictions. "All operations are being completed as usual," the lending institution said.