CONTENTS
V.V. Klimanov, A.G. Igoreva, V.A. Yagovkina
A Methodology for Ranking and Grouping Budget Expenditures for Assessing Their Degree of Priority, p. 8–28
Abstract
The article examines the acute and systemic problem of the lack of a unified, transparent, and reproducible approach to prioritizing budget expenditures in the Russian Federation, despite the formal existence of a well-developed architecture of strategic and program-oriented planning. A critical analysis of the existing instruments for allocating budget funds is carried out, including state programs, national and federal projects, socio-economic development initiatives, and preserved federal targeted programs. The key drawbacks of these mechanisms have been identified: weak alignment with strategic planning documents, the predominance of current expenditures over project expenditures, fragmented management, as well as a significant amount of reserved allocations that distort the real picture of priorities. Particular attention is paid to the limitations of existing methods for evaluating the effectiveness of programs, which do not allow us to assess the degree of strategic importance of specific expenditures. Based on the analysis, an original methodology for ranking and grouping federal budget expenditures is proposed, focused on practical application at the stage of budget drafting. The methodology is based on a comprehensive assessment of each type of expenditure based on three complementary criteria: value, feasibility, and feasibility. Additionally, the financial potential is taken into account — the share of expenditures in the total budget of the department, which avoids overestimating small but formally “priority” items. The need for a systematic implementation of the “zero-based budgeting” approach, increased transparency of cost assessment procedures, and a transition from inertial budgeting to a managed, results-oriented, and strategically coordinated allocation of resources is emphasized. The proposed methodology can become the basis for improving the effectiveness of budget policy, strengthening the responsibility of agencies, and achieving national development goals in the face of severe budget constraints.
Keywords: prioritization of budget expenditures, strategic planning, government programs, national projects, zero-based budgeting
JEL: H50, H61, H43
Funding: The article is based on the results of a study carried out within the framework of the RANEPA state assignment.
For citation: Klimanov V.V., Igoreva A.G., Yagovkina V.A. (2026). A Methodology for Ranking and Grouping Budget Expenditures for Assessing Their Degree of Priority. Financial Journal, 18 (2), 8–28 (in Russ.). https://doi.org/10.31107/2075-1990-2026-2-8-28.
© Klimanov V.V., Igoreva A.G., Yagovkina V.A., 2026
R.V. Balakin, Yu.A. Steshenko
Identifying the Relationship between the Dynamics of Tax Revenues and Investment Growth, p. 29–45
Abstract
The purpose of the article is to assess the degree of relationship tax revenues growth on the increase in investment activity and value added in the context of types of taxes, regions of the Russian Federation and types of economic activity (sectors of the economy). As an indicator of investment activity is used the volume of investments in fixed assets according to the Central Bank of the Russian Federation. The correlation of this indicator with the indicators of the tax system and its individual elements is considered both for the entire economy and for various sectors, as well as at the level of specific regions. For comparison, the correlation with the GDP indicator is also additionally presented. In addition to the indicators of tax revenues, the indicators of the tax base are considered, since it is the tax base that is crucial for steps to minimize tax security risks. Additionally, the methodological features of the study are the deflation of indicators and the displacement of arrays when calculating correlations in order to identify the most stable correlation. The hypothesis of the study is that the tax policy as a whole does not limit the growth of investments in the country. The question of whether tax increases or decreases stimulate economic growth and investment activity to a greater extent remains controversial. The examples show that an increase in the taxes for taxpayers is not an impediment to economic development, and an increase in tax revenues is one of the sources of investment growth, since government investments and budget subsidies financed by tax increases are effective tools for improving the efficiency of using limited resources. As a result of the analysis, in most cases, the dynamics of tax revenues and investment volumes do not have a significant statistical relationship, which means that the current tax policy does not limit investment growth in the country, and there is no negative impact of the growth of budget tax revenues on investment growth.
Keywords: tax incentives, economic growth, investment activity, taxes, investments, correlation, regions, types of economic activity, tax security
JEL: H12, E62
Funding: The research was funded by the Russian Science Foundation, project No. 23‑78‑10160, https://rscf.ru/project/23-78-10160.
For citation: Balakin R.V., Steshenko Yu.A. (2026). Identifying the Relationship between the Dynamics of Tax Revenues and Investment Growth. Financial Journal, 18 (2), 29–45 (in Russ.). https://doi.org/10.31107/2075-1990-2026-2-29-45.
© Balakin R.V., Steshenko Yu.A., 2026
V.V. Olkhovik
Management of Revenue from Administrative Fines: Russian Practice and International Experience, p. 46–63
Abstract
The article provides a comprehensive analysis of approaches to improving revenue management within the budgetary system of the Russian Federation, using the administration of revenues from administrative fines as a case study. The study focuses on the unification of procedures and the adoption of digital instruments, including the further development of the Unique Accrual Identifier (UAI) and the use of modern information technology platforms. It demonstrates how these solutions affect transparency, traceability, and the automation of key stages of fine administration, including accrual, payment, and accounting. The research identifies major systemic constraints that reduce administrative effectiveness, namely pronounced interregional disparities in the level of digitalization and insufficient interagency coordination. These factors impede data consolidation and undermine the timeliness of managerial decision-making. A comparative analysis of practices across the constituent entities of the Russian Federation shows that the implementation of automated solutions is generally associated with higher collection rates and stronger control over revenue inflows. On this basis, the article highlights common information-system integration issues and barriers that are particularly typical of economically less developed regions. International experience is also reviewed, confirming a broad trend toward the digitalization of fine administration while revealing substantial differences in implementation models and observed outcomes. These differences are driven by the level of economic development, the state of infrastructure, and the characteristics of public governance. Based on the findings, the article formulates a set of practical recommendations aimed at unifying administrative procedures and increasing the level of automation across Russian regions. Implementing the proposed measures would support the creation of a unified digital space in the public finance sector, reduce administrative costs, improve the transparency and effectiveness of accounting for administrative fine revenues, and enhance the quality of public services.
Keywords: administrative fines, budgetary system, digitalization, GIS GMP, GAS “Pravosudie”, interagency cooperation, e-government, unification of the regulatory framework, BRICS countries
JEL: H83
Funding: The article was prepared as part of scientific and methodological work on the state assignment of the Financial Research Institute.
Note: The article is published in the author’s version.
For citation: Olkhovik V.V. (2026). Management of Revenue from Administrative Fines: Russian Practice and International Experience. Financial Journal, 18 (2), 46–63 (in Russ.). https://doi.org/10.31107/2075-1990-2026-2-46-63.
© Olkhovik V.V., 2026
S.Yu. Tsiku, S.A. Perekhod
Market Discipline vs Budget Support: The Dilemma of the Effectiveness of Sub-federal Bonds in Russia, p. 64–81
Abstract
Over the past decade, Russia has witnessed a sharp shift in the structure of sub-federal borrowing. The study aims to identify the contradiction between market discipline (sub-federal bonds) and budget support (budget loans) and assess their debt efficiency. Methods: Based on Russian Ministry of Finance data for 2014–2025, a modified market index (Rt*) to quantify the shift toward centralized financing. A proprietary metric was developed to measure how changes in the volume of specific debt instruments impact debt service costs. Results: The share of budget loans in regional debt increased from 7.1% to 79.3%, while the share of market instruments fell from 65.8% to 18.6%. The market index Rt* dropped from 0.314 to 0.091, confirming the weakening of market discipline. The efficiency comparison showed that only 5 out of 36 regions that used bonds achieved higher efficiency with them than with budget loans. These regions increased their bond volumes and resorted less actively to budget loans (2.2% of GRP vs 3.5%). Conclusions: The wide availability of budget loans creates soft budget constraints, suppressing the motivation for market borrowing and reducing its efficiency. Regions oriented towards bonds demonstrate greater financial independence.
Keywords: regional budget, budget loan, public debt, sub-federal bonds, market discipline
JEL: E62, H63, G10
Acknowledgments: The authors express their gratitude to Dr. Georgy N. Kutsuri, Professor, and PhD Alexander S. Lozhechko, Associate Professor of the Department of Public Finance at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation for their valuable comments that were used in the preparation of this article.
For citation: Tsiku S.Yu., Perekhod S.A. (2026). Market Discipline vs Budget Support: The Dilemma of the Effectiveness of Sub-federal Bonds in Russia. Financial Journal, 18 (2), 64–81 (in Russ.). https://doi.org/10.31107/2075-1990-2026-2-64-81.
© Tsiku S.Yu., Perekhod S.A., 2026
K.A. Darchev
Liquidity Factor in Ruble Bond Pricing, p. 82–99
Abstract
Liquidity is the second most significant characteristic of bonds following credit quality. According to trading data from 2017 to 2024 for secondary ruble-denominated local bonds, it has been revealed that in recent years, the overall liquidity of the Russian bond market has significantly increased. However, trading volumes remain at a negligible level compared to the nominal issue volumes. Relative trading volumes significantly decrease in the initial weeks of trading, by 66% in the second week relative to the first week and by 36% in the third week relative to the second week. Then throughout the life of the bonds, these volumes do not recover. Additionally, the impact of the issuer’s creditworthiness on liquidity is taken into consideration. It has been established that the most accurate predictor of the bid-ask spread (BAS) is the number of transactions. In this respect, the riskiest securities have a more liquid bid-ask spread, due to the retail nature of bondholders. The paper examines various measures of liquidity, based on which a proprietary measure is proposed — the adjusted bid-ask spread (ABAS). This measure takes into account the size of the transaction, the size of the issue, and the volume and frequency of secondary transactions in the analyzed security. ABAS, when applied to transactions of 1 million rubles or more, reduces the proportion of securities with a bid-ask spread below 20 basis points in the sample from 39 to 24%, while increasing the proportion of those with a spread above 200 basis points from 5 to 22%. Although the article reveals a counterintuitive effect of liquidity parameters on bond prices, their contribution to the final spread is negligible. Meanwhile the level of illiquidity significantly influences price dynamics: lower liquidity leads to greater volatility in secondary market prices, and negatively affects the financial outcome of the deal through the transaction cost channel.
Keywords: bonds, liquidity, bid-ask spread, credit spread, credit ratings
JEL: G12, G17
Note: The article is published in the author’s version.
For citation: Darchev K.A. (2026). Liquidity Factor in Ruble Bond Pricing. Financial Journal, 18 (2), 82–99 (in Russ.).
https://doi.org/10.31107/2075-1990-2026-2-82-99.
© Darchev K.A., 2026
O. Sokolovska
Financial Literacy of Russian Youth: Current Trends and Transformation of Competencies, p. 100–117
Abstract
The challenges that Russian economy faces affect the financial behavior of citizens and require the transformation in financial literacy. This is especially important for young people, who are exposed to the risks of irrational financial behavior to a greater extent than the adult population. This, in turn, determines the importance of studying the characteristics of financial knowledge and financial behavior of modern Russian youth. We summarize the results of a review of modern academic literature on financial literacy and financial behavior of young people in countries around the world, based on which we develop a model of formation of financial literacy of youth. We present the results of a comparative analysis of the financial competencies of the adult population and young people in Russia and we identify the features of financial knowledge and financial behavior of Russian youth and their consistency with trends in countries worldwide. Based on the results of the study we determine areas for improving existing programs and practices in order to increase the financial literacy of young people in Russia. They include the continuous updating of the formation of financial competencies of young people; the continuous approach to the development of youth’s financial literacy with the possibility of a step-bystep education; the expansion of units on investments and medium- and long-term financial planning in financial literacy programs; the strengthening the behavioral component of programs, focused on the emotional aspects of financial decision-making; the participation of young people in financial consulting of citizens. We also provide examples of current practices of St. Petersburg State University focused on improving the students’ financial literacy.
Keywords: financial literacy, youth, financial behavior, financial knowledge, Russian Federation
JEL: G41, G53, J13
Funding: The research was carried out at the expense of a grant from the Russian Science Foundation № 24-18-20063, https://rscf.ru/project/24-18-20063/ and a grant from the St. Petersburg Science Foundation.
For citation: Sokolovska O. (2026). Financial Literacy of Russian Youth: Current Trends and Transformation of Competencies. Financial Journal, 18 (2), 100–117 (in Russ.). https://doi.org/10.31107/2075-1990-2026-2-100-117.
© Sokolovska O., 2026
O.Yu. Dmitrieva, E.N. Kadyshev, A.O. Patyanova, P.G. Gorbynova
Universities as Drivers of Financial Education Development, p. 118–134
Abstract
Financial education is one of the tools for improving financial literacy and shaping the financial culture of the population. The transition from financial literacy to financial culture requires combining the capabilities of all participants in this process. This article is devoted to the study of aspects of the universities’ activities in implementing the mechanism of population’s financial education. As a result of the study, the authors clarified the meaning of the financial education mechanism. The areas of university participation in the implementation of the financial education mechanism for the population are identified. These include: training specialists in the field of financial education; developing methodological support for financial education; organizing the process of educating citizens in the area of personal finance management; ensuring the development of the system and financial education’s infrastructure; and training volunteers for financial education. As a key result, the article presents a draft model for organizing a Consulting and Financial Education Center for the population, as well as the organizational foundations for its establishment on the basis of a regional university (I.N. Ulyanov Chuvash State University).
Keywords: financial education, personal finance, mechanism, university, population
JEL: А20, D14, I23
Funding: The study was supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (project No. 24-28-20497) and the Chuvash Republic.
For citation: Dmitrieva O.Yu., Kadyshev E.N., Patyanova A.O., Gorbynova P.G. (2026). Universities as Drivers of Financial Education Development. Financial Journal, 18 (2), 118–134 (in Russ.). https://doi.org/10.31107/2075-1990-2026-2-118-134.
© Dmitrieva O.Yu., Kadyshev E.N., Patyanova A.O., Gorbynova P.G., 2026
N.V. Kropotova, I.A. Anyukhina
Development of Student Initiatives in the Republic of Crimea: Results of the First Year, p. 135–147
Abstract
The article presents a comparative analysis of student initiative experience in the Republic of Crimea versus different regions of Russia. It provides a brief overview of secondary and higher education institutions in the Republic of Crimea, offering insight into the study fields of students in vocational secondary education (VSE) and higher education institutions (HEI) in the Republic of Crimea, as well as their needs. The article analyzes the specifics of interaction between Crimean educational institutions and relevant institutions in other Russian regions, as well as interactions within the republic. The obtained results allowed for the formulation of key economic and social problems affecting the activity of VSE and HEI students and educators. The choice of project implementation directions is analyzed across all options provided by regulatory documents. Possible ways to activate the participation of VSE students with branches in several cities of the republic in the participatory budgeting program are considered.
Keywords: student participatory budgeting, financial literacy, project defense competition, project estimate, project implementation plan
JEL: H72, H76, G53
Funding: Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Crimea, Simferopol, Russian Federation.
For citation: Kropotova N.V., Anyukhina I.A. (2026). Development of Student Initiatives in the Republic of Crimea: Results of the First Year. Financial Journal, 18 (2), 135–147 (in Russ.). https://doi.org/10.31107/2075-1990-2026-2-135-147.
© Kropotova N.V., Anyukhina I.A., 2026
Eng
Рус