Ozon-bank ventures into the realm of payment terminals
Ozon Bank, a subsidiary of Ozon Holdings PLC, is gearing up for an exciting expansion in the coming months. After a successful year in the e-commerce segment, the bank is set to launch its trade equipment this fall, according to General Director, Vahe Ovsepian.
The bank has been testing its non-cash payment terminals with several dozen legal entities for several months, hinting at a focus on digital payment solutions. This move aligns with Ozon's dominant position in the e-commerce sector, where it has seen significant growth in order points, increasing from 75% to 85%.
Ozon Bank's main goal, as stated by Roman Prokhorov, is to become a universal retail bank. To achieve this, the bank plans to provide marketplace sellers with comprehensive services, including lending. The strategic shareholder stability suggests that these expansions, if underway, would leverage existing expertise rather than a sharp strategic pivot.
One of the key initiatives in this expansion is the development of its own ATM network. This move is expected to reduce costs associated with client transactions. In fact, late last month, it was reported that Ozon Bank had begun creating its own infrastructure for handling cash. The devices will accept non-cash payments in offline stores using bank cards and QR codes.
The bank's focus on digital payment solutions and ATM network development could also pave the way for the integration of softPOS technologies, bridging mobile payments and full POS systems. This innovation is currently trending in the European payment terminal market.
Moreover, Ozon Bank may also consider expanding into cash handling and leasing services to support merchants requiring physical transaction infrastructure or equipment financing. Additionally, insurance products linked to e-commerce or merchant services could provide value-added offerings packaged with financial or leasing products.
As for the e-commerce landscape, Russia is expected to see a nearly 33% growth by 2025. This growth could further boost Ozon Bank's expansion plans, particularly in the e-commerce segment. However, it's important to note that state regulation of the platform economy is set to begin in the fall of 2026, which could impact these plans.
In the second quarter of 2025, Ozon Holdings PLC's marketplace ended with a net profit of 359 million rubles, and the platform's revenue for the reporting period was 227.6 billion rubles, an 87% increase from the same quarter the previous year.
As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how Ozon Bank's strategic plans unfold, particularly in the areas of non-cash payment terminals, cash handling, leasing, insurance, and e-commerce services. For the latest updates and official strategic disclosures by Ozon Bank, it would be advisable to keep an eye on their official announcements and industry releases.
Ozon Bank's strategic plans indicate a focus on digital payment solutions and the development of its own ATM network, aiming to venture into cash handling, leasing, insurance, and e-commerce services. This expansion aligns with the growing e-commerce market in Russia, expected to increase by nearly 33% by 2025. However, the impending state regulation of the platform economy in 2026 could potentially impact these strategic decisions.
