Central Bank of Armenia hopes for continued high domestic demand

 Tuesday, May 5 2026 17:20:18
Central Bank of Armenia hopes for continued high domestic demand

ArmInfo. The Central Bank of Armenia expects stable domestic demand to remain high, driven by several factors: an increase in average income, a rise in savings up to a maximum of 23% of GDP, and an increase in consumer loans (partly related to mortgages). Inflation in the services sector is also being taken into account. This opinion was expressed by Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Armenia Hovhannes Khachatryan at a press  conference on May 5.

Risk premiums in Armenia`s banking sector have significantly  decreased - CB chairman
 Tuesday, May 5 2026 14:17

ArmInfo. Risk premiums in Armenia's banking sector have significantly decreased. This was announced by Martin Galstyan, Chairman of the Central Bank of  Armenia, from the podium of the National Assembly of the Republic of  Armenia on May 5.

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RA Central Bank keeps refinancing rate at 6.5%
 Tuesday, May 5 2026 13:05

ArmInfo.  The Central Bank of Armenia has chosen to keep the refinancing rate at 6.5%. This decision was made on May 5 at the Central Bank of Armenia Board meeting, according to which the rates on Lombard repos (8%) and on deposits from banks  (5%) have also been maintained at the previous level.

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Bell Ringing Ceremony at the London Stock Exchange marks Ameriabank’s inclusion in the FTSE 100 as part of LFG
 Tuesday, May 5 2026 12:49

ArmInfo. Lion Finance Group (LFG) marked its inclusion in the FTSE 100 Index by ringing the closing bell at the London Stock Exchange.

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AraratBank Announces Change in Executive Leadership
 Tuesday, May 5 2026 10:41

ArmInfo. ARARATBANK OJSC announces that, effective May 5, Vakhtang Abrahamyan has been appointed Chairman of the Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer of AraratBank.

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Armenia`s gross international reserves set new record by April 2026 -  $5.544bln, with annual growth rate of 41.2%
 Saturday, May 2 2026 11:18

ArmInfo. Armenia's gross international reserves (GIR) increased by 41.2% year-on-year or $1.618 billion in April 2026, setting a new record of $5.544 billion,  while in the same period of 2025 the growth was more modest, by 18.8%  or $622.2 million, to $3.926 billion. In March alone, GIR increased  slightly, by 0.4% (or $22.9 million), against a double-digit growth  of 16.5% (or $554.7 million) a year earlier in the same month.

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Armenia`s potential membership in IFAR discussed in Paris
 Friday, May 1 2026 07:34

ArmInfo. Karen Alaverdyan, Head of the Department for Accounting and Audit Activities Regulation and Reports Monitoring at the Ministry of  Finance of Armenia, participated in the 20th plenary session of the  International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators (IFAR) in Paris.

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In Armenia, steps have been taken to address the issue of changing the taxation of dividends from shares and stakes in the country`s commercial banks
 Thursday, April 30 2026 11:49

ArmInfo. In Armenia, steps have been taken to address the issue of changing the taxation of dividends received by shareholders of commercial banks. On April 30, the Government of the Republic of Armenia approved amendments to the Tax Code and the Law "On State Duty."

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AraratBank Supports Launch of the 15th Anniversary “Faces of Memory” Seminar
 Wednesday, April 29 2026 16:01

ArmInfo. The 15th international seminar, “Faces of Memory: Newest Technologies for Preservation and Restoration of Manuscript and Printed Heritage”, has officially been launched at the Matenadaran, with the co-financing of AraratBank and the support of the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, as well as the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia.

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“Your Relative is in Danger”: IDBank Warns About an Aggressive Wave of Phone Scams
 Tuesday, April 28 2026 15:59

ArmInfo. Recently, Armenia has seen the resurgence of one of the most psychologically stressful fraud schemes. Despite its long history, the legend of a “relative in danger” has reached a new peak in the country, exploiting the most vulnerable feelings—love for close ones and fear for their safety.

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Ardshinbank Mastercard cardholders will receive 10% cashback
 Tuesday, April 28 2026 13:04

ArmInfo. Ardshinbank has launched a new campaign with favorable terms for its Mastercard cardholders, expanding cashless payment opportunities.

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Ameriabank, Ardshinbank, and Acba Bank lead the charge: Top banking  taxpayers in Armenia for Q1 2026
 Monday, April 27 2026 13:58

ArmInfo.In the first quarter of 2026, Armenia's banking system increased tax payments to the state treasury by 3.2% annually, reaching 28.6 billion drams ($75.9 million). Notably, 84.8% of this total—approximately 24.3  billion AMD—was derived from direct taxes, marking a 2.1% increase from the previous year. 

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Armenian FX market, April 20 to 23, 2026: dollar transactions  maintain growth, while ruble transactions continue to contract
 Saturday, April 25 2026 11:34

ArmInfo.  From April 20 to 23, 2026,  Armenia's interbank foreign exchange market  saw a continued rise in dollar transactions, while ruble transactions  continued to decline. Euro transactions haven't been conducted for  two consecutive months. Specifically, the growth of dollar  transactions slowed from a 5.1 fold increase to 54%, while the  decline in ruble transactions slowed from 19% to 8%.

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AIFC Green Finance Center  considers entering Armenian market
 Thursday, April 23 2026 18:52

ArmInfo.The AIFC Green Finance Center (Astana International Financial Centre) is considering expanding its operations  into the Armenian market, as stated by Manas Gijduaniev, CEO of the AIFC, during a briefing on April 23, in response to a question from an ArmInfo correspondent.

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Financial Literacy Course for Learning Mission non-profit organization. Idram&IDBank
 Thursday, April 23 2026 18:18

ArmInfo.On April 18, at the initiative of IDBank and Idram, another financial literacy course was held within the framework of cooperation with the ''Learning Mission'' non-profit organization. About 50 beneficiaries participated in the course, who acquired to the financial sector, developed their digital and financial literacy skills.

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 A New Level of Digital Banking: IDBank Launches Strategic Partnership with Oracle
 Thursday, April 23 2026 18:07

ArmInfo.IDBank announces the launch of a strategic partnership with global technology leader Oracle.

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International Mother Earth Day. Idram&IDBank
 Wednesday, April 22 2026 18:30

ArmInfo.Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22 all over the world. The main goal of this day is to highlight problems among different regions over the world and to suggest solutions. ''Our Planet, Our Power'' is the theme of this year.

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VTB nearing completion of Armenian copper enterprise sale - Kostin
 Wednesday, April 22 2026 15:20

ArmInfo.   VTB bank  is currently in the final stages of completing the sale of the Hals  developer and a copper production enterprise in Armenia, as stated by  VTB CEO Andrey Kostin during a business dialogue titles "Capital of  Change: Outlines of a New Investment Landscape," TASS reports.

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Acba Bank Partners with BNY Mellon to Expand International Transfer Capabilities
 Tuesday, April 21 2026 16:09

ArmInfo.  Acba Bank has announced a strategic partnership with one of the world’s leading financial institutions, The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon). This collaboration aims to expand the bank's international network and streamline cross-border transactions in US dollars.

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IDBank and Idram participate in Career City Fest
 Monday, April 20 2026 18:10

ArmInfo.Idram and IDBank once again participated in the annual employer festival, Career City Fest. On April 18-19, the companies welcomed visitors interested in job openings with unified, interactive, and distinctive pavilion.

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Ameriabank hosts Investor Day to explore growth opportunities in finance and technology
 Friday, April 17 2026 17:01

ArmInfo. Ameriabank's  Investor's Day initiative this time has united Armenia's tech  community. The day before (April 16), the Bank invited  representatives of the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises  (UATE),  which unites over 250 tech companies, to its platform.  Ameriabank itself is a member of UATE since 2025, acting as a  changemaker in the sector.

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News
Central Bank of Armenia: Rising energy prices, supply chain  disruptions, and changes in trade routes could contribute to  acceleration of inflation in ArmeniaCentral Bank of Armenia: Rising energy prices, supply chain  disruptions, and changes in trade routes could contribute to  acceleration of inflation in Armenia
Economy Minister: Armenia open to Emirati investmentsEconomy Minister: Armenia open to Emirati investments
Central Bank of Armenia hopes for continued high domestic demandCentral Bank of Armenia hopes for continued high domestic demand
Armenia, EU sign Connectivity Partnership DeclarationArmenia, EU sign Connectivity Partnership Declaration
Martin Galstyan re-elected as Chairman of Central Bank of ArmeniaMartin Galstyan re-elected as Chairman of Central Bank of Armenia
Ursula von der Leyen: EU expects Armenia`s resilience and growth  program to leverage 2,5 billion euro in mobilized investmentsUrsula von der Leyen: EU expects Armenia`s resilience and growth  program to leverage 2,5 billion euro in mobilized investments
Risk premiums in Armenia`s banking sector have significantly  decreased - CB chairmanRisk premiums in Armenia`s banking sector have significantly  decreased - CB chairman
RA Central Bank keeps refinancing rate at 6.5%RA Central Bank keeps refinancing rate at 6.5%
Bell Ringing Ceremony at the London Stock Exchange marks Ameriabank’s inclusion in the FTSE 100 as part of LFGBell Ringing Ceremony at the London Stock Exchange marks Ameriabank’s inclusion in the FTSE 100 as part of LFG
RA Central Bank`s macroeconomic stability management framework is  recognized as best standard in worldRA Central Bank`s macroeconomic stability management framework is  recognized as best standard in world
AraratBank Announces Change in Executive Leadership
Russian Embassy: 93 more railcars carrying grain, mineral  fertilizers, and non-ferrous metals traveling from Russia to ArmeniaRussian Embassy: 93 more railcars carrying grain, mineral  fertilizers, and non-ferrous metals traveling from Russia to Armenia
Armenian insurance companies continue to significantly increase  profitsArmenian insurance companies continue to significantly increase  profits
Armenia`s gross international reserves set new record by April 2026 -  $5.544bln, with annual growth rate of 41.2%Armenia`s gross international reserves set new record by April 2026 -  $5.544bln, with annual growth rate of 41.2%
"Strong Armenia" intends to break the vicious circle of poverty
Armenia`s potential membership in IFAR discussed in ParisArmenia`s potential membership in IFAR discussed in Paris
Armenia to adopt European Technical Oversight Model for urban  developmentArmenia to adopt European Technical Oversight Model for urban  development
Rospotrebnadzor blocks  sale of nearly 1.1 million more bottles of  Jermuk mineral water Rospotrebnadzor blocks  sale of nearly 1.1 million more bottles of  Jermuk mineral water 
Liquefied gas prices set to drop over the coming days - Competition  and Consumer  Protection Commission Head Liquefied gas prices set to drop over the coming days - Competition  and Consumer  Protection Commission Head 
French consortium to construct Armenia`s landmark Bargushat tunnelFrench consortium to construct Armenia`s landmark Bargushat tunnel
Construction timelines for nuclear power plants with small modular  reactors much shorter than for traditional units - premier Construction timelines for nuclear power plants with small modular  reactors much shorter than for traditional units - premier 
In Armenia, steps have been taken to address the issue of changing the taxation of dividends from shares and stakes in the country`s commercial banksIn Armenia, steps have been taken to address the issue of changing the taxation of dividends from shares and stakes in the country`s commercial banks
AMD 1.059bln to be allocated from to co-finance subvention programsAMD 1.059bln to be allocated from to co-finance subvention programs
Government to intensify assistance to research and development  companiesGovernment to intensify assistance to research and development  companies
Process of community consolidation to continue in ArmeniaProcess of community consolidation to continue in Armenia
Armenia-Austria business forum takes place in Vienna Armenia-Austria business forum takes place in Vienna 
Opportunities for expanding Armenia-U.S. economic ties discussed in  Washington Opportunities for expanding Armenia-U.S. economic ties discussed in  Washington 
The mathematical knowledge of the current authorities is limited to the 5th grade — Samvel KarapetyanThe mathematical knowledge of the current authorities is limited to the 5th grade — Samvel Karapetyan
AraratBank Supports Launch of the 15th Anniversary “Faces of Memory” SeminarAraratBank Supports Launch of the 15th Anniversary “Faces of Memory” Seminar
Anahit Avanesyan: No plans to increase health insurance premiums for  2027Anahit Avanesyan: No plans to increase health insurance premiums for  2027
Armenia tightens public procurement rules to combat conflict of  interestArmenia tightens public procurement rules to combat conflict of  interest
France intends to more actively participate in investment programs in  Armenia France intends to more actively participate in investment programs in  Armenia
Payments to electronic taxi platforms not exceed 10% of total farePayments to electronic taxi platforms not exceed 10% of total fare
Arsen Torosyan: Armenia is transforming from labor exporter into  labor recipientArsen Torosyan: Armenia is transforming from labor exporter into  labor recipient
Participation in online casinos for some Armenian citizens to be  limitedParticipation in online casinos for some Armenian citizens to be  limited
Monitoring center for X-ray image analysis to be established under  SRC of ArmeniaMonitoring center for X-ray image analysis to be established under  SRC of Armenia
Over 453,000 tourists visited Armenia in January-March, 18.2%  year-on-year increase - Tourism CommitteeOver 453,000 tourists visited Armenia in January-March, 18.2%  year-on-year increase - Tourism Committee
Ministry of Territorial Administration, EBRD discussed possibility of  expanding infrastructure projects in Armenia Ministry of Territorial Administration, EBRD discussed possibility of  expanding infrastructure projects in Armenia
Ministry of Finance hosts newly appointed IMF Permanent  Representative to ArmeniaMinistry of Finance hosts newly appointed IMF Permanent  Representative to Armenia
Newly appointed IMF Resident Representative to take office in AugustNewly appointed IMF Resident Representative to take office in August
RA State Revenue Committee  launches ExIm platform to simplify  foreign trade proceduresRA State Revenue Committee  launches ExIm platform to simplify  foreign trade procedures
Armenia takes part in  international seafood exhibition at Seafood  Expo Global in BarcelonaArmenia takes part in  international seafood exhibition at Seafood  Expo Global in Barcelona
“Your Relative is in Danger”: IDBank Warns About an Aggressive Wave of Phone Scams“Your Relative is in Danger”: IDBank Warns About an Aggressive Wave of Phone Scams
Economy Ministry  clarifies liquefied gas market situationEconomy Ministry  clarifies liquefied gas market situation
RA Prime Minister: The development of science is our policy RA Prime Minister: The development of science is our policy 
Finance Ministry, EBRD discuss  possibility of new projects Finance Ministry, EBRD discuss  possibility of new projects 
Ardshinbank Mastercard cardholders will receive 10% cashbackArdshinbank Mastercard cardholders will receive 10% cashback
Armenia has not received any official information from Russian side  regarding Jermuk products - IOBPP Armenia has not received any official information from Russian side  regarding Jermuk products - IOBPP
Politician calls on Armenian authorities to abandon taxation of  agricultural sector Politician calls on Armenian authorities to abandon taxation of  agricultural sector
Armenia`s IT sector increased state revenues by 47.3% year-on-year in  the first quarter - ModexArmenia`s IT sector increased state revenues by 47.3% year-on-year in  the first quarter - Modex
Sales of Armenian mineral water Sales of Armenian mineral water "Jermuk" suspended in Russia
Main reason for sharp rise in liquefied gas prices in Armenia is  events surrounding Iran and at Upper Lars checkpoint - economist Main reason for sharp rise in liquefied gas prices in Armenia is  events surrounding Iran and at Upper Lars checkpoint - economist
Armenia, Azerbaijan among top 10 countries with highest military  spending as  percentage of GDPArmenia, Azerbaijan among top 10 countries with highest military  spending as  percentage of GDP
MP: Uncontrolled situation in Armenia`s  fuel market  leading to  chronic artificial price hikesMP: Uncontrolled situation in Armenia`s  fuel market  leading to  chronic artificial price hikes
6th meeting of EU-Armenia Customs Sub-Committee takes place in  Yerevan6th meeting of EU-Armenia Customs Sub-Committee takes place in  Yerevan
PSRC decision to reduce fees for new subscribers comes into effectPSRC decision to reduce fees for new subscribers comes into effect
Armenia`s insurance sector increases tax payments by 61.7%  in Q1  2026Armenia`s insurance sector increases tax payments by 61.7%  in Q1  2026
Armenia urges international partners to support development of  digital infrastructure and communications - RA Ministry of FinanceArmenia urges international partners to support development of  digital infrastructure and communications - RA Ministry of Finance
Industrial  price index rises alongside growth in  manufacturing   sectorIndustrial  price index rises alongside growth in  manufacturing   sector
Armenian telecom operators boost tax contributions  by 29.3% in Q1  2026Armenian telecom operators boost tax contributions  by 29.3% in Q1  2026
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Exchange rates
05.05.2026
RUB4.90-0.03
USD370.44-0.34
EUR432.90-1.51
GBP501.650.24
CAD272.100.49
JPY23.50-0.11
CNY54.25-0.06
CHF472.860.65




Experts
Main reason for sharp rise in liquefied gas prices in Armenia is  events surrounding Iran and at Upper Lars checkpoint - economist Main reason for sharp rise in liquefied gas prices in Armenia is  events surrounding Iran and at Upper Lars checkpoint - economist
Future of Armenia`s nuclear energy sector in question - expert Future of Armenia`s nuclear energy sector in question - expert 
Ameriabank Included in the List of Companies Defining the State of the Global EconomyAmeriabank Included in the List of Companies Defining the State of the Global Economy
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Commented
In Armenia, steps have been taken to address the issue of changing the taxation of dividends from shares and stakes in the country`s commercial banksIn Armenia, steps have been taken to address the issue of changing the taxation of dividends from shares and stakes in the country`s commercial banks
Armenia has not received any official information from Russian side  regarding Jermuk products - IOBPP Armenia has not received any official information from Russian side  regarding Jermuk products - IOBPP
Ameriabank Included in the List of Companies Defining the State of the Global EconomyAmeriabank Included in the List of Companies Defining the State of the Global Economy
Robert Kocharyan: Armenia`s current economic model  is highly  problematicRobert Kocharyan: Armenia`s current economic model  is highly  problematic