Dwindling demand for loans due to high interest rates is hurting Sber’s profits, its CEO has warned Russia’s largest bank, Sber, is bracing for a challenging 2026, CEO German Gref has told shareholders. He cited high interest rates as a key factor behind a sharp drop in loan demand, warning that tough conditions are likely to persist. The lender has been navigating a volatile economic environment since sweeping Western sanctions were imposed on Russia over the Ukraine conflict. These measures,