A sharp increase in the number of corporate defaults in 2025 dealt a major blow to the capital of individuals. According to the Bank of Russia’s review, private investors held 45% of all bonds of companies that defaulted for the first time during the reporting period. The total volume of citizen investments remaining in the assets of defaulted issuers is estimated by the regulator at 22 billion rubles, highlighting the vulnerability of the retail segment to systemic economic risks.
Statistics of affected parties and trading dynamics
The Central Bank recorded that 163,000 people conducted transactions with the securities of troubled companies throughout the year. Although some investors managed to exit their positions before the official declaration of insolvency, a significant mass of holders faced a partial or total loss of their invested funds. The high participation of individuals in bonds with low credit ratings became a key factor in such large-scale losses amid the general slowdown in business activity.
Analytical conclusions and consequences
The current situation demonstrates a critical decline in the stability of the domestic debt market. Massive defaults undermine the confidence of private investors in the stock market as a savings tool, which in 2026 will lead to capital outflow into more conservative instruments or cash currency. The reduction in the inflow of retail investment will limit the corporate sector’s ability to refinance debt, creating a “domino effect” risk for companies with high debt loads.