Ozon, one of Russia’s leading e-commerce platforms, has dismissed allegations from the Central Bank that its discount policies distort market competition. The Central Bank Governor, Elvira Nabiullina, reportedly suggested that online marketplaces should be restricted from offering discounts to customers who use their own subsidiary banks. Ozon has denied these claims, asserting that its pricing strategies are fair and transparent.
The dispute highlights growing regulatory concerns in Russia over the influence of large tech firms in the financial sector. Nabiullina’s proposal, if implemented, could significantly impact the operations of online marketplaces by limiting their ability to offer competitive pricing based on customer banking behavior. Ozon’s response underscores the tension between fostering competition and preventing market distortion through strategic pricing.
Industry experts suggest that the Central Bank’s stance reflects a broader effort to curb the power of tech giants in the financial ecosystem. However, Ozon’s denial indicates that the company is committed to defending its business model. The outcome of this regulatory discussion could have far-reaching implications for the e-commerce and financial services sectors in Russia.