Institutional factors in the formation of responsible financial behavior of the Russian population in the context of digitalization with a focus on agricultural enterprises

Abstract

This article explores the institutional configuration of responsible financial behavior among the Russian population in the context of accelerated digitalization, highlighting the vulnerabilities and opportunities of households associated with agricultural and processing enterprises. It is shown that the transition to a digital payment model has acquired an infrastructural nature. The share of non-cash payments in retail turnover reached 88% by 2025, and the intensity of instant transfers increased to 18.3 billion transactions with a turnover of 103 trillion rubles, accompanied by an increase in the average receipt. This trend reduces transaction costs and territorial restrictions, but simultaneously increases the risk of impulsive spending and requires the formalization of household «self-restraints.» The role of digital inequality is identified. In rural areas, the proportion of households without internet access is higher and satisfaction with connection quality is lower, which undermines the sustainability of remote banking. Responsibility is interpreted as a combination of financial discipline and financial security against the backdrop of an increase in fraudulent transactions, a limited share of refunds, and a significant increase in net losses. Institutional effects were noted: the share of loans issued to borrowers with high debt burdens decreased from 64% to 26%. However, without strengthening financial culture, the risk of demand shifting to alternative and informal segments remains. The managerial role of employers in the agro-industrial complex as an intermediary, compensating for income seasonality and infrastructure gaps through corporate outreach practices, was substantiated.