Russia's SWIFT alternative expanding quickly this year, says central bank

FILE PHOTO: An exterior view shows Russia's Central Bank headquarters in Moscow, Russia March 29, 2021. A sign reads: "Bank of Russia". REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov

(This content was produced in Russia where the law restricts coverage of Russian military operations in Ukraine)

KAZAN, Russia (Reuters) - The reach of Russia's alternative to the SWIFT international messaging system has grown at record pace this year, the central bank said on Friday, as Moscow ramps up efforts to resolve financial shortcomings wrought by sanctions.