Russia’s Sberbank to Launch Advanced Reasoning Large Language Model

Russia’s largest bank, Sberbank, is preparing to release an upgraded version of its large language model (LLM) called GigaChat, which will feature reasoning capabilities capable of scientific research and solving complex problems, according to First Deputy CEO Alexander Vedyakhin. He revealed that he is currently testing the beta version of this new model.

The enhanced GigaChat aims to handle sophisticated tasks in areas such as science, coding, and mathematics, similar to advanced LLMs launched by global leaders like OpenAI. Despite trailing U.S. and Chinese AI developers by six to nine months, Sberbank’s use of domestic cloud infrastructure and localized language adaptation makes GigaChat especially attractive to Russian corporate users.

Currently, about 15,000 Russian companies employ Sberbank’s GigaChat. Meanwhile, Yandex, a key domestic AI competitor, recently announced reasoning capabilities in its search engine, highlighting the competitive AI landscape in Russia.