MOSCOW, March 21 - RAPSI. The Finance Ministry believes it is possible to increase the minimum bank capital to $34.24 million from today's $6.16 million as of 2015, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said while speaking at a bank conference.

Siluanov said the higher the bank capitalization, the more credit opportunities the banks will have.

"Others, though, say there are many small banks and question why we should limit their activity," the finance minister said.

He added that there are many small banks, especially in the regions, which work stably and render services to a limited amount of clients. In fact, they are mini-banks, he said.

Siluanov said government officials have yet to reach a consensus on the issue, but the Finance Ministry stands for consolidating the bank system.

"It will be easier for the Central Bank to supervise, and credit institutions will have more opportunities for crediting with large capital," Siluanov said.

He noted that a discussion is under way on the issue. The question of increasing the minimum bank capital as of 2015 will be discussed together with the banking community, he stressed.