Below is a comprehensive analysis of Belagroprombank (official website: https://www.belapb.by/en/) based on the requested criteria, including online complaint information, risk assessment, website security, WHOIS lookup, IP and hosting analysis, social media presence, red flags, regulatory status, user precautions, and potential brand confusion. The analysis incorporates available information, critically evaluates the data, and avoids speculative conclusions where evidence is lacking.

1. Online Complaint Information ¶

• Sources Checked: Web searches, WikiFX, ScamAdviser, and Belagroprombank’s official website.
• Findings:
• WikiFX Review: WikiFX, a forex broker review platform, assigns Belagroprombank a low score of 1.39 and notes it lacks valid regulatory oversight for forex trading, flagging it as high-risk for such activities. It mentions user activity rankings but no specific user complaints are detailed. The platform warns of general forex scams but does not provide direct evidence of complaints against Belagroprombank.
• General Web Search: No prominent user complaints or scam allegations specifically targeting Belagroprombank’s banking services were found on major platforms like Trustpilot, Reddit, or consumer forums. However, the lack of visible complaints does not guarantee absence, as Belarus-based banks may have limited exposure on international review platforms.
• Belagroprombank’s Response: The bank acknowledges fraudulent websites mimicking its brand (e.g., belagroprombank.ru, belagroprombank24.ru) and warns users to stick to the official site (https://www.belapb.by). This suggests proactive monitoring of online fraud but also indicates brand impersonation risks.
• Analysis: The absence of widespread complaints is positive, but WikiFX’s low score for forex activities raises concerns for users engaging in such services. The bank’s acknowledgment of fake websites shows awareness of external threats, but users should verify any complaints on local Belarusian forums or regulatory channels for a fuller picture.

2. Risk Level Assessment ¶

• Factors Considered: Regulatory status, sanctions, financial ratings, and operational transparency.
• Findings:
• Sanctions: Belagroprombank is subject to international sanctions from multiple jurisdictions, including Japan, Switzerland, the EU, Canada, and Ukraine, due to its ties to the Belarusian government. These sanctions increase operational and financial risks for international users.
• S&P Global Ratings: In March 2022, S&P downgraded Belagroprombank’s issuer credit rating to ‘CCC/C’ with a negative CreditWatch, citing Belarus’s sovereign debt default risk and the bank’s reliance on government support. This indicates high financial risk, especially for foreign clients.
• Forex Trading Risk: WikiFX’s warning about the lack of valid forex regulation suggests Belagroprombank is not a safe choice for forex trading, increasing risk for speculative investors.
• Operational Risk: As a state-owned bank with over 30 years of operation, 36,000 corporate clients, and 1.7 million retail clients, it has a stable domestic presence. However, its close government ties and exposure to Belarus’s economic instability elevate risk.
• Risk Level: High for international users, particularly for forex or cross-border transactions, due to sanctions, low credit ratings, and regulatory gaps. Moderate for domestic Belarusian clients using standard banking services, given its established infrastructure.

3. Website Security Tools ¶

• Official Website: https://www.belapb.by/en/
• Findings:
• SSL Certificate: The website uses a valid SSL certificate, ensuring encrypted communication. This aligns with Belagroprombank’s security guidelines, which emphasize HTTPS connections.
• Internet Banking Security: The bank employs modern data encryption, 3D-Secure technology for online payments, and BELGARD-InternetPassword for BELCARD transactions. Users receive password cards or MobiPass codes for authentication, and the system avoids storing card details during payments to reduce compromise risks.
• Security Rating: Infobank.by rated Belagroprombank’s internet banking security as A+, indicating robust protection for online services.
• Security Guidelines: The bank provides clear rules: never share login/passwords, verify SSL connections, check the server address (https://www.ibank.belapb.by), use antivirus software, and avoid untrusted software. It also advises immediate contact if credentials are compromised.
• Analysis: The website and internet banking system demonstrate strong security practices, including encryption, secure authentication, and compliance with PCI DSS standards. The A+ rating from Infobank.by reinforces reliability. However, users must follow the bank’s guidelines to avoid phishing or credential theft.

4. WHOIS Lookup ¶

• Domain: belapb.by
• Findings:
• Registrar: Likely registered through a Belarusian registrar (e.g., Open Contact Ltd.), as is common for .by domains. Exact WHOIS data is restricted due to privacy protections under Belarusian regulations, and public WHOIS tools like ICANN or Whois.com provide limited details.
• Registration Date: The domain has been active for several years, consistent with Belagroprombank’s 30+ years of operation. Older domains are less likely to be scam-related.
• Owner: Presumed to be JSC Belagroprombank, a state-owned entity, though WHOIS privacy hides specific details.
• Analysis: The domain’s long history and association with a major Belarusian bank reduce scam likelihood. However, restricted WHOIS data limits transparency, which is typical for state-controlled entities but may concern international users.

5. IP and Hosting Analysis ¶

• Findings:
• Hosting Provider: The website is likely hosted by a Belarusian provider or a state-affiliated data center, given the bank’s government ties. No specific IP or hosting details are publicly available due to security measures.
• Technologies Used: The site employs The USERTRUST Network, Sectigo (for SSL), Google Analytics, and Google Workspace, indicating standard and reputable tools.
• Server Security: The bank’s internet banking server (https://www.ibank.belapb.by) is secured with SSL and verified by Infobank.by, suggesting reliable hosting infrastructure.
• Analysis: The use of trusted technologies and secure hosting aligns with a legitimate financial institution. The lack of detailed IP/hosting data is expected for a bank prioritizing security but reduces transparency for external analysis.

6. Social Media Presence ¶

• Findings:
• Official Channels: Belagroprombank’s website does not prominently link to social media accounts, and no verified profiles were found on platforms like Twitter/X, Facebook, or Instagram. This is unusual for a major bank but may reflect Belarus’s controlled media environment.
• Potential Risks: The absence of official social media reduces the risk of fake accounts mimicking the bank but also limits customer engagement and transparency. Fraudulent social media profiles could exploit this gap, as seen with fake websites.
• Analysis: The lack of social media presence is a red flag for international accessibility but not necessarily for legitimacy, as state-owned banks in Belarus may prioritize offline or controlled channels. Users should verify any social media accounts claiming to represent Belagroprombank.

7. Red Flags and Potential Risk Indicators ¶

• Red Flags Identified:
• Sanctions: International sanctions (Japan, EU, Canada, etc.) restrict the bank’s operations and increase risk for cross-border clients.
• Low Credit Rating: S&P’s ‘CCC/C’ rating signals financial instability tied to Belarus’s sovereign risks.
• Forex Regulation: WikiFX’s claim of no valid forex license suggests high risk for forex trading.
• Brand Impersonation: The bank warns of fraudulent websites mimicking its design or name, indicating a risk of phishing or scams.
• Limited Transparency: Restricted WHOIS data, minimal social media, and lack of detailed public financial disclosures reduce openness.
• Other Risk Indicators:
• Government Ties: As a state-owned bank authorized to support government programs, it’s exposed to Belarus’s political and economic volatility.
• High-Risk Countries: The bank flags certain countries for card fraud, suggesting awareness of external threats but also potential vulnerabilities in its systems.
• Analysis: While Belagroprombank operates legitimately within Belarus, sanctions, low credit ratings, and brand impersonation risks are significant concerns. The lack of forex regulation is a specific red flag for traders.

8. Website Content Analysis ¶

• Content Overview:
• The website offers detailed information on banking services (internet banking, deposits, loans, brokerage), security guidelines, and corporate disclosures. It complies with Belarusian regulations for information disclosure.
• Security-focused content includes warnings about fake websites, secure connection instructions, and anti-fraud measures.
• The site supports English and Belarusian, indicating accessibility for international users, but content is primarily tailored to domestic clients.
• Positive Aspects:
• Clear security guidelines and proactive fraud warnings enhance trust.
• Compliance with National Bank of Belarus standards and ISO 9001 certification reflect operational legitimacy.
• Concerns:
• Limited transparency on financial performance or sanctions’ impact may deter international users.
• The focus on domestic services may confuse foreign users expecting global banking features.
• Analysis: The website is professional, secure, and compliant with local regulations, but its domestic focus and limited financial transparency may not meet international expectations.

9. Regulatory Status ¶

• Findings:
• Domestic Regulation: Belagroprombank is regulated by the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus and complies with local anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing laws. It adheres to secure functioning requirements and international financial reporting standards (IFRS).
• Forex Regulation: WikiFX claims the bank lacks valid forex trading licenses, making it unregulated for such activities.
• Sanctions Impact: Sanctions from multiple countries limit its international operations and may affect compliance with global standards.
• Analysis: The bank is well-regulated domestically, but the lack of forex licensing and international sanctions create significant regulatory gaps for global users. Domestic clients face fewer regulatory risks.

10. User Precautions ¶

• Recommended Precautions:
• Verify Website: Always access the official site (https://www.belapb.by) and ensure HTTPS and SSL lock icon are present.
• Protect Credentials: Never share login, password, or session keys, even with alleged bank staff. Contact the bank immediately if credentials are compromised.
• Avoid Fake Sites: Be cautious of websites mimicking Belagroprombank (e.g., belagroprombank.ru). Only use links from the official site or trusted app stores.
• Use Secure Systems: Install and update antivirus software, avoid untrusted software, and verify secure connections for internet banking.
• Monitor Transactions: Enable SMS notifications to track card activity, especially abroad, and reissue cards after travel to high-risk countries.
• Check Sanctions: International users should confirm if sanctions affect their ability to use Belagroprombank’s services.
• Forex Caution: Avoid using Belagroprombank for forex trading due to regulatory concerns.
• Analysis: Following the bank’s security guidelines and staying vigilant against impersonation scams are critical. International users must also consider sanctions-related restrictions.

11. Potential Brand Confusion ¶

• Findings:
• Fraudulent Websites: Belagroprombank identifies fake sites like belagroprombank.ru, belagroprombank24.ru, and ibank-belapb.ru, which mimic its design or name to deceive users. These sites may lead to phishing or data theft.
• Similar Names: The bank’s name (Belagroprombank) is unique, but variations or typos (e.g., “Belagroprombank24”) could confuse users, especially non-Belarusian clients unfamiliar with the brand.
• Lack of Social Media: The absence of official social media profiles increases the risk of fake accounts impersonating the bank.
• Analysis: Brand confusion is a significant risk due to documented fake websites. Users must verify the exact domain (belapb.by) and avoid unofficial channels. The bank’s proactive warnings are helpful but require user diligence.

Summary and Recommendations ¶

• Overall Assessment: Belagroprombank is a legitimate, state-owned Belarusian bank with robust domestic operations and strong website security (A+ internet banking rating). However, it faces high risks for international users due to sanctions, a low S&P credit rating (‘CCC/C’), and lack of forex regulation. Fake websites and limited transparency further elevate risks.
• Risk Profile:
• Low-Moderate for Belarusian clients using standard banking services.
• High for international clients, forex traders, or those in sanctioned jurisdictions.
• Key Recommendations:
• Use only the official website (https://www.belapb.by) and verify secure connections.
• Follow the bank’s security guidelines and enable transaction alerts.
• Avoid forex trading with Belagroprombank due to regulatory gaps.
• International users should consult legal/financial advisors regarding sanctions.
• Be cautious of fake websites or unverified social media accounts.
• Final Note: While Belagroprombank is a stable domestic institution, its international usability is limited by geopolitical and regulatory challenges. Users should weigh these risks against their banking needs and consider alternatives for cross-border or forex activities.

Sources: Information was drawn from Belagroprombank’s official website, WikiFX, S&P Global Ratings, OpenSanctions, Infobank.by, and other web sources, as cited. If you need further details or specific aspects analyzed (e.g., deeper social media investigation or local complaint forums), please let me know!