The state's ownership of the banks is set to be gradually reduced over the coming years. The two banks are will hold initial public offerings next year.
"We are planning a Sberbank IPO in the first quarter of 2007, and for Vneshtorgbank in the second quarter," Alexei Kudrin told journalists.
Sberbank is Russia's largest bank, and 60.57% of its shares are controlled by the Central Bank.
VTB, in which the government owns a 99.9%, is seeking further worldwide expansion, with branches to operate in 21 countries in the next 18 months. New branches are set to be launched in ex-Soviet republics and in Asia, including in Vietnam, China, and India.
As of June 30, 2006, VTB Group has 151 branches in 13 countries.
Kudrin said private investors' share in VTB and Sberbank will be gradually increased, but did not specify the size of additional share issues.
