Three more Russian banks lose licences

MOSCOW Dec 19 (Reuters) - Russia's central bank said on Friday it has withdrawn the operating licences of three more banks, Setevoi Neftyanoy bank, ZelAK bank and Baltkredobank, citing their lack of liquidity.

The central bank has now withdrawn around 15 banking licences since the end of August as mistrust and liquidity crisis hit Russia's 1,000-plus banking sector.

Before the crisis, Russian banks lost licences mainly due to accusations of money laundering.

Friday's licence losers were unable to meet creditors' demands, provided unreliable reports to the regulator, the central bank said.

In addition, ZelAk Bank's capital adequacy fell below 2 percent, the central bank added.

Depositors of all three named banks will have to apply to the Deposit Insurance Agency to get their money back. Authorities have raised the level of deposits guaranteed by the state to 700,000 roubles ($25,450), around 40 times the average monthly wage. The state previously guaranteed 400,000 roubles.

Authorities have repeatedly said they would welcome a consolidation in Russia's banking sector, and the current financial crisis could spear-head such a trend. ($1=27.51 roubles) (Reporting by Dmitry Sergeyev; Editing by Mike Nesbit)