In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic world banking system is being severely tested. The last time such shocks occurred during the global fi nancial crisis of 2008–2009. However, the crisis of the global banking system in 2020 caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is very diff erent from the global fi nancial crisis of 2008–2009. During the previous global fi nancial crisis, central banks around the world were able to cut key rates to stimulate the aff ected economy, while the current crisis is taking place in conditions of extremely low and even negative key rates. Consequently, the central banks of the economically developed countries of the world lack one of the most eff ective tools to stimulate the economy in the face of a global crisis. Since the maximum income of commercial banks is generated by the operation of high key rates, the downward trend in recent years is a serious risk to the business of commercial banks. The article analyses the dynamics of key rates in the economically developed countries of the world in comparison with China and the Russian Federation, based on the results of this document, the main trends and patterns were identified, the most dangerous risks for commercial banks are shown. Besides the article discusses the modern conceptual provisions of interest rate risk management in commercial banks of the Russian Federation. They form the basis for the development of constructive methods for assessing commercial risk and the formation of managerial decisions that ensure its prevention or reduction of negative consequences in the event of the implementation of risk events that determine it.