Michael Graf[2] von Reutern (Russian: Михаил Христофорович Рейтерн, romanized: Mikhail Khristoforovich Reytern; 24 September [O.S.

In 1862, he was appointed finance minister under the liberal reformist tsar, Alexander II, and introduced a system of public accounting.

Reutern's period in office was also marked by the promotion of private credit institutions and attempts to stabilise the ruble.

He succeeded in reforming taxation and customs laws, by abolishing the spirits lease and the introduction of an excise tax on brandy.

Government revenues rose significantly, the chronic budget deficit was removed in 1867, and budgetary surpluses were achieved from 1873.