The Bank of Russia aims to open the payment infrastructure for the Russian central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital ruble, by July next year. Larger banks will offer digital ruble accounts and services by this deadline, with smaller institutions following later. The initiative seeks to enhance payment efficiency and reduce costs, with retailers also required to accept digital rubles. A pilot program is currently underway involving banks, individuals, and businesses.

Russia Plans Digital Ruble Rollout by 2025

The Bank of Russia has submitted a proposal to open the payment infrastructure for Russia’s central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital ruble, by July 1, 2025, local media reported last week. The largest banks in Russia will be required to offer services such as digital ruble accounts, transfers, and payments within their systems. The aim is to allow citizens and businesses to use the digital ruble alongside traditional payment methods like cash and non-cash transactions.

The central bank forwarded its proposed legal amendments to the Russian Ministry of Finance, establishing different deadlines for various financial institutions. Larger banks are expected to be ready by July 2025, while others with a universal license have until July 2026. Smaller credit institutions must comply by July 2027. Retailers with annual revenues over 30 million rubles will also be required to accept digital rubles starting in 2025, with smaller businesses following in the next two years.

The Bank of Russia explained:

Both banks and trade and service enterprises will be able to implement their acceptance as their systems become ready.

The digital ruble is intended to improve payment systems by reducing costs and increasing efficiency. Payments will be made through a universal QR code system based on the NSPK platform, eliminating extra expenses for banks and businesses.

Digital ruble transactions for citizens will be free, and businesses will have the option to choose between digital and traditional rubles. Currently, a pilot program involving 12 banks is in place, and as of Sept. 1, the program expanded to include 9,000 individuals and 1,200 businesses. “People and businesses will choose which form of the ruble to use,” said the Bank of Russia.

Source : Bitcoin News - Sep 16, 2024