The Bank of Russia has proposed a phased implementation of the digital ruble. The regulator has sent the corresponding amendments to the bill to the State Duma.
According to the proposals, the largest banks will have to provide customers with access to transactions with the digital form of the national currency from September 1, 2026. From the same date, trading companies with annual revenue of over 120 million rubles, served by such banks, will be required to accept payment in digital rubles.
Banks with a universal license and their clients — sellers with revenue of more than 30 million rubles per year — will receive a deferral until September 1, 2027. The remaining participants, whose income is less than 30 million, will have to connect to the system by September 1, 2028. The requirements will not apply to outlets with revenue of less than 5 million rubles.
The deadlines were determined after consultations with market participants and relevant departments. They take into account the time required to set up the technological infrastructure.
Most banks continue technical preparations for the launch. Sberbank reported that they are working within the approved schedule of the pilot project. VTB, as one of the first participants, announced full technological readiness. Sovcombank, Gazprombank, Dom.RF and MTS bank also confirmed their commitment to the established deadlines and announced their readiness for mass implementation.
Read more on the topic:
The Moscow Metro Processed the First Test Payment with a Digital Ruble
The Digital Ruble Will Begin to Be Used in the Budget System of Russia from October 2025
Digital Ruble in the Budget Process: What Changes Await the Financial System of Russia
