«Voluntary choice is the most important property of the digital ruble»: Central Bank announces plans to introduce a new form of money

The first trial cross-border payments may take place next year

«Digital ruble» is the new reality of the foreseeable future for Russians. What to expect from the innovation, who and how will be able to earn from the digital ruble, and why the Central Bank is in no hurry to implement the project, was told by Zulfiya Kakhrumanova, Deputy Chairman of the Bank of Russia.

Let us remind you that the approved phased plan for introducing the digital ruble into circulation will begin to operate from September 1, 2026, when the largest companies - banks and stores whose annual revenue exceeds 120 million rubles - must provide the possibility of payment with the digital ruble. And from September 1, 2027, the obligation to accept and use the digital ruble will extend to organizations with a lower annual turnover - from 30 million rubles. From September 1, 2028, the new rules will become mandatory for all other organizations.

At the moment, there are no technological difficulties and systemically important banks should be ready by 2026, Zulfiya Kakhrumanova assured.

We gave banks, citizens, and the state the opportunity to look at and get used to the services exactly so that it would not cause a feeling of forced choice among people. Voluntary choice is the most important property of the digital ruble.
Zulfiya Kakhrumanova, Deputy Chairman of the Bank of Russia

Since banks will essentially be intermediaries between the Central Bank and the client, a specialized tool for earning on commissions will be provided for them as participants in the digital ruble market - a platform for commercial smart contracts, the concept of which will be published in the first half of 2026.

A number of systemically important banks have ideas for smart contracts. We are working on the concept together with the banks. That is, we hear their interests and suggestions.
Zulfiya Kakhrumanova, Deputy Chairman of the Bank of Russia

The concept assumes that each bank will be able to develop its own smart contract, but the security requirements established by the regulator must be taken into account.

Among the priorities for the digital ruble are cross-border payments, which are already generating interest from other countries in integrating their systems with the digital ruble.

The first such payments are possible next year. I would say very carefully, because it depends on many aspects.
Zulfiya Kakhrumanova, Deputy Chairman of the Bank of Russia

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Sources
RBK

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