The widespread adoption of the digital ruble could bring up to 423 billion rubles annually to the Russian economy. This estimate was reached by economists from the Central University, whose research was reviewed by "Vedomosti".
The real sector could receive up to 348 billion rubles of the potential effect. The benefit is associated with accelerated settlements, reduced commissions, transaction automation, and more efficient company money management. The banking sector can additionally receive up to 75 billion rubles through new services and products.
The development of cross-border payments could bring the most — up to 130 billion rubles annually. Another 128 billion will come from reduced transfer costs, up to 100 billion from liquidity management, and smart contracts — up to 65 billion rubles.
The authors emphasize that this is not a forecast of the new currency form's spread, but an assessment of the possible effect without considering implementation costs. The pilot has been running since August 15, 2023, the mass launch has been postponed to September 1, 2026, and an experiment with wallets on bank balances is expected closer to 2029.
Read more on the topic:
- Digital Ruble Enters Stores: Nabiullina Names Date for Mass Launch
- Digital, but Real: The Supreme Court Explained What Will Happen for Stealing the New Ruble
- Will Salaries Be Transferred to Digital Rubles? The Central Bank Explained How It Will Work