The Central Bank of Russia has announced a delay in the full-scale rollout of the digital ruble, now scheduled to commence on September 1, 2026. This decision follows consultations with major banks and retailers, allowing additional time for system integration and infrastructure development.
Initially, the digital ruble was set to launch on July 1, 2025. However, the postponement aims to ensure a seamless transition and address technical challenges identified during the pilot phase. The Central Bank emphasized the importance of thorough preparation to facilitate widespread adoption.
Under the new timeline, systemically important banks will be required to offer digital ruble transactions to their clients starting September 1, 2026. Retail companies with annual revenues exceeding 120 million rubles will also need to integrate digital ruble payment options by this date. Smaller banks and merchants will have extended deadlines, with full compliance expected by September 1, 2028. Notably, retail outlets with annual revenues below 5 million rubles are exempt from this requirement.
The digital ruble is designed to function alongside existing cash and non-cash forms of the ruble, providing a secure and efficient means of payment. It is fully convertible into cash and other digital currencies, ensuring flexibility for users. The Central Bank has been conducting pilot tests since August 2023, involving a select group of individuals and companies to refine the system before its official launch.
While the digital ruble is anticipated to enhance financial efficiency and security, its success will depend on effective implementation and user adoption. The Central Bank continues to collaborate with financial institutions and stakeholders to address any concerns and ensure a smooth transition to the new digital currency system.