The Central Bank has proposed new deadlines for the mass introduction of the digital ruble

The Central Bank of Russia has sent a proposal to the State Duma on the mass introduction of the digital ruble from September 1, 2026. This was announced on June 25 on the official website of the Central Bank.

"Starting from the same date, trading companies that are clients of the largest banks and whose revenue for the previous year exceeded 120 million rubles will have to open their infrastructure for digital rubles and provide the opportunity to pay for goods and services in the digital form of the national currency," the publication says.

According to the regulator, the new dates were determined after discussing the details with market participants, as well as interested parties. The new deadlines take into account the time required for banks and trading companies to configure their systems.

Payment for purchases using a digital ruble will be possible using a universal QR code based on the solution of the National Payment Card System (NSPK). At the same time, banks will need to be technically prepared to work with it before September 1, 2026.

The rates are lower — the benefits are greater: will Russians carry money to banks

The growth rate of deposits will still remain low, analysts say.

Earlier, on June 20, Russian President Vladimir Putin called on the Central Bank and the government of the Russian Federation to accelerate preparations for scaling up the use of the digital ruble. According to him, as part of the pilot project, it was possible to work out basic operations, including opening and closing accounts, transfers between individuals and legal entities, as well as payment for goods and services.