The expert named the key advantages of the digital ruble for Russians

Konstantin Kuchugurin, Technical director of the Compare financial marketplace, told Izvestia on January 20 about the key features of the digital ruble and its potential impact on the financial market.

"The digital ruble differs from the usual forms of money primarily by its virtuality — it cannot be physically held in one's hands, and although the differences between digital rubles and non—cash money may not be so noticeable to users, one of the important advantages of the digital ruble is the ability to conduct transactions without an Internet connection. This is especially true for remote regions of Russia, where communication difficulties may arise, although, of course, this feature will not be implemented in the regions immediately," the source said.

At the same time, the digital ruble has fundamental differences from traditional non-cash funds, the expert said. According to him, it will not generate interest income, and such funds will be stored on a special platform under the control of the Bank of Russia. This means that the regulator assumes responsibility for the safety of digital rubles. Each digital ruble will receive a unique code, which will allow you to track its movement and, if necessary, program it — for example, to limit its use for certain purposes. Both citizens and companies will be able to use the digital ruble.

Kuchugurin noted that the digital ruble will enter circulation as the third form of national currency, along with cash and non—cash funds. The mass use of the new form of money will begin this year, and it will become available to all citizens from September 1. It is currently being used as part of a pilot project and in the transfer of individual payments from the state budget.

"The impact on the financial market will depend on the scale of implementation. In the short term, it is limited, but in the future, the digital ruble may change the structure of payment turnover and strengthen the role of the Central Bank as a settlement center," the expert concluded.

"It is fundamentally important for us not to impose a digital ruble"

First Deputy Finance Minister Irina Okladnikova — on calculations in digital rubles, the use of AI in the budget and adjustments to the financial plan

Anatoly Aksakov, head of the State Duma Committee on the financial market, said on December 30 that Russians will be able to start receiving salaries in digital rubles from September 1, 2026. In addition, starting from September 1, 2028, all banks, including those with a basic license, as well as enterprises with a turnover of more than 5 million rubles, will be required to provide the opportunity to pay using the digital ruble. The MP also stressed that these measures are a voluntary decision.

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