Russia Prepares 2026 Digital Ruble Rollout with Expanded Pilot Scheme
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Russia’s digital ruble is gaining momentum as the country moves closer to a full rollout by 2026. The central bank is expanding pilot programs and more people in major cities are starting to use it. The digital ruble is designed to be used voluntarily, not as a replacement for cash, but as another payment option. It’s becoming an important part of Russia’s financial system.
Russia’s Digital Ruble Marches Toward 2026 Mass Adoption https://t.co/ll9qwgj8Rr
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The full launch was originally planned after July 1, 2025, but the timeline has been extended. This delay will give the government more time to improve the system and ensure the necessary technology is in place. The goal is to make sure the digital ruble works smoothly and safely before it becomes widely available.
Anatoly Aksakov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Financial Market, confirmed in a June 18 interview that the mass launch is now expected in 2026. He stressed that the extension is aimed at refining the digital ruble platform and giving banks and businesses more time to prepare.
“The process will commence next year,” Aksakov said, emphasizing the rollout will be strictly voluntary. “There are no plans to abolish cash or non-cash forms of payment.”
Digital Ruble Pilot Expands Rapidly with Surge in Users and Transaction Volumes
Russia’s digital ruble pilot has grown steadily since it began on August 15, 2023. At first, it involved 13 banks, 600 people, and 22 businesses spread across 11 cities. By late 2024, participation had ballooned to about 9,000 individual users and 1,200 companies, showing that both the public and private sectors are becoming more comfortable with the new currency. This widening adoption signals rising confidence in the system and lays a strong foundation for nationwide use.
The Central Bank of Russia has tested multiple everyday features, such as person‑to‑person transfers, payments to businesses, QR‑code purchases, and smart contracts. One notable trial in Tatarstan allowed spending only when certain conditions were met, proving that programmable money can work in real‑life settings.
By April 2025, the pilot had handled over 55,000 personal transfers, 15,000 payments to shops, and 12,000 smart contracts. Twelve main banks are still active in the project, and another 19 banks—including top bank Sberbank—are expected to join by early 2025. This shows the testing will likely grow even more in the coming year.
Bank of Russia Prioritizes Infrastructure and Voluntary Adoption for Digital Ruble Rollout
Bank of Russia is focusing on building strong infrastructure and using feedback from users to improve the digital ruble. As of April 2025, around 2,000 people and 50 companies are actively taking part in the pilot, with 70 more businesses expected to join soon. The extended timeline gives more time for smooth testing, better system performance, and increasing public awareness.
The government is keeping the digital ruble optional, meaning people can still use cash or cards if they prefer. This flexible approach helps build trust and allows natural adoption. With a growing pilot program, better infrastructure, and no pressure on users, Russia is preparing to make the digital ruble a big part of its financial system. The goal is full adoption by 2026, helping modernize the economy and strengthen digital control.
