Russia Rolls Out Digital Ruble to Systemically Important Banks and Retailers

Russia has launched its large-scale rollout of the digital ruble, a central bank digital currency (CBDC), which is mandatory for systemically important banks and retailers with annual revenue above $1.39 million.

The digital ruble entered its next phase on September 1, 2026, as part of three related measures that came into force.

According to the Bank of Russia, all digital-ruble operations take place on its platform, where user wallets and digital rubles are held. This means every transaction involving the digital currency is tracked by the central bank.

While Russians are allowed to own and trade cryptocurrency, it cannot be used for domestic payments within the country, maintaining a ban introduced in 2020.