#StablecoinPayments Russia will launch a digital ruble payment network in 2026

AI Summary

According to PANews, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Russia Anna Katamadze announced that the digital ruble payment network will launch in 2026, allowing citizens to use digital currency through the central bank's platform wallet. This timeline is earlier than the previously expected date of 2027.

Technical testing has progressed with 15 banks, 1,700 citizens, and about 30 businesses participating in the pilot program. Although the initial rollout plan was delayed in March, Central Bank Governor Nabiullina emphasized that the postponement was not related to the progress of the pilot program.

The Russian government is actively working to integrate the digital ruble into the budget payment system and subsidy distribution to enhance transparency in the flow of fund money.