- The Bank of Russia has proposed delaying its digital ruble rollout to September 1, 2026.
- The launch date affects the largest banks and retailers first, with participation requirements adjusted for business size.
- Retailers with revenues above $1.5 million will be included in the initial phase, compared to the prior $380,000 threshold.
- Russia’s largest bank, Sber, supported the delay after joining late digital ruble trials in December 2024.
- The digital ruble will use a universal QR code at checkout, which has already been tested with 22 banks.
The Bank of Russia announced a new proposed date to launch its digital ruble, moving the rollout from July 1, 2025, to September 1, 2026. The decision comes after banks and retailers asked for more time to adapt to the central bank digital currency (CBDC) project.
Under the new plan, only the largest banks and retailers—those with over $1.5 million in yearly revenue—will be included in the first phase. Previously, the threshold was set at $380,000. Retailers requested a delay of up to two years, and the bank’s proposal represents a middle ground, but legal changes are still required.
Additional rollout steps will give more time to smaller banks and merchants. The next group, including banks with a so-called universal license and traders earning more than $380,000 annually, will have another year. The smallest businesses, with revenues under $5 million, are no longer required to accept the digital ruble.
Sber, Russia’s largest bank, played a key role in calling for the delay. The bank only joined initial digital ruble trials in late December 2024, and would not have had enough time to prepare if the project launched as originally planned.
The central bank also reported that payments with the digital ruble will use a universal QR code at checkout. This is based on technology from its fast payment system and was tested with 22 banks at the end of last year.
The CBDC refers to a digital version of a nation’s official currency, issued by the central bank. The Bank of Russia said that small merchants earning under $5 million are now excluded from requirements to accept the CBDC. All planned dates and rules depend on necessary legislative approval.
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